Let’s talk pumpkins. We know they’re great, but sometimes you need a switch-up. We’ve all been there, staring at the shelves, thinking about a new flavour kick.
Mixing up our dishes brings new life to our meals. We tested a bunch of alternatives to pumpkin, making sure they’re easy to find and tasty.
From sweet potato to butternut squash, these swaps don’t disappoint. Short on time? Use canned options.
Trying new ingredients keeps our cooking exciting. Let’s keep it simple and delicious with these top substitutes for pumpkin.
6 Easy Substitutes for Pumpkin
The following are 6 easy substitutes for pumpkin that will add a fresh twist to your dishes:
| Substitute | Taste | Texture | Ratio | Suitable Dishes |
| Sweet Potato | Sweet, Earthy | Creamy | 1:1 | Pies, Soups, Baked Goods |
| Butternut Squash | Sweet, Nutty | Smooth | 1:1 | Soups, Purees, Baked Goods |
| Acorn Squash | Mild, Nutty | Soft | 1:1 | Roasted Dishes, Soups, Purees |
| Carrot | Sweet, Earthy | Firm | 1:1 | Baked Goods, Soups, Stews |
| Kabocha Squash | Sweet, Rich | Creamy | 1:1 | Roasted Dishes, Soups, Purees |
| Zucchini | Mild, Fresh | Soft | 1:1 | Baked Goods, Sauteed Dishes, Soups |
1 – Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are our top pick. They bring sweetness and a rich texture. We love them in pies, soups, and even roasting dishes. They add a natural sweetness that’s unmatched.
The best part? You use the same amount as pumpkin in recipes. Swap one cup of pumpkin with one cup of mashed sweet potato. Simple, right? Easy to find, they’re a versatile choice.
Want more ideas? Check out these sweet potato substitutes for more inspiration. They’re the real deal.
2 – Butternut Squash
We can’t get enough of butternut squash. It’s sweet, creamy, and blendable. Perfect for pies, soups, and more.
It’s easy to swap one cup of pumpkin with one cup of mashed butternut squash. Anything pumpkin does, butternut squash can do, too.
Roast for a sweet caramel taste. Purée for soups. We use it all the time, and it never lets us down.
It’s easy to find and versatile. For other options, see these butternut squash substitutes. They’ll keep your recipes exciting.
3 – Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is another great pumpkin stand-in. It’s mildly sweet with a bit of nuttiness. Taste-wise, it’s more subtle than pumpkin but works well in most recipes.
Use one cup of mashed acorn squash instead of pumpkin. It’s great for pies, soups, and casseroles. We love its chewy texture when roasted.
It’s easy to prepare. Slice, scoop out seeds, roast or boil, and mash. Acorn squash is our secret weapon for a unique twist.
For more alternatives, check out these acorn squash substitutes. They offer different flavors and textures.
4 – Carrot
Carrots are a winner for pumpkin substitutes. They’re sweet and slightly earthy. We love their bright, fresh taste. Use one cup of mashed carrots for one cup of pumpkin. They blend well into pies, soups, and purees.
Roasting enhances their natural sweetness. Boil, mash, or purée for a smooth texture. Easy to find and prepare. We often toss them in our dishes for a quick substitute.
Need more ideas? Check out these carrot substitutes for other great swaps.
5 – Kabocha Squash
Kabocha squash is another solid pumpkin substitute. It’s sweeter and denser than many squash types. We find it tasty in pies, soups, and even roasted dishes.
For swaps, use one cup of mashed kabocha instead of pumpkin. We love its starchy feel and rich taste.
Roast it for extra sweetness or boil and mash for a smoother texture. Kabocha is our go-to for a fresh twist. It’s easy to find and use.
For more ideas, check out this guide on kabocha squash substitutes. It has great tips and options.
6 – Zucchini
Zucchini is a surprisingly good pumpkin substitute. It’s mild and versatile, adapting well to both sweet and savoury dishes. For the swap, use one cup of shredded or mashed zucchini for every cup of pumpkin. We’ve tried it in soups and muffins, and it does the job.
Grate it raw for cakes or blend it for smooth soups. It’s easy to find and prep. You can steam, boil, or even bake it. Trust us, zucchini is a must-try. Plus, if you need to explore more ideas, check out these zucchini substitutes.
For something fresh, give zucchini a go. It’s reliable and accessible.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.