What to Do With Leftover Pumpkin Pie Filling: 20 Easy Recipes

By My Recipes
Updated November 22, 2017
Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Linda Hirst

Don’t know what to do with all the leftover pumpkin pie filling from Thanksgiving? Try making these easy leftover pumpkin pie filling recipes.

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What To Do With Extra Pumpkin Pie Filling

Credit: Sara Tane

So you’ve got extra pumpkin pie filling—now what? Don’t let it go to waste: That can is a wealth of dessert possibilities from pumpkin pie filling muffins, to bars, to pudding that you can enjoy far into the holiday season. They also make for perfect hostess gifts, potluck dishes, and holiday packages. Our easy leftover pumpkin pie filling recipes will help you make the very most of this amazingly versatile—and seasonal—ingredient.

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How to Store Leftover Pumpkin Pie Filling

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Not sure how to store your leftover pumpkin pie filling? First things first, take it out of the can. You don’t want to refrigerate anything in the can it came in—instead place in airtight plastic or glass containers, and make sure to use it up in about five to six days. Don’t worry if you see water separating. You can just stir it in to recombine and use it as you normally would.

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Can You Freeze Leftover Pumpkin Pie Filling?

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Don’t think you can get to cooking in less than a week? You can freeze pumpkin pie filling too— portion it into freezer-safe plastic bags and freeze. When you’re ready to use it up, leave it in the refrigerator to thaw for a few hours, or submerge the bag in warm water to speed up the process.

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Pumpkin Patch Cookies

Credit: Gooseberry Patch

Pumpkin Patch Cookies Recipe

These pumpkin pie filling cookies use a can of pureed pumpkin, and make two to three dozen: perfect for gifting to neighbors in holiday packages, or to share with family.

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Pumpkin Pie Pudding 

Credit: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Deborah Williams

Pumpkin Pie Pudding  Recipe

This recipe uses up half a can of pumpkin pie filling—perfect for using up leftover puree. Leftover pumpkin pie filling pudding is the ideal dessert when you’re looking to serve a crowd and want to mix up the norm of a traditional pumpkin pie.

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Swirled Pumpkin-Cheesecake Bars

Credit: James Carrier

Swirled Pumpkin-Cheesecake Bars Recipe

These creamy, tangy cheesecake bars use up a can of pumpkin puree and are perfect for sharing at a potluck or autumn gathering or party. Perfectly spiced, these swirled bars also make for a great presentation at the table.

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Pumpkin-Apple Pancakes

Credit: Yunhee Kim; Styling: Kevin Crafts

Pumpkin-Apple Pancakes Recipe

These fall-inspired pancakes feature leftover pumpkin pie filling, fresh diced apples (we recommend tart Granny Smith apples), and a combo of cozy spices. If you prefer a smoother texture, try grating the apples into the batter instead of dicing them.

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Pumpkin-Honey Beer Bread

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Melanie J. Clarke

Pumpkin-Honey Beer Bread Recipe

This lightly sweet pumpkin bread doubles as a tasty brunch side or quick snack. Here, we give classic pumpkin bread with pumpkin pie filling an upgrade by adding a splash of beer to the batter. While you can use any variety you have on hand, a dark beer such as a stout, brown ale, or porter will lend a richer flavor. For a twist, make muffins instead of loaves.

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Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Tahini Glaze

Credit: Sara Tane

Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Tahini Glaze Recipe

Here, we incorporate leftover pumpkin pie filling into a moist bundt cake that’s simple in execution but stunning in presentation. Tahini may sound like an unconventional ingredient for glaze, but it adds a creamy and savory component that balances the sweetness perfectly.

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Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes

Credit: William Brinson

Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes Recipe

Make smart use of extra pumpkin pie filling by baking these autumn-spiced, pint-sized cupcakes. They’re a craveworthy treat for casual potlucks, fall birthdays, or anytime snacking. With 100 calories per cupcake, you don’t have to feel too guilty about reaching for a second one.

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Pumpkin Dip

Credit: Oxmoor House

Pumpkin Dip Recipe

Serve with apple slices for an easy sweet treat that finishes up a can of pumpkin puree. This works well for after-school snacks or as a simple appetizer for a fall party or potluck.

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Pumpkin Spice Cornbread

Pumpkin Spice Cornbread Recipe

This sweet and spicy take on classic cornbread is an unexpected twist at your holiday party spread, or to share at a potluck or Friendsgiving. It uses up half a can of pumpkin puree, making this the perfect way to use up whatever leftovers you may have.

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Pumpkin Scone

Credit: James Carrier

Pumpkin Scone Recipe

Looking for the perfect breakfast or brunch addition to serve to family and guests this holiday season? These delicately spiced scones only use up ¾ of a cup of pumpkin puree, perfect for that awkward leftover amount left at the bottom of the can.

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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies with Brown Butter

Credit: Sara Tane

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies with Brown Butter Recipe

These cookies are a great addition to a holiday cookie spread or gift package. Canned pumpkin puree makes these fluffy and cake-like, and chocolate chips and browned butter add a nutty mellowness.

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Pumpkin-Almond Pancakes

Credit: Oxmoor House

Pumpkin-Almond Pancakes Recipe

These fluffy, nutty pancakes are ideal for Thanksgiving or Christmas morning, or when you’re looking for breakfast ideas for family and guests. Lightly sweet, and a beautiful warm color from the pumpkin makes these pancakes feel special.

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Pumpkin Maple Sauce

Credit: Sara Tane

Pumpkin Maple Sauce Recipe

This versatile sauce is perfect for drizzling over pancakes and waffles, or over a baked brie for a show-stopping appetizer that will your guests can’t get enough of. It only uses up ¼ of a cup: perfect for the last few spoons of leftover puree in the can.

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Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Maple Glaze

Credit: Sara Tane

Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe

Great for an office party or potluck, this coffee cake makes for an awesome sweet treat full of seasonal flavors like pumpkin, maple, and a nutty pecan streusel. You can even make components of the cake in advance, perfect for entertaining a crowd.

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Pumpkin Fudge

Pumpkin Fudge Recipe

The ideal hostess gift or addition to a sweets package, pumpkin fudge is a guaranteed hit. Make to share—or save for yourself. Pumpkin pie spice lends a sweet warmth that tastes like fall, and the holidays.

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Sticky-Bun Pumpkin Muffins

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Sticky-Bun Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

A ½ cup of leftover pumpkin puree goes to good use in these sweet, decadent, sticky buns that’ll be your new family favorite during the fall. They can be prepped in advance, so you’ll always have warm buns ready, on-demand.

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Pumpkin Chocolate Waffles

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Linda Hirst

Pumpkin Chocolate Waffles Recipe

Waffles are always a breakfast crowd-pleaser, and these pumpkin-chocolate waffles are no exception. The best part: They’re just as easy to make as your normal weekend waffles, but with a fun seasonal twist that makes them feel extra special.

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