The Best Ways to Use Pumpkins Beyond Pie
The Best Ways to Use Pumpkins Beyond Pie
Discover pumpkin’s savoury and sweet side this harvest season.
Pumpkin pie might get all the glory this time of year, but pumpkin deserves more love than just one spot on the Thanksgiving dessert table. This versatile fall favourite is packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals, and it brings a naturally sweet, earthy flavour that pairs beautifully with both savoury and sweet recipes.
Think of pumpkin as your go-to autumn ingredient: it can be roasted into tender wedges for hearty salads, puréed into velvety soups, blended into smoothies for a seasonal twist, or stirred into oatmeal for a warm and nourishing breakfast. It’s equally at home in creamy pasta sauces and risottos as it is in breads, muffins, and bars. Even its seeds can be roasted with spices for a crunchy, protein-packed snack that’s perfect for lunch boxes or fall hikes.
Whether you’re cooking with fresh pumpkin from the market or reaching for the convenience of canned purée, there are endless ways to bring this golden squash to your table. These recipes show just how far beyond pie pumpkin can go. And of course, we couldn’t resist including Rily’s signature Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie—and a simple homemade pumpkin spice blend—because fall just wouldn’t be complete without them.
Pumpkin Spice Waffles
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Warm up your mornings with these gluten-free and vegan Pumpkin Spice Waffles. Made with wholesome ingredients like oat flour, pumpkin purée, and flax, they’re naturally rich in fibre and balanced with plant-based protein. A splash of molasses and maple syrup adds cozy sweetness, while pumpkin spice delivers that signature fall flavour. These waffles come together in just 30 minutes, making them a perfect weekday breakfast or weekend brunch. Serve with nut butter or fruit for a satisfying autumn meal.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cornbread Stuffing
Recipe by Julia Gibson
This Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cornbread Stuffing is a fresh twist on a holiday favourite. Slightly sweet pumpkin cornbread pairs with savoury vegetables, herbs, and golden baked edges for a dish that’s hearty and flavourful. Gluten-free and festive, it’s perfect for your Thanksgiving table or any fall gathering. The pumpkin adds depth and moisture while sage and thyme bring aromatic warmth. Whether served alongside turkey or as a vegetarian centerpiece, this stuffing is sure to become your new go-to holiday side.
Pumpkin Soup with Herby Oil Drizzle
Recipe by Julia Gibson
This Pumpkin Soup with Herby Oil Drizzle is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavour. Thai curry paste, coconut milk, and warming spices create a velvety base, while a drizzle of blended fresh herbs and crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds add brightness and texture. Ready in under an hour, it’s a nutrient-rich dinner that highlights pumpkin’s versatility. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying fall meal that’s equal parts nourishing and indulgent—perfect for chilly evenings or as a holiday starter.
Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding is a quick, fibre-rich breakfast or snack that tastes like dessert. Pumpkin purée, chia seeds, and almond milk combine with warming spices to create a creamy base loaded with plant-powered nutrition. Finished with yogurt, pecans, or fruit, this pudding delivers sustained energy and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. Ready in minutes with minimal prep, it’s an easy make-ahead option that brings the cozy flavours of pumpkin pie to your mornings without the sugar crash.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Loaf
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Skip the café lineup and bake this moist and fluffy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Loaf at home. Pumpkin purée, warm spices, and olive oil create a perfectly tender crumb, while a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds adds crunch. Naturally gluten-free, this loaf is a wholesome snack or breakfast treat that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee. Full of cozy fall flavour, it’s easy to make and kid-friendly, making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again throughout the pumpkin season.
DIY Pumpkin Spice
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Forget store-bought blends—this DIY Pumpkin Spice recipe is all you need for fall baking and cozy drinks. Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and clove combine to create a warming mix that instantly elevates everything from lattes to muffins. Ready in just five minutes, it’s an affordable, customizable staple you’ll want on hand all season long. Keep a jar in your pantry to stir into smoothies, sprinkle over oatmeal, or whisk into whipped cream for an easy autumn upgrade.
