20 Creative Ways to Repurpose a Halloween Pumpkin
There’s just something about Halloween season that brings out a creative spark in all of us. The fun of dressing up, the excuse to decorate our homes, and the chance to experiment with clever recipes forces us to get craftier and indulge in autumn’s beauty every way we can. That’s one reason why we love the pumpkin in all its many forms. It isn’t just jack-o’-lantern fodder or pie filling; it’s an awesome foundation for everything from home decor and beauty DIYs to treats for both ourselves and our four-legged friends. Don’t believe us? Check out these 20 amazing things you can do with just one simple gourd.
1. Pumpkin Succulent Harvest Planter: Whether you use it as a centerpiece for autumn get-togethers or just general home decor, this showstopping autumn display is a conversation piece, full stop. Prepare to tell everyone how you did it since they’ll probably want to try it for themselves. (via Simply Happenstance)
2. Vanilla Pumpkin Sugar Spice Scrub: Few things feel better than sloughing off dry, cold-weather skin and the yum factor of this homemade scrub ups the ante and smells phenomenal. While the recipe calls for canned pumpkin, you can make it even more fresh and natural with the real thing. (via Happiness Is Homemade)
3. Dark Chocolate Bark with Ginger, Pumpkin Seeds + Apricot: This recipe had us at “dark chocolate bark,” but then it had to go and get even more delicious with chewy bits of dried fruit and ginger, plus the crunch of toasted pumpkin seeds and the zing of fleur de sel. Heaven in every bite. (via Gourmande in the Kitchen)
4. Cinnamon Pumpkin Candles: Part science project, part arts-and-crafts, this candle DIY will leave your place smelling like autumn itself every time you light it. (via Hello Natural)
5. No-Bake Dog Treats with Pumpkin + Oat: We love our furry friends, so why not let them get in on a little pumpkin action with a reward for good behavior? There’s no baking involved, so this easy-peasy surprise puts a little pep in their step without taking any out of yours. (via Two Little Cavaliers)
6. Pumpkin Smoothie: Somewhere between the healthfulness of a green juice and the indulgence of a milkshake stands this sweet and spicy smoothie, complete with pumpkin, vanilla Greek yogurt, banana and honey. The only guilt-inducing ingredient is the whipped cream on top, but hey, how much damage can a single dollop do? (via Emily Bites)
7. Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts: Thought the only way to get a decent pop tart was to buy a box? Think again. Get into the spirit of the season and add some fall-colored sprinkles to complete the package. Now you’re starting your morning off right! (via Cooking Classy)
8. DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte: You don’t even have to leave home to enjoy a PSL these days. Just whip up this five-ingredient syrup and concoct yourself a latte. Poof! Easy as that, and you didn’t even have to put on pants to go get it. (via Gimme Some Oven)
9. Homemade Pumpkin Seed Butter: First there was peanut butter, then came almond and cashew, and technically we suppose Nutella counts, too. But now there’s a nut-free, allergen-free alternative that can’t be beat: yummy, healthy pumpkin seed butter. It’s the perfect time of year to whip up a big batch and enjoy it all year long with zero worries whatsoever. (via Petite Allergy Treats)
10. Healthy Pumpkin Granola: Clocking in at 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, here’s the perfect way to start each fall day, thanks to its pumpkin and sunflower seeds, quinoa, pecans, oats, pumpkin puree and natural sweeteners and spices. A few spoonfuls of yogurt and it’s a breakfast worth feeling proud about. (via Leelalicious)
11. Pumpkin Hummus: For an interesting twist on the traditional garbanzo/tahini/lemon dip, add some pumpkin and top with pepitas for an added crunch. Protein plus fiber and flavor make this a win all around. (via High Heels & Grills)
12. No-Churn Easy Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream: With just five ingredients and no churning involved whatsoever, who knew making ice cream could be so easy? (via Color Me Meg)
13. Skinny Pumpkin Frappuccino: It’s easy to fall into the empty calorie splurge of a frothy, frosty frappuccino from time to time, but when we overdo it, it can wreak havoc on blood sugar. Luckily, this DIY version takes away the guilt, especially if you swap the maple syrup out for a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia. Now, where’s our straw? (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)
14. Pumpkin Caramel Sauce: Inspired by a trip to Trader Joe’s, this sauce might end up getting drizzled on everything you eat until you’ve reached the bottom of the jar. Just a fair warning so you know what you’re getting into. (via Crazy for Crust)
15. Oatmeal Superfood Breakfast Bars: If you really want to be a superstar in the morning and pack as many superfoods into your morning meal as possible, this might be the right place to start. Chock full of blueberries, pumpkin seeds, almonds, whey protein and more, they’re a personal trainer’s dream come true, but with all the beauty and flavor of dessert for breakfast. (via A Healthy Life for Me)
16. Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting: Turns out you CAN have your cake and eat it too, plus some homemade frosting. Pumpkin buttercream frosting, to be exact, because life is short and meant to be savored. (via Wine & Glue)
17. Vegetarian Pumpkin Face Mask: Want to try an all-natural face mask that makes you smell like Thanksgiving itself? Combine the exfoliating enzymes of apple, the brightening effects the AHAs in pumpkins, and the pore de-clogging properties of milk and you’ve got that beauty DIY on lock. (via Byrdie)
18. Pumpkin Face Mask: For another take on a pumpkin mask — this time with egg — try this four-ingredient DIY tutorial, with similar brightening, de-clogging and glow-enhancing effects. You deserve some extra me-time anyway. (via Petite Elefant)
19. Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding: If you’re trying to find new and interesting ways to incorporate chia seeds into your diet, this tapioca-like treat might satisfy your appetite. Top with toasted walnuts for extra texture and a boost of omega-3s. (via Kris Carr)
20. Pumpkin Hair Mask: Got dry, damaged hair? Put a little pumpkin on that noggin and watch your mane transform itself with potassium and vitamin A, plus the moisturizing benefits of honey. Hello, gorgeous. (via Byrdie)
What’s your favorite way to get the most use out of a pumpkin? Share in the comments below!