How to Turn Leftover Pumpkin Puree into Delicious Smoothies

You’ve baked your pumpkin pie, but now there’s half a can of pumpkin puree sitting in your fridge; what do you do with it? Instead of letting it go to waste, turn it into something creamy, healthy, and delicious: pumpkin smoothies!

Pumpkin puree adds richness, natural sweetness, and that cozy fall flavor to your favorite smoothie blends. In this post, you’ll learn why pumpkin is perfect for smoothies, how to store your leftovers, a simple pumpkin smoothie formula, and a few easy recipes to try

Why Pumpkin Puree Is Perfect for Smoothies

Pumpkin puree isn’t just for pies; it’s a nutrient-packed powerhouse that blends beautifully into smoothies. Here’s why it’s such a great addition:

Creamy texture: Pumpkin gives smoothies a thick, velvety consistency (like banana but less sugary).
Nutrient-rich: Packed with vitamin A, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants.
Naturally low in calories and fat.
Mild flavor: It pairs well with fruits, nut butters, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with leftover pumpkin puree, adding it to smoothies is one of the easiest (and tastiest) ways to enjoy it.

How to Store & Prep Leftover Pumpkin Puree

If you’ve got extra pumpkin puree after baking, don’t toss it! With proper storage, it can last for weeks or even months.

In the fridge, store in an airtight container for up to 5–7 days. In the freezer, freeze in an ice cube tray, then transfer cubes to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months and are perfect for smoothie portions.

Tip: One standard ice cube equals about 2 tablespoons of puree. Pop a few frozen cubes into your blender whenever you crave a pumpkin smoothie!

Basic Pumpkin Smoothie Formula

Here’s your easy, flexible formula for the perfect pumpkin smoothie customizable to your taste and pantry.

Base (1 cup): Almond milk, oat milk, dairy milk, or yogurt
Pumpkin (½ cup): Canned or homemade pumpkin puree
Fruit (1 medium piece): Banana, apple, pear, or 2–3 dates
Flavor & spice: ½ teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg and ginger, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Sweetener (optional): Maple syrup, honey, or stevia to taste
Boosters (optional): 1 scoop protein powder, 1 tablespoon oats or chia seeds, 1 tablespoon nut butter for richness

Blend until smooth, taste, and adjust sweetness or spices as desired.

3 Easy Leftover Pumpkin Puree Smoothie Recipes

Here are three simple recipes to help you use up your pumpkin puree and bring fall flavor into your glass!

Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Smoothie

Ingredients:

• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup almond milk
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons oats
• A few ice cubes

Instructions: Blend until smooth and creamy. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of greek yogurt.

Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Smoothie

Ingredients:

• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 small apple, chopped
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ cup ice

Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Adjust with more milk for a thinner texture.

Pumpkin Protein Shake

Ingredients:

• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 cup oat milk
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Ice as needed

Instructions: Blend until creamy and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Make it vegan: Use plant-based milk and skip honey.
• Add greens: Spinach or kale blend great with pumpkin.
• Boost nutrition: Add chia seeds, flaxseeds, or oats for fiber and omega-3s.
• For dessert vibes: Top with coconut whipped cream and crushed graham crackers.

Don’t let leftover pumpkin puree sit in the fridge, turn it into a creamy, nourishing smoothie that celebrates fall flavor. With these simple recipes and storage tips, you’ll never waste a drop of pumpkin again!

FAQ

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
Not recommended. Pumpkin pie filling contains sugar and spices, which can make your smoothie overly sweet. Stick with pure pumpkin puree.

Can I freeze pumpkin puree for smoothies?
Yes! Freeze in small cubes or portions and blend directly into your smoothie, no need to thaw.

Is pumpkin puree healthy for breakfast smoothies?
Absolutely. It’s full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a perfect ingredient for a balanced breakfast smoothie.