25 Creative Pumpkin Recipes to Elevate Your Fall Brunch

Fall is my favorite season and I’m sure many can agree that it brings a sense of coziness and warmth with it. There’s something magical about the changing leaves, crisp air, and, of course, pumpkins everywhere you look. This year, I’ve decided to elevate my fall brunch lineup with some pumpkin-inspired dishes.

They’re not just for Halloween anymore! From sweet to savory, there's no limit to what you can do with pumpkins. In the spirit of sharing my culinary adventures, I’ve put together a list of "25 Creative Pumpkin Recipes to Elevate Your Fall Brunch". These recipes will not only satisfy your taste buds but also impress your guests. So, let’s dive in and make this fall brunch one to remember!

1. Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

Nothing beats a stack of warm pancakes on a chilly fall morning.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and pumpkin puree.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
4. Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium-high heat.
5. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately ¼ cup for each pancake.
6. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip and cook until browned on the other side.

2. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Who can resist gooey cinnamon rolls with a pumpkin twist?

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, and yeast.
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter until warm.
3. Add the pumpkin puree and egg into the flour mixture, then add the warm milk mixture.
4. Gradually add remaining flour to form a soft dough.
5. Knead on a floured surface for about 6-8 minutes.
6. Roll out the dough, spread with softened butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
7. Roll up the dough and cut into 12 rolls.
8. Place in a greased baking dish and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
9. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Optionally, frost with cream cheese icing.

3. Pumpkin French Toast

Give your traditional French toast a flavorful update with pumpkin.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of thick bread
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt a bit of butter in it.
4. Cook the dipped bread slices until golden brown on both sides.

4. Pumpkin Quiche

Add a savory dish to your fall brunch spread with this delectable quiche.

Ingredients:

• 1 prepared pie crust
• 1 cup cooked, pureed pumpkin
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or gruyere work great)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree and shredded cheese.
4. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the quiche is set in the center.

5. Pumpkin Scones

Perfect for pairing with your morning coffee.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup cold butter, cubed
• ½ cup canned pumpkin
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In another bowl, mix the pumpkin, egg, and milk together.
5. Add the pumpkin mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
6. Knead the dough a few times on a floured surface and form it into a circle.
7. Cut into 8 wedges and place on a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Pumpkin Muffins

These moist and flavorful muffins will be a hit at your brunch table.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with papers.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. In another bowl, mix the pumpkin, oil, eggs, and sugar until smooth.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide the batter among the muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Pumpkin Granola

Add a seasonal flair to your yogurt parfaits with this pumpkin-spiced granola.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup melted coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix the oats, nuts, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil.
4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
5. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet in an even layer.
6. Bake for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy.

8. Pumpkin Smoothie Bowl

Start your day with a nutritious pumpkin smoothie bowl.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 frozen banana
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ cup milk (or more if needed)
• Toppings: granola, seeds, nuts, fruits

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the pumpkin puree, frozen banana, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and milk.
2. Blend until smooth, adding more milk if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
3. Pour the smoothie into a bowl and add your favorite toppings.

9. Pumpkin Soup

Warm up with a hearty bowl of pumpkin soup.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, chives

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the cumin and smoked paprika.
4. Add the pumpkin puree and vegetable broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve with optional toppings if desired.

10. Pumpkin Crepes

Change it up with delicate pumpkin crepes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth.
2. Chill the batter for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a lightly greased non-stick skillet over medium heat.
4. Pour a small amount of batter into the skillet and tilt to spread evenly.
5. Cook until the edges are slightly crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side.
6. Fill with your favorite toppings or fillings and roll up.

11. Pumpkin Bread

A classic fall favorite, this pumpkin bread is moist and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. In another bowl, mix together the sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and water until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
6. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

12. Pumpkin Risotto

A savory dish that's perfect for an elegant brunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup white wine
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring the vegetable broth to a simmer.
2. In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until soft.
4. Stir in the rice and cook until it starts to look translucent.
5. Add the white wine and stir until absorbed.
6. Gradually add the broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly and allowing the liquid to absorb before adding more.
7. When the rice is almost cooked, stir in the pumpkin puree.
8. Add the remaining butter and Parmesan cheese, stirring until creamy.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

13. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Comfort food with a seasonal twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
5. Stir in the pumpkin puree and continue to whisk until the mixture thickens.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
7. Add the cooked pasta and stir until well coated.
8. Season with salt and pepper.

14. Pumpkin and Feta Salad

Bright and colorful, this salad is a fresh addition to any brunch table.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cubed pumpkin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups mixed greens
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds
• Balsamic vinaigrette for dressing

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the cubed pumpkin with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and golden brown.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, roasted pumpkin, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and toasted pumpkin seeds.
5. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss to combine.

15. Pumpkin Hummus

Serve this creamy hummus as an appetizer with pita chips or veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, pumpkin puree, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and cumin.
2. Process until smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve with pita chips or vegetable sticks.

16. Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

Make breakfast a breeze with these easy overnight oats.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk (or any non-dairy milk)
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions:

1. In a mason jar or bowl, combine all the ingredients.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
4. In the morning, give it a good stir and add your favorite toppings.

17. Pumpkin Chai Latte

A warm, comforting drink to start your day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk (or any non-dairy milk)
• ¼ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon chai spice blend or 1 chai tea bag
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, chai spice, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
2. Heat until steaming but not boiling.
3. If using a chai tea bag, steep it in the mixture for a few minutes before removing.
4. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream if desired.

18. Pumpkin Pop Tarts

A fun and nostalgic treat for brunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 pie crusts
• ¾ cup pumpkin puree
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
• Optional glaze: powdered sugar mixed with a bit of milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. Roll out the pie crusts and cut into rectangles.
4. Spoon a tablespoon of pumpkin filling onto half of the rectangles.
5. Place the remaining rectangles on top and press the edges to seal.
6. Brush with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Optionally, glaze when cooled.

19. Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

Get creative with these festively flavored deviled eggs.

Ingredients:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs, halved and yolks removed
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash the egg yolks with pumpkin puree, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites.
4. Optional: garnish with paprika or parsley.

20. Pumpkin Ricotta Toast

Quick and easy, this toast is simple yet elegant.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of thick bread
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Optional: crushed walnuts or pecans

Instructions:

1. Toast the slices of bread until golden brown.
2. Mix the ricotta cheese with pumpkin puree, honey, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. Spread the mixture onto the toast.
4. Top with crushed walnuts or pecans if desired.

21. Pumpkin Croissants

Flaky, buttery croissants filled with sweet pumpkin cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Optional: glaze made from powdered sugar and milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles.
4. Spoon a small amount of pumpkin filling onto each triangle.
5. Roll up the triangles and place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Optionally, drizzle with glaze when cooled.

22. Pumpkin Parfait

Layered with goodness, this parfait is both healthy and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Granola for layering

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. In a glass or jar, layer Greek yogurt, pumpkin mixture, and granola.
3. Repeat the layers until the glass is filled.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

23. Pumpkin Bagels

A unique twist on a breakfast staple.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 pack active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• Egg wash for brushing

23. Pumpkin Bagels (continued)

Instructions:

2. Add pumpkin puree, salt, and half the flour to the yeast mixture, stirring to combine.
3. Gradually add the remaining flour until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat your oven to 425°F and bring a large pot of water to a boil.
7. Divide the dough into 8 pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
8. Poke a hole in the center of each ball and stretch to form a bagel shape.
9. Boil each bagel for about 1 minute on each side, then remove and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Brush each bagel with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

24. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Deliciously creamy and rich, these pumpkin cheesecake bars are a delightful fall dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 cups cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of the dish to form a crust.
3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
4. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice, mixing until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set.
7. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

25. Pumpkin Trifle

A show-stopping dessert that's surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of pumpkin bread, cut into cubes
• 2 cups prepared vanilla pudding
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 cups whipped cream
• Optional toppings: caramel sauce, crushed gingersnaps

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the vanilla pudding.
2. In a large trifle dish, layer half of the pumpkin bread cubes on the bottom.
3. Spread half of the pumpkin pudding mixture on top of the bread cubes.
4. Add a layer of whipped cream.
5. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
6. Optionally, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with crushed gingersnaps.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Conclusion

The beauty of fall is in its simplicity, and these pumpkin recipes truly capture that essence. From sweet treats like Pumpkin Scones and Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars to savory dishes like Pumpkin Quiche and Pumpkin Risotto, there's something for everyone. Each recipe brings a unique twist to classic brunch staples, making your gatherings more memorable and seasonally inspired.

I hope these ideas inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and embrace the flavors of fall. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just cooking for yourself, there's no better way to celebrate the season than with the delightful taste of pumpkin. So grab some fresh pumpkins, stock up on your favorite spices, and get ready to enjoy one flavorful fall!