Wondering what to do with leftover canned pumpkin? Here are 10 easy & low calorie options.
Do you have extra pumpkin from holiday baking and you are wondering what to do with it? Here are healthy recipes for canned pumpkin that are not pumpkin pie.
Each of these ideas are great for weight loss and healthy eating. Get back on track after a holiday of indulging or simply enjoy the goodness that pumpkin has to offer.
Whether you use using up canned pumpkin from another recipe or open a fresh can, you are sure to find delicious recipes you and your whole family will enjoy.
10 Healthy Recipes to Use Leftover Canned Pumpkin
Here are leftover pumpkin purée recipes that are easy and delicious…and good for you, too.
1. Pumpkin Muffins
A delicious muffin that’s low in calories and WW points for breakfast or snacking.
These Weight Watchers Pumpkin muffins take just a few simple ingredients. They also freeze well although if your family is like mine, they won’t last long. I recommend making a double batch.
2. Crustless Pumpkin Pie
A reader favorite, Weight Watchers low point and low calorie dessert.
Weight Watchers members go crazy for this delicious crustless pumpkin pie recipe. It’s easy to throw together and tastes just like your favorite Thanksgiving dessert but for a small portion of the fat, calories, and WW points.
3. Pumpkin Fluff
A cool, creamy pumpkin dessert that is a family favorite.
Pumpkin Fluff is one of my favorite dessert recipes that uses pumpkin puree. My kids ask for this no-bake dessert every year. It comes together quickly in one bowl.
4. Low Fat Pumpkin Latte
A healthier Starbucks copycat beverage.
Weight Watchers Pumpkin Spice Latte has all the fall flavor of your favorite coffee shop beverage, but less sugar, fat, and calories. This is a great way to use a cup or less of leftover pumpkin, too.
5. Pumpkin Gingerbread
A simple healthier dessert recipe that is great for kids and adults.
Pumpkin Gingerbread is a delicious, ultra-moist dessert that is simple enough for kids to prepare yet bursting with flavor that adults will enjoy. Made healthier without oil, you’ll never know you are eating a lighter treat.
6. Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
A deliciously healthy breakfast bowl that tastes like pumpkin pie.
Give Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal a chance. It might sound a bit unusual, but it tastes like pumpkin pie in a bowl. This recipe is perfect for when you have just 1 cup of pumpkin puree left from another recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
1/3 cup rolled or old fashioned oats
1/3 cup canned pumpkin
1-2 T chia seeds (optional but very good for you)
1/2 cup water
1 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
Mix the above and cook in the microwave for 1 minute until liquid is absorbed.
Optional Toppings:
1/2 sliced banana
2 T almonds or pecans
2 tsp honey
7. Pumpkin Yogurt Parfait
A low calorie pumpkin parfait in a glass.
Pumpkin Yogurt Parfait tastes like a decadent dessert but it’s a high-protein breakfast or a filling afternoon snack.
Pumpkin Yogurt Parfait
1/2 cup or 6 oz container vanilla yogurt – Greek yogurt, regular yogurt, or plant-based for non-dairy
1/3 cup canned pumpkin – sweetened with sweetener or 2 tsp honey or maple syrup if desired
2 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
Mix cinnamon and sweetener into pumpkin purée. Layer in a glass with yogurt. Top with optional toppings if desired.
Optional toppings:
2 T almonds or pecans
1/4 cup low-fat granola
1/4 cup Kashi GoLean Crunch cereal
8. Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
The flavors of pumpkin pie in a glass you can take on the go for a busy morning.
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie is a fall favorite for an on-the-go breakfast or post-workout refresher. This smoothie also makes a great afternoon snack to keep you full until dinner.
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup ice
1 cup milk or almond milk
1 frozen banana
1-2 scoops EAS lean 15 Vanilla Protein Powder or protein powder of your choice (optional)
1-2 cups spinach (optional, if you have a good blender you won’t taste it)
Mix all very well in a blender.
Pour into a tall glass and sprinkle with cinnamon.
**This is far and away the BEST protein powder I have tasted. The chocolate is okay but the vanilla is really, really good! It tastes like a melted vanilla milkshake. The other protein powder I enjoy is Quest.
9. Pumpkin Chili
Fall flavors packed into a hearty bowl of chili.
I’ve made pumpkin chili a few times for my family and we like it. It’s different in a good way.
Here are a couple recipes to try:
Turkey pumpkin chili – This recipe from Whole Foods is simple and hearty with ground turkey.
Black bean pumpkin chili – Taste of Home offers this variation with black beans, sweet yellow peppers and cumin.
10. Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
The Holy Mess Protein Pancakes are filling and make a huge serving.
This delicious protein pancake recipe is super-filling and packed full of protein to keep you going all day. Great for breakfast, I also enjoy them as a hearty dinner along with turkey sausage or bacon.
Click on the Instagram photo and swipe right to get the recipe.
Is Canned Pumpkin Healthy?
Yes. Canned pumpkin is very good for you. We often think of pumpkin as only being used with loads of extra sugar and fat in pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, or the flavoring in a latte, but pumpkin deserves to be part of a healthy diet.
If you grow pumpkins and can cook your own, that is awesome! Fresh pumpkin tastes amazing. For those of us who don’t have that option, canned pumpkin is a healthy alternative.
Check out this ingredients list:
Yep, only one ingredient. Pumpkin.
Pumpkin has vitamins A, C, and E, which are wonderful antioxidants, and it’s also a great source of the B-complex group of vitamins, as well as a rich source of minerals.
In addition, pumpkin is low in fat and calories and high in fiber.
Note that canned pumpkin is different from pumpkin pie mix, which has lots of extra sugar. I recommend plain canned pumpkin for people who want a healthier option.
How to Store Leftover Pumpkin Purée
Here’s how to keep leftover pumpkin from a can. Remove from the can and store in a plastic or glass container, covered, in the fridgerator for 3-4 days.
Can I freeze leftover canned pumpkin?
Yes. You can also freeze leftover pumpkin in containers or zipper plastic bags. Another easy way to freeze leftover pumpkin is to freeze it in individual portions in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, pop out and keep in a zipper bag. These are great to use in the recipes above, especially the smoothie.
Use these recipes when you have extra canned pumpkin and want to use it in a healthy way.
What healthy recipes do you enjoy that use canned pumpkin? Share in the comments below.
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Weight Watchers Banana Pancakes
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