A latte with heart-shaped cocoa design in a white mug on a wooden table, surrounded by a pumpkin, acorns, and pinecones.

10 Cozy Fall Recipes That All Start with Pumpkin

It’s Fall, ya’ll and you know what that means, PUMPKIN EVERYTHING! I’m one of those super basic chics that fully embraces all things fall. Give me the flannel, the cozy candles, and all the pumpkin spice you can find.

I just bought my self a new candle today called pumpkin spice, and it got me craving a PSL from Starbies, and now I’m just in a full fall spiral over here.

Here are 10 pumpkin based recipes that everyone will love, even if fall isnt quite your thing.

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte

Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

You know I had to do it. What says fall like a little PSL? Nothing. This is it, save yourself $8 bucks a day and whip up this little beauty for yourself.

Indulge in a cozy homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte, perfect for sipping on crisp fall mornings. This easy-to-make version of the popular coffee shop drink combines warm spices, pumpkin puree, and coffee for the ultimate autumn treat.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups milk (any kind)
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup brewed coffee
  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Extra pumpkin pie spice for garnish (optional)

Steps:

  1. In a small saucepan, whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot but not boiling.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and brewed coffee.
  3. Pour the mixture into a mug and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice if desired.
  4. Serve warm and enjoy!

2. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

Take your mac and cheese to the next level with the addition of creamy pumpkin puree. This savory, cheesy dish is a perfect comfort food with a fall twist.

This is so warm and gooey and absolutely one of our favorite fall dinners.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz macaroni
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Steps:

  1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  4. Stir in cheese, pumpkin puree, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and mix until evenly coated.
  6. If desired, top with breadcrumbs and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Serve hot.

3. Pumpkin Pancakes

Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

These fluffy pumpkin pancakes are the perfect breakfast for a chilly fall morning. They’re spiced just right and pair perfectly with maple syrup.

My kids like me to add a few chocolate chips to these (white chocolate is good too), although they are good without it too.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • Maple syrup for serving

Steps:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, egg, and melted butter.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
  5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Serve warm with maple syrup.

4. Pumpkin Chili

Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

For a hearty and warming fall meal, try this unique Pumpkin Chili. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory spices.

Throw in some cornbread on the side with a little honey, and mmm chefs kiss!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. In a large pot, brown the ground meat with diced onion over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pumpkin puree, broth, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  3. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot with toppings like sour cream, cheese, or avocado.

5. Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Butter

Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

This pumpkin ravioli is the epitome of fall elegance. The rich pumpkin filling paired with the fragrant sage butter sauce creates a decadent autumn dish.

Seriously, one of my favorite meals. Ever. Lazy girl, pro tip- check Costco during the fall for their butternut squash raviolis, and then add this same sage butter…. SO GOOD.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package fresh or frozen ravioli
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 6 fresh sage leaves, chopped

Steps:

  1. Cook ravioli according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sage leaves and cook until the butter turns golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Toss the cooked ravioli in the sage butter sauce.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy.

6. Pumpkin Bread

Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

Pumpkin Bread is a fall classic, perfect for breakfast or dessert. It’s moist, flavorful, and spiced with warm autumn spices.

Just like the pancakes, I usually add a few chocolate chips to this just to kick it up a notch.

Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and spices.
  3. In another bowl, mix eggs, oil, pumpkin puree, water, and vanilla extract.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Let cool before slicing.

7. Pumpkin Soup

A bowl of creamy pumpkin soup garnished with cream and chili flakes, surrounded by garlic cloves, tomatoes, and dried chili.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

This creamy pumpkin soup is both comforting and filling, making it a perfect starter or main dish for fall.

The way your house will smell after making this is worth it all.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups pumpkin puree
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in pumpkin puree and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  3. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  5. Serve warm with a drizzle of cream on top.

8. Pumpkin Pie

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No fall recipe list would be complete without the classic Pumpkin Pie. This traditional dessert is a must for any fall gathering.

Sometimes, I add a bit of fireball whisky to our pumpkin pie too, delish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pie crust
  • 2 cups pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ginger
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp cloves
  • Pinch of salt

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the pie crust into a pie dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, spices, and salt.
  3. Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust.
  4. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Let the pie cool before serving with whipped cream.

9. Pumpkin Smoothie

Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

This creamy Pumpkin Smoothie is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy pumpkin flavor in a refreshing drink.

You can also add a bit of protein powder to this to bulk up the nutritional value too.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk)
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • Ice cubes

Steps:

  1. In a blender, combine pumpkin puree, banana, Greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a handful of ice cubes.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

10. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are a creamy, spiced dessert perfect for any fall occasion. The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese is irresistible!

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ginger
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla, and spices, and beat until well combined.
  4. Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set.
  6. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Author: Chantelle Kincy

Title: Journalist

Expertise: Travel, Food

Chantelle is a passionate traveler interested in discovering and savoring new food and drinks from diverse locales. She seeks out unique, local culinary experiences off the beaten path, often favoring food trucks and small establishments over Michelin-starred restaurants. Her engaging and insightful writing shares Chantelle's enthusiasm for these hidden gems.

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