Top 10 Low Fat Pumpkin Recipes

Make Way for Pumpkin My Friends

Natalie Recommends these healthy Recipes by Fiona Haynes

By Fiona Haynes, About.com

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• pumpkin recipes
• low fat fall recipes

How many of us think that pumpkin belongs only in pie? Yet pumpkin puree is wonderfully versatile, and good for many a recipe, both sweet and savory. Here are 10 low fat ways to use your stores of canned pumpkin.

1. Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins

Fiona Haynes

Not overly sweet, these delicious pumpkin cranberry muffins make a great snack or brunch offering. They're best served warm, but they also freeze well.

2. Pumpkin Pancakes

Fiona Haynes

If you like pancakes, you'll love pumpkin pancakes. Throw in some chopped apple, or a handful of raisins or even some chopped cranberries if you like. Enjoy with warm maple syrup.

3. Pumpkin Oatmeal

Fiona Haynes

Hot oatmeal is one of the few low-fat breakfast foods that gives me enough energy to make it through until lunch. Some days I simply add a tablespoon of my favorite preserves; other days I add a swirl of maple syrup or a sprinkling of cinnamon, but there are times in fall and winter when I make it extra-special by making this aromatic pumpkin oatmeal.

4. Pumpkin Bites

Fiona Haynes

These bite-sized pumpkin treats are a cross between a cookie and a muffin. Make them plain or sprinkle some dried cranberries or raisins and even a few chocolate chips for a delightful sweet treat.

5. Pumpkin Banana Bread

Fiona Haynes

This pumpkin-banana bread is a great fall treat, that will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. Serve warm from the oven with a mug of steaming apple cider.

6. Cream of Pumpkin Soup

Fiona Haynes

Fall is the perfect time to bring out the stockpot and make warming soups. This low fat cream of pumpkin soup is perfect on a cold fall day, or as an appetizer for a Thanksgiving dinner. A spoonful of plain low fat yogurt can be swirled in just before serving.

7. Baked Pumpkin Pasta

Fiona Haynes

Break out of the mac and cheese habit with this delicious baked pumpkin pasta dish. Perfect for fall, this pumpkin pasta makes a great weeknight meal on cold evenings.

8. Crustless Pumpkin Pie

Fiona Haynes

Most of the fat in pumpkin pie is in the crust. Here's a great no-crust, no-bake pumpkin pie without all the fat. This makes a great low fat option for Thanksgiving.

9. Pumpkin Cheesecake

Fiona Haynes

I love cheesecake, but without any modification it's a very high fat dessert. This reduced fat pumpkin cheesecake uses light cream cheese, fat free cream cheese and egg substitute, making a more modest yet flavorful pumpkin cheesecake.

10. Pumpkin Squares

Fiona Haynes

Not quite a brownie, these little low fat pumpkin squares make a delightful Halloween treat. Whole wheat pastry flour makes these pumpkin squares light in texture; brown sugar and, of course, pumpkin, makes them nice and moist. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips to make the chocolatey taste spread further.


P.S. Fitness Elements would love to hear from you if you have Healthy Pumpkin Recipes to share let us know or post them to our blog and share.