Turmeric Pumpkin Oatmeal
Recipe by Kelsey Russell-Murray
Turmeric Pumpkin Oatmeal combines the cozy flavours of fall with the anti-inflammatory benefits of golden milk. Creamy coconut milk, pumpkin purée, and warming spices create a nourishing breakfast that’s both comforting and energizing. Black pepper enhances turmeric absorption, while chia seeds boost fibre and protein. Ready in just 10 minutes, this hearty bowl is the perfect cold-weather breakfast. It’s rich, satisfying, and nutrient-dense—making it a delicious way to start your day with flavour and function.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin & Sage Ravioli
Recipe by Megan Horsley
This Gluten-Free Pumpkin & Sage Ravioli is a fall-inspired dinner worth savouring. Fresh pasta is filled with creamy pumpkin purée, maple, and aromatic herbs, then finished with sage butter for the ultimate seasonal dish. Rich in fibre and beta carotene, this meal is as nourishing as it is delicious. Perfect for a cozy date night or a weekend project, the ravioli delivers comfort and elegance in every bite while keeping the recipe gluten-free and fully vegetarian.
High Fibre Pumpkin Pancakes
Recipe by Kelsey Russell-Murray
These High Fibre Pumpkin Pancakes take a breakfast classic and give it a nutritious upgrade. Made with whole wheat flour, flax, and pumpkin purée, they’re packed with fibre, omega-3s, and slow-digesting carbs to support gut and heart health. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, these vegan pancakes taste just as good as traditional ones but offer steady energy and better balance. Quick to blend and cook, they’re perfect for busy mornings or a cozy weekend brunch.
Savoury Miso Pumpkin Oats
Recipe by Fran Allen
Savoury Miso Pumpkin Oats are a creative, comforting twist on classic porridge. Pumpkin purée and miso paste combine with oats and broth to create a rich, umami-packed base, topped with eggs, avocado, and kimchi for depth and texture. High in protein, fibre, and probiotics, this dish is a nourishing choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a unique way to enjoy pumpkin while keeping your meals hearty, warming, and nutrient-rich.
Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cheesecakes
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
These Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cheesecakes are creamy, spiced, and perfectly portioned for fall gatherings. A nutty pecan-date crust holds a luscious pumpkin-cashew filling that’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Packed with fibre and vitamins A and C, these bite-sized desserts offer both indulgence and nutrition. Easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly, they’re ideal for holiday parties, Thanksgiving, or anytime you’re craving pumpkin pie in a lighter, plant-based form. Cute, crowd-pleasing, and full of fall flavour.
Seedy Pumpkin Granola Bars
Recipe by Kelsey Russell-Murray
Skip store-bought bars and bake these Seedy Pumpkin Granola Bars packed with fibre, protein, and healthy fats. Pumpkin purée, chia, flax, oats, and hemp hearts create a gut-friendly base, while cranberries and chocolate chips add sweetness. Peanut butter and almonds provide lasting energy, making these bars perfect for busy mornings, lunch boxes, or post-workout snacks. Naturally plant-based and free of refined sugars, they’re a wholesome, satisfying option that captures the best of fall flavour in a grab-and-go snack.
Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie
Recipe by Julia Gibson
This Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie takes a seasonal classic to the next level. A grain-free gingersnap crust holds a silky vegan pumpkin filling infused with warm spices and maple sweetness. Gluten-free and dairy-free, this pie is a perfect holiday centerpiece that everyone can enjoy. Packed with beta carotene and naturally plant-based, it balances indulgence with wholesome ingredients. With its spicy-sweet crust and creamy interior, this pie is proof that pumpkin deserves the spotlight at every fall celebration.
If you liked this collection, you might also enjoy these seasonal reads from the Rily blog:
