Leftover Pumpkins? Here’s What to Do
Halloween’s over, but pumpkins are still lying around. What to do with them?
These 15 inventive, useful, and completely achievable ideas for repurposing the leftover pumpkins can create a cozy home décor and some tasty recipes.
Instead of tossing them out, I’ll help you make the most of them.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Brew your own pumpkin spice latte with leftover pumpkins. All you need to do is combine four ingredients: milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and a hint of vanilla.
Simmer it on the stove until creamy and add a shot of espresso. You’ve got a seasonal homemade cozy treat.
Top it with whipped cream, sprinkle some extra spice, and enjoy your latte.
Pumpkin Ice Cream
Blend pumpkin puree with sugar, cream, and spices to make a velvety pumpkin ice cream. Simply stir occasionally as it freezes.
Before serving, make it look more tempting by topping it with caramel drizzle or crushed graham crackers.
It’s a twist on fall desserts and perfectly embodies the flavors of the season.
Decorative Planters
A super fun twist on the pumpkin décor. Empty the pumpkin, and fill it with soil, succulents, or fall flowers.
This is a classic tip to repurpose your leftover pumpkins by transforming them into seasonal decorative planters. It gives you a budget-friendly, biodegradable, and colorful planter for your porch.
You can compost the pumpkin directly once it begins to decompose, giving your plants an additional source of nutrients.
Creamy Pumpkin Soup
What’s the ideal way to enjoy fall flavors? Turn your pumpkins into a creamy, hearty soup!
Start by sautéing onions and garlic and then toss pumpkin chunks. Then goes vegetable broth and some spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Simmer until the pumpkin turns soft and blend it until it reaches a smooth texture.
Add a splash of cream at the end and your creamy pumpkin soup is ready for those chilly fall nights.
Candle Holder
Festive candle holders out of mini pumpkins give a warm, fall glow. You can create quick decorative pieces by hollowing out a tiny space to accommodate a tea light or votive candle.
These natural candle holders offer a festive touch to any table or mantel and set up a warm ambiance all season long.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
What about the pumpkin seeds now? After carving them, keep the seeds aside for a crunchy protein-packed snack.
First, rinse them and leave them to dry. Next, you will toss them with a little spices and olive oil. Garlic, cayenne, sea salt, and smoky paprika are some of the seasonings you can add.
You can also try cinnamon sugar for a sweet touch. Finally, roast them in the oven and ta-da. An easy-to-make and nutritious snack is ready.
Use these for munching while watching movies or top them on salads.
Bird Feeder
Why not make your leftover pumpkins a tasty food for birds? Cut your pumpkin into a few pieces, add birdseed, and set it out for squirrels and birds; the pumpkin seeds and flesh will attract them.
This tip leaves zero waste behind as pumpkins naturally decompose when they start to break down.
Fresh Pumpkin Bread
If you like banana bread then you need to try pumpkin bread.
Use your leftover pumpkin puree for a moist bread with nutmeg and cinnamon. You will enjoy having it as a quick snack and breakfast. The aroma of baking bread brings fall to your kitchen.
Face Mask
Pumpkins are a source of Vitamin A and C which makes them an excellent ingredient for skin.
Blend honey and a little bit of yogurt with pumpkin puree and apply it as a face mask for 10-15 minutes. This will nourish and brighten your skin and is a helpful nighttime self-care tip.
Pumpkin Serving Bowls
Use hollowed-out pumpkins as serving bowls for dips, soups, or chili to wow your guests. Select large-sized pumpkins for big servings and smaller ones for individual servings.
Pumpkin serving bowls look impressive on the table and also add a seasonal flair to your fall dinner gatherings with very little effort.
Bath Bombs
Make pumpkin bath bombs with leftover Halloween pumpkins and give yourself and your gals a spa day.
Add essential oils and orange coloring to a mixture of baking soda, cornstarch, citric acid, and a small amount of pumpkin puree. Create pumpkin shapes out of the mixture and leave them to dry overnight.
These bubbly bath bombs are a great way to treat yourself in autumn.
Dog Treats
Your furry companions will love these delicious pumpkin treats. Combine peanut butter, whole wheat flour, and pumpkin puree. Next, cut the dough into shapes after rolling it out and bake until it turns golden.
This is a quick way to use up leftover pumpkins and your furry friends will love these nutritious treats.
Note: Always check for allergies, especially to peanut butter, as some dogs can have sensitivities.
Face Scrub
Use an all-natural pumpkin face scrub for your skin. Adding pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and a little honey together can create a gentle exfoliator high in vitamins.
Apply it to your face and massage in circular motions, then rinse with warm water for a revitalizing skincare treat with a fall theme. This will leave your skin feeling renewed and radiant.
Flower Vases
Make stunning flower vases out of pumpkins to elevate your home décor. Just chop off the pumpkin top, empty the insides, and fill it with a water bottle/jar that can hold fresh flowers.
This unique centerpiece gives a seasonal touch to any indoor or outdoor event and adds to your fall celebrations.
Check out Creative Centerpieces to Wow at Your End-of-Summer Parties for more seasonal home décor.
DIY Pumpkin Potpourri
Make a potpourri with pumpkin without any artificial fragrances.
Combine slices of pumpkin with nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon sticks and dry them. Then arrange them in bowls and place them in different spaces around your home. This freshens up your space with a lovely, seasonal DIY scent, and effortlessly creates a fall vibe inside your home.
Scent Stations to Welcome Fall and Winter will help you learn more ways to keep your space smelling fresh and comforting.