So often cast aside once Halloween is over, pumpkin might seem like an unwieldy beast but it’s well worth the effort of delving into. Sweet or savoury, roasted or mashed, it’s a hugely versatile vegetable with some surprising health benefits too. Try these pumped up pumpkin recipes, and you won’t be scared to cook with pumpkin ever again.
Cakes & bakes
We all know pumpkin makes a delicious pie, but what other bakes can you create? This pumpkin and caramel cake makes an impressive party centrepiece and has a delicately spiced sponge. Mix in a spoonful of dulce de leche and sprinkle on pecans and your layered lovely is complete!
Try these sumptuous bakes:
Pumpkin and ginger teabread
Pumpkin passion cupcakes
Snacks & treats
To fend off the munchies on cold winter evenings, why not have a go at our pumpkin pie s’mores? Pumpkin purée is an easy cooking hack that makes these treats a breeze to assemble. Warming ginger, squidgy marshmallow and oozing, cinnamon-spiced pumpkin. What more could you ask for?
Try these sharing snacks:
Cheesy bonfire bread
Halloween pumpkin cake
Pumpkin pasta
Lasagne, spaghetti, ravioli, you name it, we’ve tried it. You won’t miss the meat in our roast pumpkin & spinach lasagne thanks to the chunky roasted pumpkin and rich, earthy flavours. This is serious comfort food the whole family can enjoy.
Try these pumpkin pasta recipes:
Pumpkin & sage spaghetti
Ursula’s pumpkin pasta
Breakfast & brunch
Pumpkin before lunch? Surely not! These pumpkin pancakes with salted pecan butterscotch are a fabulously indulgent brunch treat. Fat, fluffy pancakes drizzled with a rich nutty sauce are the only way to start off your weekend.
Try these pumpkin seed granolas for a lighter option:
Good-for-you granola
Tropical treat
Fabulous fondue
A simple way to feed a crowd, this baked pumpkin fondue is a bubbling bonfire night treat. A cheesy fondue always goes down well on cold evenings, even better when guests can help themselves to chunks of roasted pumpkin with melted cheese.
Try these cheesy pumpkin recipes:
Baked pumpkin with cream & onions
Roast pumpkin with cream, thyme & Parmesan
Spiced & stewed
Curry is guaranteed to warm you up as the nights draw in, and this pumpkin curry with chickpeas is the perfect vegan main or tasty side for a meat curry. Dairy-free, vegan and low calorie, it’s a lighter option that’ll fill you up but also leave you wanting more.
Try these pumpkin curries:
Winter vegetable curry with fruity raita
Pumpkin biryani
Chutney & pickle
Capture the taste of the season with our spicy squash & apple chutney. The sweet flesh of the pumpkin, mixed with an irresistible hint of spice, apple and vinegar makes a delicious pot of blended flavours.
Try these autumnal preserves:
Autumn piccalilli with pear
Spiced pear chutney
Pumpkin pastry
Our delicate pumpkin strudel is a cross between pumpkin pie and filo pastry apple strudel. It has a subtle sweetness that works well with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of custard. If you’re looking for a winter dessert with a difference, this is it.
Try these ‘squashy’ pastry desserts:
Classic pumpkin pie with pecan & maple cream
Butternut, maple & pecan lattice pie
Squash salads
If you’re looking for a seasonal squash salad, there’s a wealth of recipes that’ll boost your veggie intake. This roasted squash salad with creamy homemade labneh has a sweet and tart balance. It makes a stunning starter or delicate side salad.
Check out these light squash salads:
Squash, feta & bulghar salad
Warm squash & rocket salad with garlic vinaigrette
Terrific tarts
For elegant lunchtime entertaining or a well deserved treat for yourself, try Diana Henry’s pumpkin, fennel & Taleggio galette with buttery puff pastry and a creamy, rich Italian cheese.
If you want an easier tart task, try these recipes:
Squash, feta & pine nut tart
Spiced squash & sweet potato tarte Tatin
For more inspiration, check out our healthy pumpkin & squash collection and our butternut squash recipe collection.
What’s your favourite pumpkin recipe? Let us know in the comments below…
