10 new ways with pumpkin

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...