What Is A Good Substitute For Pumpkin?

Pumpkin has become a staple in many kitchens, especially during fall. However, sometimes, you’re craving a pumpkin-based dish but find yourself without this orange gourd. Knowing a good substitute for pumpkin can be incredibly helpful, whether you’re out of pumpkin, looking to try something new, or catering to dietary restrictions.

Whether you’re craving Pumpkin Banana Bread or Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, sometimes you need a good substitute. This guide will walk you through various pumpkin alternatives in different forms, ensuring you can still create delicious fall-inspired dishes year-round.

General Pumpkin Substitutes

Several other vegetables can save the day when a recipe calls for pumpkin. Here are some excellent general substitutes for pumpkin:

1. Butternut Squash: This is perhaps the closest substitute in terms of color, texture, and flavor. Butternut squash has a sweet, nutty taste that’s very similar to pumpkin. It’s great for recipes like Baked Pumpkin French Toast Casserole, where the texture is key. To use, simply cook and mash the butternut squash as you would pumpkin.
2. Sweet Potato: Another fantastic substitute, sweet potatoes offer a similar sweetness and can mimic the color of pumpkin quite well. They can be used in desserts like Pumpkin Whoopie Pies for a similar color and consistency—roast and mash sweet potatoes to replace pumpkin in most recipes.
3. Acorn Squash: While its flavor differs slightly from pumpkin’s, acorn squash can work well in many recipes, especially savory dishes. It can even be used for festive mini muffins with the right spices. When cooked, it has a texture similar to pumpkin’s, making it a good substitute for baked goods and soups.
4. Kabocha Squash: Also known as Japanese pumpkin, kabocha has a sweet flavor and moist, fluffy texture similar to pumpkin. It can be used as a 1:1 substitute in most pumpkin recipes. Its natural sweetness works well in both savory and sweet dishes.

Remember that you may need to adjust the spices and sweeteners in your recipe to achieve the desired flavor profile when using these substitutes. Each of these alternatives has a unique taste, which can add an interesting twist to your favorite pumpkin recipes.

Substitutes For Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree is common in many fall recipes, from pies to lattes. If you find yourself without pumpkin puree, here are some excellent substitutes:

1. Butternut Squash Puree: As mentioned earlier, butternut squash is one of the closest matches to pumpkin. To make butternut squash puree, simply roast the squash until tender, then blend until smooth. Use it as a 1:1 replacement for pumpkin puree in most recipes.
2. Sweet Potato Puree: Sweet potatoes can be an excellent substitute for pumpkin puree, especially in dessert recipes. They’re especially good in recipes like Pumpkin Dump Cake, where a smooth, creamy texture is desired. To make sweet potato puree, bake or boil sweet potatoes until soft, then mash or blend until smooth.
3. Applesauce: While it doesn’t mimic the color of pumpkin, unsweetened applesauce can work well as a substitute in baking recipes. It adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, making it a good option for recipes like Pumpkin Snickerdoodles. Use it as a 1:1 replacement, but be prepared for a different flavor profile.
4. Mashed Carrots : Cooked and mashed carrots can provide a similar color and texture to pumpkin puree. They work well in both sweet and savory recipes. To use, cook carrots until very soft, then mash or puree until smooth. If using in dessert recipes, you may want to add a bit of sweetener.

When using these substitutes, remember that they may alter the flavor and sometimes the color of your final dish. Adjusting spices and other flavorings can help achieve a taste closer to what you’d expect with pumpkin puree.

Substitutes For Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are often used as a garnish or added to recipes for a crunchy texture. If you’re out of pumpkin seeds, here are some alternatives:

• Chopped Nuts: Various chopped nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans, can be good substitutes. These can add a nice crunch to recipes like Pumpkin Bread Pudding. Just be aware that nuts will add their own distinct flavors to the dish.
• Sunflower Seeds: These are similar in size and crunch to pumpkin seeds. They’re great for topping salads or adding to baked goods.
• Pepitas: These are hulled pumpkin seeds but are often easier to find year-round than whole pumpkin seeds. They have a similar flavor and can be used interchangeably with regular pumpkin seeds.
• Sesame Seeds: While smaller than pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds can provide a nice crunch and nutty flavor to dishes.

