Pumpkin recipes for kids
Once the kids have carved their pumpkins, encourage them to make the most of this seasonal squash by cooking up one of these fun and thrifty recipes.
Pumpkins are a wonderfully versatile ingredient, so there’s no need for the flesh to go to waste at Halloween. After you’ve learnt how to carve a pumpkin with the kids, get inspired with these family-friendly recipes – from satisfying suppers to fun baking ideas. If you’re keen to go completely waste-free in your kitchen, you can try our best pumpkin seed recipes, too.
1. Pumpkin hummus
If you’re celebrating the season in style, use a pumpkin to decorate your dinner table and fill it with this delicious pumpkin hummus. The flesh is simply scooped out and roasted in the oven, then the kids can help tip it all into a food processor – along with lemon juice, tahini paste and chickpeas – and whizz it all together.
2. Pumpkin spice scones
You’ll need to roast the pumpkin flesh for this recipe, too, but once you’ve done that, kids will have great fun making a batch of these seasonal scones. Get small hands to help with the mixing, weighing and stamping out circles using a cutter. After baking, everyone can enjoy devouring these pumpkin spice scones while they are still warm from the oven.
3. Halloween pumpkin cake
Similar to carrot cake, this traybake will go down a storm with family members of all ages. Our top-rated Halloween pumpkin cake combines grated squash with subtle spices and orange flavours, and is topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting.
4. Pumpkin & bacon soup
As the nights draw in, a comforting bowl of pumpkin and bacon soup is sure to make a welcome option for a family meal. This recipe uses chunks of pumpkin simmered for 40 minutes – if you’re using smaller pieces of flesh from the centre of a hollowed-out pumpkin, just lower the cooking time accordingly until the squash is soft. We also have a classic pumpkin soup recipe for a veggie alternative.
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5. Pumpkin pie s’mores
Whip up a batch of your own pumpkin purée – small pieces of squash simply steamed and mashed – then you’re all set to make this delicious campfire classic. Kids will love squidging together the ginger nut biscuits with gooey marshmallow inside! These easy pumpkin pie s’mores can also be made with canned purée, if you prefer – try them on Bonfire Night and beyond.
6. Pumpkin risotto
This Italian-style pumpkin risotto has been adapted to make it easy for older kids to make themselves. Follow our step-by-step instructions and they'll soon be able to make dinner for the whole family – what a treat.
7. Pumpkin & ginger teabread
Great for lunchboxes or an evening treat, our delicious pumpkin & ginger teabread is a breeze to make. The only bit you might need to help the kids with is grating the pumpkin – the squash can be slippery, so watch those fingers! Wrapped tightly, this loaf will keep well in the cake tin, but if you want to refresh the texture, gently toast a slice before slathering with butter.
What do you like to do with your leftover pumpkin? Tell us in the comments below…
Discover more pumpkin recipes:
10 new ways with pumpkin
Pumpkin purée recipe ideas
How to roast pumpkin seeds
Our best ever pumpkin soup recipes
Getting ready for Halloween? We have you covered:
Ultimate Halloween collection
How to throw a kids’ Halloween party
Pumpkin carving templates
How to carve a pumpkin
How to make Halloween cupcakes
