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Canned pumpkin is incredibly versatile and can be used for far more than just pie.
If you’ve ever stared at a can of pumpkin puree in your pantry and wondered what else you can do with it, you’re in for a treat.
This humble ingredient is a secret weapon for everything from creamy soups and savory curries to fluffy pancakes, dog treats, and even homemade face masks.
In this post, we’ll explore the many things you can do with canned pumpkin, including cooking, baking, and even a few non-food uses that might surprise you.
Let’s dive in.
What Can You Do With Canned Pumpkin in the Kitchen?
There are countless ways to cook with canned pumpkin, and once you realize how easy it is, you’ll want to keep a few extra cans on hand.
1. Whip Up a Classic Pumpkin Pie
The most obvious thing you can do with canned pumpkin is bake a pie.
But it’s a classic for a reason—it’s simple, reliable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Just mix the puree with eggs, evaporated milk, sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Pour it into a pie crust and bake until set.
It’s the ultimate comfort dessert.
2. Blend It Into Smoothies and Shakes
You can also do a lot with canned pumpkin when it comes to drinks.
Add a couple of spoonfuls to your morning smoothie for a creamy texture and a boost of fiber and vitamin A.
It pairs beautifully with banana, almond butter, and a splash of maple syrup.
You can even blend it into a pumpkin spice milkshake or a warm latte for a seasonal twist.
3. Stir It Into Soups and Stews
Canned pumpkin is a fantastic way to thicken and enrich savory dishes.
Stir a cup into chili, lentil soup, or a creamy curry for extra body and a subtle sweetness.
It melts into the background but adds depth and nutrition.
That’s a great example of what you can do with canned pumpkin without making the dish taste like dessert.
Can You Use Canned Pumpkin for Baking?
Absolutely—baking is where canned pumpkin truly shines, and the possibilities are endless.
1. Bake Moist Muffins and Breads
One of the best things you can do with canned pumpkin is fold it into muffin or quick bread batter.
It keeps baked goods incredibly moist and lets you cut back on oil or butter.
Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins or a spiced pumpkin loaf are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
2. Make Pancakes and Waffles
Add a few tablespoons of canned pumpkin to your pancake or waffle batter.
It gives them a lovely golden color and a tender texture.
You can do this with canned pumpkin on a lazy Sunday morning, and the whole family will love it.
3. Create Cookies and Brownies
Pumpkin puree can even go into cookies and brownies.
Swap some of the fat in your recipe for canned pumpkin to make fudgy brownies or soft pumpkin cookies.
It adds moisture without making them taste overly sweet, proving there’s almost nothing you can’t do with canned pumpkin.
What Can You Do With Canned Pumpkin Beyond Baking?
You might be surprised at how many non-baking uses there are for canned pumpkin, and they’re just as handy.
1. Make DIY Dog Treats
Canned pumpkin is safe for dogs in small amounts and is actually great for their digestion.
Mix it with oats and an egg, shape into small cookies, and bake.
Your pup gets a tasty, healthy treat, and you get to do something useful with canned pumpkin you already have.
2. Whip Up a Nourishing Face Mask
Here’s a fun one: what can you do with canned pumpkin for your skin?
Pumpkin is packed with vitamins and enzymes, making it a popular DIY skincare ingredient.
Mix a spoonful with honey and a little yogurt for a soothing mask.
Leave it on for fifteen minutes, then rinse—your skin will feel soft and refreshed.
3. Enrich Your Pet’s Meals
Beyond treats, a small spoonful of plain canned pumpkin can be stirred into your dog’s food to add fiber.
Just be sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pie filling, and always check with your vet first.
It’s one more simple thing you can do with canned pumpkin that benefits your furry friend.
So, What Can You Do With Canned Pumpkin?
You can do far more with canned pumpkin than just bake a pie, from whipping up smoothies and soups to making dog treats and face masks.
Whether you’re cooking, baking, or getting creative with DIY projects, canned pumpkin is a versatile, nutritious, and budget-friendly pantry staple worth keeping around.
Hope this post has helped you see just how many ways you can put that can to good use.