Substitutes For Pumpkin Butter

Pumpkin butter is a fall favorite, but if you can’t find it or want to try something different, consider these alternatives:

1. Apple Butter: This is consistent with pumpkin butter and works well in many of the same applications. Its sweet, spiced flavor is reminiscent of fall.
2. Sweet Potato Butter: Made similarly to pumpkin butter, sweet potato butter is comparable in sweetness and can be spiced similarly.
3. Butternut Squash Butter: This is perhaps the closest in flavor to pumpkin butter. It can be made using the same method as pumpkin butter, with butternut squash as the base.

These substitutes can be great spreads for treats like Homemade Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts. They each bring their unique flavor while providing that creamy, spreadable consistency.

Substitutes For Pumpkin Pie Spice

Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm spices crucial for achieving that classic “pumpkin spice” flavor. If you’re out of the pre-made blend, try these alternatives:

• Apple Pie Spice: For a warm, autumnal flavor profile similar to pumpkin pie spice, try using homemade apple pie spice. It typically contains cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
• DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend: Make your own Pumpkin Pie Spice for various fall recipes. A typical blend includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.
• Individual Spices: If you don’t have all the spices for a full blend, use cinnamon as a base and add any others you have on hand (nutmeg, ginger, allspice, or cloves).

Substitutes For Pumpkin Pie Filling

If you’re craving pumpkin pie but don’t have pumpkin on hand, try these alternatives:

1. Sweet Potato Pie Filling: Sweet potatoes can have a texture and color that are very similar to pumpkin pie filling. Season it with pumpkin pie spice for a remarkably similar flavor.
2. Butternut Squash Pie Filling: In other applications, butternut squash can substitute pumpkin in pie filling. When cooked and pureed, it has a similar color and texture.
3. Carrot Pie Filling: While it might sound unusual, pureed carrots can make a delicious pie filling similar in color and texture to pumpkin. With some adjustments to spices and sweeteners, these can work well in recipes like Pumpkin Chiffon pie.

How To Substitute Canned Pumpkin For Fresh

While canned pumpkin is convenient, you can use fresh pumpkin instead. Here’s how to make the swap:

1. Conversion Ratio: Generally, you can substitute the same amount of fresh pumpkin puree for canned. One 15-oz can of pumpkin is about 1 3/4 cups of puree.
2. Preparing Fresh Pumpkin: To prepare a fresh pumpkin, cut it in half, remove the seeds, and roast it in the oven until soft. Then, scoop out the flesh and puree it until smooth.
3. Texture Differences: Fresh pumpkin puree may be more watery than canned. If so, let it drain in a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth before using.
4. Flavor Differences: Fresh pumpkin can have a milder flavor than canned pumpkin. When using fresh pumpkin, you may need to increase the spices in your recipe.

Easy Pumpkin Substitutes

Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient, but as we’ve seen, many suitable substitutes are available. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these alternatives. You might discover a new favorite flavor combination or a twist on a classic recipe you love even more than the original. 

The key is to understand the role pumpkin plays in your recipe—whether it provides moisture, flavor, color, or texture—and choose a substitute that can fulfill that same role.

Remember, cooking is all about creativity and adapting to what you have on hand. With these pumpkin substitutes in your culinary arsenal, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any recipe, even when pumpkin isn’t available.

Looking for more fall recipes? Try these!

• 3-Minute Fall Chex Party Snack Mix (No Bake Recipe)
• Easy Fall Dinner Recipes For Cozy Family Meals
• Delicious Easy Fall Apple Recipes
• 17 Fall Instant Pot Recipes
• Nutter Butter Chocolate Acorns