Let’s Celebrate National Pumpkin Day With Our Top 3 Pumpkin Recipes
Pumpkin season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious, pumpkin recipes that also fit into your weight loss journey? Whether you’re a fan of sweet or savory, these recipes will help you enjoy the flavours of autumn. Plus, our pumpkin recipes are all quick and easy to make. Let’s dive in!
What’s National Pumpkin Day All About?
National Pumpkin Day is celebrated annually on October 26th, both in the UK and other parts of the world. This day highlights the versatility and cultural significance of pumpkins, particularly as autumn approaches and Halloween looms on the horizon.
In the UK, pumpkins have long been associated with Halloween, with the tradition of carving jack-o’-lanterns dating back to the 19th century. Originally, people in the British Isles carved turnips and potatoes, but when immigrants brought this tradition to America, they found pumpkins native to North America, which were much easier to carve. The practice eventually spread, and pumpkins became an iconic symbol of autumn and Halloween across the world. Find out more about the history here.
Though National Pumpkin Day isn’t a longstanding tradition in the UK, it has grown in popularity, especially with the rising interest in seasonal food and the versatility of pumpkins in both sweet and savory dishes. Celebrating this day is a great way to enjoy some tasty pumpkin recipes.
Pumpkin Pancakes
These fluffy pumpkin pancakes are perfect for breakfast or brunch and will keep you full and energised. Packed with the goodness of real pumpkin, they offer a delicious twist on a classic breakfast favourite. The natural sweetness of pumpkin pairs perfectly with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making these pancakes a cozy, autumnal treat. Plus, pumpkins are rich in fiber and vitamins, which means you’re not only enjoying a tasty treat but also a nutritious one.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, pumpkin puree, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir until just mixed—don’t overbeat.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the pan.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Add some fresh fruit for extra taste and nutrition and serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Pumpkin Cupcakes
These delightful pumpkin cupcakes are a sweet way to celebrate autumn! Moist and tender, they’re made with real pumpkin and a hint of spice, making them the perfect treat for National Pumpkin Day or any cozy gathering. Their light, fluffy texture and naturally sweet pumpkin flavour make them a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a frosting of your choice, these cupcakes are a great way to embrace the seasonal flavours of the pumpkin.
Ingredients:
175ml sunflower oil
175g sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
200g coarsely grated pumpkin
100g sultanas
1 orange (grated zest)
2 tsp ground cinnamon
200g self-raising flour
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- Heat oven to 160C/gas 4 and line a 12-hole muffin tray with paper cases.
- Pour the oil into a large bowl and add the sugar, eggs and vanilla. Beat together, and then add the grated pumpkin, sultanas and orange zest.
- Stir in the cinnamon, flour and bicarbonate of soda, the mixture will be quite wet. Spoon into the cases.
- Bake for 25 mins until firm and springy to the touch and a skewer inserted in the centre of a cupcake comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Add some toppings and enjoy.
Salt and Vinegar Pumpkin Seeds
Instead of wasting those high-protein pumpkin seeds, try our easy recipe for salt and vinegar pumpkin seeds to create a healthy and satisfying snack. With their tangy vinegar flavor and satisfying crunch, these roasted seeds are a fantastic alternative to picking up a bag of crisps. Not only are pumpkin seeds packed with protein, but they’re also a great source of fiber, magnesium, and healthy fats. Roasting them with a simple salt and vinegar seasoning makes them irresistibly delicious while giving you a nutritious option to munch on throughout the day. Perfect for snacking or as a crunchy topping for salads!
Ingredients:
- 1 pumpkins worth of pumpkin seeds
- 200ml distilled white vinegar
- 1 egg white, beaten until frothy
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Put the pumpkin seeds and the vinegar in a medium bowl. Leave to soak for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat oven to 160C/gas4. Coat a large baking tray with cooking spray.
- Drain the seeds and wipe the bowl dry. Return the pumpkin seeds to the dry bowl and add the egg white and salt. Spread the seeds on the prepared baking tray in an even layer.
- Cook for 45-55 minutes until golden brown, stirring once. Leave to cool completely before serving.
Bonus Pumpkin Tip:
Don’t throw away the pumpkin skin! Roasted pumpkin skin is a delicious and nutritious snack. Simply toss the skin in olive oil, sprinkle with your favorite seasoning (like paprika or garlic powder), and bake at 180°C for 20-25 minutes until crispy. It’s a great zero-waste, fiber-rich treat!
We hope you enjoy these tasty pumpkin recipes! Why not try some more pumpkin recipes:
Pumpkin Ginger Soup & Thai Spiced Pumpkin Soup
Happy National Pumpkin Day!