Pumpkin is one of the most popular ingredients to use during the fall season, both for its seasonal appeal and flavor, and for the fact that it is healthy and low-fat. For example, pumpkin can be used as a substitute for more fattening ingredients in baked food items, like cakes and cupcakes.
It also has a variety of health benefits, including omega-3 fats, improving prostate health and gut health, including zinc and magnesium, and being great for post-menopause and liver health.
1 – Pumpkin Pancakes
Making pumpkin pancakes is super easy with this recipe from AllRecipes.com. All you need to do is mix the ingredients in a bowl, including canned pumpkin, milk, egg, and oil. Some dry ingredients include baking soda, baking powder, flour, and sugar. You will also need pumpkin spices like cinnamon and ginger. The pancakes themselves are cooked similar to other pancakes.
2 – Pumpkin French Toast
Another breakfast recipe using pumpkin is this French toast bake from MinimimalistBaker.com. Instead of making French toast the traditional way, you will add the ingredients into a pan and bake it for about 40 minutes. This makes it easier to put together and doesn’t require you to spend a lot of time in front of the stove. Some ingredients used include pumpkin butter and pumpkin pie space, nuts, brown sugar, bread, and eggs.
3 – Pumpkin Cookies
If you want to make pumpkin treats for Halloween or the fall season, consider making some cookies. Pumpkin cookies are great because they are actually quite healthy and low in fat, while also being delicious. These cookies are provided by Amy’s Healthy Baking, and are made with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, whole wheat flour, and instant oats.
Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies (With Video!)
4 – Pumpkin Biscuits
Biscuits are great for many different meals and snacks, from a nice breakfast to being a side dish at lunch or dinner. With this recipe from AllRecipes.com, you can use pumpkin, flour, brown sugar, spices, and some other ingredients to make a quick batch of seasonal pumpkin spiced biscuits that are lower in fat than the standard buttery version.
5 – Pumpkin Hummus
Believe it or not, you can make a healthy and yummy hummus by using pumpkin! Instead of canned pumpkin, it is recommended that you use fresh pumpkin for this recipe. You also will add ingredients like olive oil, cumin, garbanzo beans, maple syrup, and spices for the pumpkin-flavored hummus. You can also add some pumpkin seeds to the top for decoration and added flavor. This recipe is provided to you by DaringGourmet.com.
6 – Pumpkin Soup
Why not try some hearty and warm pumpkin soup on a chilly fall evening? This Minimalist Baker recipe calls for fresh pumpkin slices, maple syrup, coconut milk, vegetable stock, and seasonings. The longest part of this soup making process is roasting the pumpkin, then the rest is quick and easy.
