While everyone knows the pumpkin as a spooky decoration, very few people know what to do with it after Halloween. To help reduce any waste, here are 3 easy pumpkin recipes that everyone will enjoy.
Almost every home has a decorated doorstep during October, and the most popular item seems to be a jack-o-lantern. Some hollowed gourds are painstakingly carved into masterpieces, while others have succumbed to the tools of a toddler.
After putting up your fall-inspired decorations and choosing healthy candy options to hand out to trick-or-treaters, you might be asking yourself:
What do you do with pumpkins after Halloween?
If you thought the only things you could do with pumpkins were carve them for Halloween, you are in for a surprise. Pumpkin is a nutritious and tasty vegetable that you can use in various recipes.
These 3 recipes will ensure that none of your pumpkins go to waste, leaving you with lots of tasty leftovers.
Pumpkin Recipes: 3 Ideas so That None of Your Pumpkin Goes to Waste
These easy and healthy Halloween recipe ideas ensure that each fresh pumpkin is used to its fullest potential. Pumpkin pies, toasted pumpkin seeds, creamy pumpkin soup, the list goes on and on! Here are some of our favourite pumpkin recipes to put the orange gourd to good use.
1. Pumpkin Spice Black Bean Brownies (Serves 8)
This recipe is perfect for you if you go crazy for pumpkin spice and chocolate. A drizzle of bright orange nestled in a dark black bean dessert is one of our must-try pumpkin recipes!
Ingredients:
Pumpkin Spice Mixture:
- 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Egg whites from 1 egg
- 1 tsp pure Vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup fresh pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
For increased ease, use the Black Bean Brownie Recipe which uses upgraded cocoa powder.
Steps:
- In a large bowl, add cream cheese and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add egg white, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice and beat until smooth. Set it aside.
- Follow the recipe for Black Bean Brownies.
- Pour the brownie mixture into a pan and smooth with a rubber spatula.
- Drizzle the pumpkin spice mixture and use a knife to create a swirled layer.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out of the center clean.
- Let it cool for 20 minutes, and enjoy!
2. Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes (Serves 4)
Breakfast can be a real treat with these delicious vegan pancakes on the table in the morning. These pancakes are in such high demand during the fall that you may find yourself doubling this recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ -2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
- 2/3 cup fresh packed pumpkin puree
- 2 Tbsp vegan coconut oil
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 6 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup or agave (or honey if not vegan)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (or substitute half oat flour if desired)
Steps:
- Preheat the pan to medium heat and warm up the oil. The oil should not be boiling but should sizzle when something is placed on it.
- Start with 1 ½ cup almond milk and lemon juice in a large bowl and let rest for 5 minutes to curdle. Add melted coconut oil, maple syrup, pumpkin, brown sugar, and vanilla extract and whisk together.
- Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices over the wet ingredients. If the batter is too thin, add more flour. If it is too thick, add a little almond milk. The thickness will depend on the water content of the pumpkin puree.
- Let batter rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Pour ¼ cup scoops of the batter onto the pan. Flip pancakes when bubbles appear in the middle and the edges become slightly dry. Cook for about 2 minutes, then remove from the pan.
- Top with your choice of butter, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, bananas, or whatever takes your fancy.
3. Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie (Serves Yourself)
This one is just for you and is one of our favourite pumpkin recipes. Maybe there is just a little bit of pumpkin that you saved to make a delectable treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop natural Vega vanilla protein powder
- ½ banana
- ½ cup frozen pineapple
- ½ cup frozen peach slices
- ½ cup fresh pumpkin, cubed or pureed
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 6-8 ice cubes
Steps:
- Place all ingredients into a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
Final Thoughts
With these healthy pumpkin recipes, you’ll never have to waste your precious pumpkin again. Whether you’re feeling the fall spirit and want to bake up a batch of Pumpkin Spice Black Bean Brownies or are curious about new ways to use your jack-o-lantern, we hope this post offered all the inspiration you need.
