Healthy and yummy AND packed with delicious pumpkin flavor? Sign us up. These pumpkin recipes check all the boxes and are perfect to share with the kids. From smoothies and pancakes to purees and quesadillas, there are so many options to try.
Pumpkin Recipes
Like many of you, I get so into the flavors of pumpkin each fall. And since the veggie is full of vitamin A and fiber, and pairs so well with warm spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, it’s a fun ingredient to share with the kids.
I love using pumpkin in all sorts of recipes with it’s creamy consistency and subtle flavor. It works well in baked goods, oatmeal, smoothies, and pasta, and many times, you can punch up or tone down the flavor depending on how many spices and other flavors you add.
There’s a range of recipes here since I know not all of them will work for every family—scroll through and see what looks good to you. These work for everyday and for holidays including Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Christmas.
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Baked Pumpkin Donuts
We love these for Halloween or any time in the fall. They’re actually loaded with protein and a great recipe for a donut pan.
Share a batch of flourless chocolate baked donuts for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. They’re easy enough that the kids can help make the batter!
Pumpkin Oatmeal
Put any kind of oats you have on hand to good use in this healthy oatmeal recipe that works for babies and toddlers on up.
You can make this in about 15 minutes on any morning, or make the whole recipe ahead and simply warm right before serving. See the Notes for variations to make it with other types of oats.
Pumpkin Smoothie
A little pumpkin puree, a little chocolate, and plenty of filling fats and protein to keep everyone going, this is such a yummy combo of flavors.
This creamy Pumpkin Smoothie has delicious pumpkin-pie-like flavor and is a delicious meal component or snack. This makes two toddler-size servings, or a smoothie to share for a parent and toddler. You can freeze any leftovers into a freezer pop!
Healthy Pumpkin Muffins
With plenty of protein and an easy method, these are a go-to fall recipe to share with the kids.
Use a gluten-free flour blend or whole wheat depending on what works best for your family. This recipe has very little flour—that is not a mistake. They bake up wonderfully, so have faith! Adapted from Against All Grain.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins
With or without chocolate chips, these are a nutritious take on a classic pumpkin muffin with oats for fiber and complex carbs. And there’s an easy blender method, too!
These store well in the fridge so you can make them a day or two ahead if you prefer—or bake and serve warm from the oven. These taste like a cross between baked oatmeal and a traditional pumpkin muffin (they don’t have any flour, so they’re a little denser than a traditional muffin, but still super moist!).
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
With oats, simple ingredients, and an easy method, these mini muffins are a delicious breakfast or snack.
Pumpkin Bars
This is such an easy method that quickly bakes up in an 8×8-inch pan. Add fruit or chocolate according to your preferences.
These bars are tender when warm out of the oven, so do be sure to let them cool completely before slicing.
Pumpkin Granola Bars
My favorite homemade granola bars can be made with a variety of purees, including pumpkin. Such a good option!
We like to have these granola bars as a snack or toddler breakfast with milk or a smoothie—and they’re an excellent lunch box component too. You can make them plain or choose a flavor to add!
Healthy Pumpkin Cookies
Cookies that have all the best fall flavors, are easy to make, and taste so light and airy? I’m in!
These fluffy cookies are not super sweet, so you can add 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar to the batter if desired. (We like them just fine as is with the chocolate chips for sweetness!)
Pumpkin Cupcakes
There is nothing as good as a bite-size cupcake with cream cheese frosting, and these little beauties prove it. Oh, and they’re easy, too!
I like to frost these soon before serving. You can make the frosting ahead, transfer it to a zip top bag, and store in the fridge until ready to add to the cupcakes.
Pumpkin Baby Food
Try this easy method to share fresh pumpkin with the littles.
This fresh pumpkin puree is mellow and flavorful, and can be combined with other purees to make delicious baby food combinations. (See the Notes for flavor options.) The amount of puree you wind up with will vary according to the size of the pumpkin you start with.
Roasted Pumpkin Puree
If you come across a fresh pie pumpkin in the fall, here’s how to easily turn it into puree for baking.
Look for a pumpkin labeled “pie” or “sugar” for the best flavor. I used a Winter Density Squash, which is an heirloom variety. The amount of puree you’ll wind up with will depend on the size of your pumpkin.
Sheet Pan Quesadillas
A thin layer of pumpkin makes quesadillas flavorful and nutritious!
These easy quesadillas can be made with pumpkin puree, sweet potato puree, or butternut squash puree. You can also skip it and just go with beans and cheese! I make these as half moon shapes since it helps contain the mess a little when feeding these to kids.
Jack-o-Lantern Quesadilla
Serve up a most fun lunch or dinner with this super easy pumpkin quesadilla.
Have fun with Halloween dinner in just a few minutes—and get the kids fed before the festivities—with this easy pumpkin quesadilla. (It also works for lunch too!)
Pumpkin Pancakes
Fluffy and flavorful, these pancakes are such a great fall breakfast.
These Pumpkin Pancakes stir together in one bowl, are fluffy and flavorful, and are a perfect breakfast to share with the kids. They’re made with whole-wheat flour and just enough pumpkin spice.
Related Recipes
What’s your family’s favorite healthy pumpkin recipe? I’d love to know!
This post was first published September 2019.
