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You can use extra pumpkin puree in chili, soups, smoothies, pancakes, and even dog treats.
Beyond pie, pumpkin puree is one of the most flexible ingredients in your pantry.
The truth is, extra pumpkin puree is a good problem to have, and this post will show you plenty of ways to use every last bit of leftover pumpkin puree.
Whether you opened a big can for one recipe or roasted too many sugar pumpkins, here’s what to do with extra pumpkin puree so you don’t waste a spoonful.
What to Do With Extra Pumpkin Puree: The Simple Answer
The easiest answer to what to do with extra pumpkin puree is to cook with it in everyday meals you already make.
Adding extra pumpkin puree to a batch of chili or soup thickens it, sweetens it just a touch, and sneaks in extra nutrients without anyone noticing much else.
You can also stir extra pumpkin puree into your morning batters and drinks so it gets used before it spoils.
The key is knowing which dishes hide it well and which ones don’t.
Here are the most practical ways to handle that extra pumpkin puree:
1. Stir It Into Soups, Stews, Chili, and Mac and Cheese
Savory dishes are the best hiding spot for extra pumpkin puree because they already expect a little sweetness.
A spoonful or two of extra pumpkin puree melts right into chili, lentil soup, tomato soup, or even creamy mac and cheese.
It adds body and a rich, velvety texture without tasting like dessert.
This is my personal favorite way to use leftover pumpkin puree because nobody at the table ever guesses.
Just start small and taste as you go.
2. Blend Extra Pumpkin Puree Into Smoothies and Drinks
Extra pumpkin puree blended into smoothies makes them thicker and creamier and adds a warm, cozy flavor.
Go for a pumpkin pie smoothie with banana, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of milk.
You can even spoon a bit of extra pumpkin puree into coffee, hot chocolate, or a chai latte for instant fall flair.
This is one of the quickest ways to use up pumpkin puree because it takes seconds and requires no baking.
3. Bake Extra Pumpkin Puree Into Pancakes, Waffles, and Muffins
Extra pumpkin puree makes pancakes fluffier and keeps muffins extra moist for days.
Swapping two to three tablespoons of milk or oil for extra pumpkin puree in your favorite recipe is usually safe.
Same goes for waffles and oatmeal bites.
This is probably the most delicious way to use leftover pumpkin puree, and it makes breakfast feel like a treat.
4. Make Dog Treats With Extra Pumpkin Puree
If you’ve been wondering if pumpkin puree can go to your pets, the answer is yes, and it’s often gentle on a dog’s stomach.
To make dog treats, combine extra pumpkin puree with oats, a little peanut butter, and an egg, then bake until firm.
Make sure the pumpkin puree is plain and not spiced pumpkin pie filling, because added sugar and nutmeg aren’t good for dogs.
It’s a fun, practical way to use extra pumpkin puree, and dogs usually go wild over them.
How to Store Extra Pumpkin Puree So It Lasts
Before you make a decision about what to do with extra pumpkin puree, grab some freezer bags or an ice cube tray.
1. Freeze It in Ice Cube Trays
Freezing is the simplest long-term answer for extra pumpkin puree.
Spoon it into an ice cube tray and freeze, then pop the cubes into a bag.
Each cube is about two tablespoons, so it’s easy to grab exactly what a recipe needs.
Frozen pumpkin puree keeps well for up to three months.
2. Use the Fridge Only for Short-Term Storage
If you plan to use extra pumpkin puree within a few days, the fridge is fine.
Keep it in an airtight container and use it within three to four days of opening.
But watch for signs of spoilage, and if it looks or smells off, toss it.
3. Label and Date Every Container
Labeling every container of extra pumpkin puree prevents losing track of it at the back of the freezer.
Write the date and how much is inside, and you’ll always know what to do with that stash of pumpkin puree when you need it.
What Not to Do With Extra Pumpkin Puree
Even good pumpkin puree can go wrong if you’re careless, so keep a few things in mind.
First, don’t confuse plain pumpkin puree with pumpkin pie filling, and only use 100% pumpkin puree if you want flexibility.
Second, don’t keep opened pumpkin puree in the fridge hoping it’ll last all month, because it won’t.
And third, don’t overdo it in sweet recipes, since extra pumpkin puree adds moisture that can make batter too wet if you swap it in large amounts.
Follow those simple rules and extra pumpkin puree will never go to waste in your kitchen.
So, What to Do With Extra Pumpkin Puree?
Extra pumpkin puree is easy to use up once you know your options.
Stir it into chili and soup, blend it into smoothies, bake it into pancakes and muffins, and even share it with your dog in homemade treats.
Freeze whatever you won’t use in a few days, label it well, and keep plain puree on hand instead of pie filling.
There’s really no reason for extra pumpkin puree to end up in the trash when it can go into one more cozy meal.