Are you a proud pumpkin lover? Then don’t reserve pumpkin for your savoury recipes. Pumpkin can be the ultimate winter ingredient because of its versatility. The naturally tender winter squash can be cooked down in minutes and can be used as fillings or custards and can also be used in desi desserts like kheer, halwa, malpua etc.
Pumpkin is nutritious and has a natural sweetness which lets you skip additional sugar when you’re using it to make desserts at home. Plus, its velvety texture is perfect for making mousses, halwas and crepe fillings. If you’re on the lookout for ideas, here are some easy pumpkin recipes you can try at home
Pumpkin Pie
The undisputed king of pumpkin desserts, pumpkin pie stands as a timeless symbol of winter feasting. Beyond its classic recipe, contemporary bakers have reinvented this staple with lighter, more approachable recipes. A traditional pie is a silky, spiced pumpkin custard encased in a buttery, flaky crust, topped with a dollop of maple-infused whipped cream. Although some new-age recipes dabble with alternative ingredients to make the crust flakier and make the custard less dense. But however you may like your slice of pumpkin pie, there’s no denying that it’s a winter winner.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Combining the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the earthy notes of pumpkin, a pumpkin cheesecake is a terrific amalgamation that offers some complex tastes. A velvety pumpkin cheesecake, with its luscious filling and buttery graham cracker crust, is an embodiment of indulgence. It can be topped with a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of candied pecans, this dessert strikes a perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and spicy, creating a harmonious symphony for the taste buds.
Kaddu Ka Halwa
Kaddu ka Halwa, or pumpkin halwa, is a popular dessert that’s a winter staple across Northern India and some western parts. Grated pumpkin is cooked down with ghee, sugar, and aromatic spices like cardamom until it reaches a rich, velvety, fudge-like consistency. Garnished with nuts like almonds and pistachios, Kaddu ka Halwa is a flavourful and comforting dessert that can be truly bracing.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
A fantastic last-minute dessert, this is one of the easiest things you can make. The marriage of pumpkin and bread pudding transforms a humble dessert into a comforting, soul-warming delicacy. You can use cubes of soft, day-old bread soaked in a spiced pumpkin custard, baked to perfection, and serve it warm. Topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a decadent bourbon-infused sauce, pumpkin bread pudding epitomizes the art of turning simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
Pumpkin Mousse
Pumpkin is ideal for whipped desserts or custards because it’s naturally tender and can be cooked down easily. For those craving a lighter, airier pumpkin experience, pumpkin mousse is a great option. Silky smooth and luxuriously creamy, this dessert captures the essence of pumpkin in a delicate, velvety texture and can be the perfect finale after a festive dinner.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes
Bring the aromas of a cafe to your home with this spiced dessert. Combining the comforting flavours of a pumpkin spice latte with the allure of a cupcake, these light cupcakes are infused with espresso and topped with a swirl of spiced cream cheese frosting which os a terrific combination of flavours. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel can also work wonders.
Pumpkin Malpua
Love malpua? Adds a unique twist to this classic, syrupy dessert with batter made with grated pumpkin, flour, and milk. These batter-fried fritters are then soaked in sugar syrup, and don’t really need additional sugar since pumpkin itself is quite sweet.