As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s time to bring out everyone’s favorite fall ingredient—pumpkin! This all-star in the kitchen is here to cozy up our meals with its sweet, comforting flavor. From vegan pumpkin pancakes to savory pumpkin mac and cheese, the options are endless. Check out these 24 kid-approved, easy pumpkin recipes that’ll have your family asking for more!
Why Pumpkin Is a Fall Favorite
- Nutrient-packed: Loaded with Vitamin A for healthy eyes, fiber for digestion, and antioxidants to boost immunity—pumpkin is the ultimate fall superfood!
- Incredibly versatile: Whether it’s baked into pumpkin muffins, stirred into soups, blended into a milkshake, or even added to savory dishes like pasta, pumpkin can do it all.
- Naturally sweet: Its mild sweetness makes it a kid-friendly ingredient, perfect for getting into meals like pumpkin waffles, mac and cheese, and more.
- Affordable and accessible: Canned pumpkin puree is easy to find in the fall and budget-friendly, making it a pantry must-have during the season. You can also make homemade pumpkin purée to use in tons of recipes!
- Ultimate fall flavor: Pumpkin adds a cozy, warm touch to every recipe, instantly bringing all the comforting fall vibes to your kitchen.
24 Easy Pumpkin Recipes for Kids
Pumpkin Pie Parfaits
Pumpkin pie parfaits are so much fun to make (and eat!). The kids LOVE them.
Pumpkin Waffles
We've made these for Christmas every year since I can remember. Great sandwiched with Pumpkin Butter or cream cheese for school lunch too!
Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal in the Crock Pot
We make this pumpkin oatmeal once a week during the fall and winter. Makes your kitchen smell insanely good first thing in the morning!
Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you have a child with a fall birthday, these are a birthday party must!
Pumpkin Apple Muffins
These are one of the first recipes with pumpkin I made for my son when he was a toddler. Great for little hands to gobble up!
Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts
Homemade pumpkin doughnuts that aren't deep fried… need I say more?
Flourless Pumpkin Chocolate Muffins
When fall time hits, these flourless pumpkin muffins are a staple in our house. Make these for snack time, breakfast or dessert!
Quick Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
If you've been too intimidated to make cinnamon rolls, don't be. These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are quick and simple to prepare.
Pumpkin Butter
Pumpkin butter is so easy to make! Slather it on a piece of toast or even pancakes for the best breakfast EVER!
Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes
These vegan pumpkin pancakes are in heavy rotation for our family during the fall and winter. Great for people with dairy and egg allergies too!
Pumpkin Pecan Scones
These Pumpkin Pecan Scones are a perfect fall time recipe. Loaded with crispy fresh pecans and pumpkin, these little treats are absolutely delicious!
Sweet Pumpkin Quesadilla
These quesadillas are incredibly simple to make and the perfect way to use up the last few tablespoons in a can of pumpkin puree!
Pumpkin Milkshake
The perfect seasonal sweet treat is a pumpkin milkshake! Yum!
Pumpkin Toast
Make your pumpkin butter into something super cute that kids will love for Halloween!
Pumpkin Pear Bread
Pumpkin Pear Bread is a delightful fall recipe that's not too sweet but absolutely delicious!
Puff Pastry Pumpkins
How cute are these pumpkin shaped puff pastries! Perfect for Halloween night and beyond!
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese in a Mug
Who knew adding pumpkin puree to your mac and cheese could be so delicious?
Maple Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a dessert staple, especially during the holidays.
How to Roast Whole Pumpkin (& Make Puree)
Who knew making homemade pumpkin puree could be so easy?!
Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Don't toss those pumpkin seeds after you carve your jack-o'-lantern! Make these delicious toasted pumpkin seeds instead!
Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts
These Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts are little fall treasures. I love that they're easy to hold for little hands and also super delicious.
Maple Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Got a nut allergy? Pumpkin seeds are a great source of protein and super crunchy.
Easy Jack-o’-Lantern Quesadillas
Add pumpkin puree with a drizzle of honey and pinch of cinnamon to these Jack-o'-lantern quesadillas for the cutest fall treat!
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Want something really special to serve this Thanksgiving? Try these individual little pots.
Whether you roast your own pumpkin to whiz up into a silky pumpkin purée or use it from a can (Martha Stewart admits preferring canned to fresh, so it must be ok), you need these Easy Pumpkin Recipes. They’re super duper kid-friendly and fun to make! Whether you make them for school lunch, with kids for a class project or for a gathering, they’re seasonal favorites!
Let me know in the comments what you’re making with your pumpkins this fall and tag me on social media so I can see your recipes!
How to Roast Whole Pumpkin (& Make Puree)
It's simpler than it sounds to roast a whole pumpkin and gives you endless possibilities. You can make your own pumpkin purée for pies and soups, use the pumpkin chunks for salads, and even toast the pumpkin seeds for a crunchy, healthy snack.
Ingredients
- 1 4-6 pound pumpkin
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Carefully cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin using a knife, about 2 inches in diameter. Remove the “top”.
- Using your hands or a spoon, remove the seeds and rinse with water in a colander. Remove any of the stringy pulp pieces that stick to the seeds. Follow Toasted Pumpkin Seeds instructions for a delicious, healthy snack!
- Pour the maple syrup into the pumpkin and swirl it around coating the flesh. Sprinkle cinnamon inside.
- Place pumpkin on a cookie sheet without top and bake for 40 minutes.
- Place the top back on the pumpkin and continue to cook for additional 20 minutes or until tender. Uncover the pumpkin and cool.
- To make pumpkin puree, once the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, scoop the flesh into food processor and puree until smooth. Add water a tablespoon at a time (only if needed) to reach desired consistency.
Notes
- The Best Pumpkins for Roasting: You’ll want to choose a variety known as a “sugar pumpkin” or “pie pumpkin.” These smaller pumpkins are sweeter and have a smoother texture, making them ideal for roasting and baking. If you’re not sure which pumpkins your grocery store carries, just know that any pumpkin around 2-6 pounds will usually work great! Save the huge pumpkins for carving jack-o’-lanterns!
- Check for Doneness: Check the pumpkin flesh with a fork toward the end of cooking. If the fork slides in easily, it’s done!
- Storing Purée: Once you’ve made your purée, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months!
Nutrition
Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 1045mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 25744IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @Weelicious or tag #weelicious!
I already make lots of these, and am excited to try a few more. Thanks for the collection!
Thank you for this round-up! I make several of these regularly, and I’m glad you reminded me of the rest! I want to revisit them now that my son is a little older.