From pumpkin smoothies to chocolate pumpkin muffins, here’s a collection of pumpkin recipes for treats that are the perfect reward after a long run in the cool, crisp Fall weather.
Pumpkin Smoothie
This refreshing smoothie recipe uses low-sodium canned pumpkin and ripe bananas. With both protein and carbs, it makes a perfect post-run recovery snack.
Ingredients
- 1 can low-sodium pumpkin (chilled, about 15 ounces)
- 1 can evaporated low-fat milk (chilled, 12 ounces)
- 1 1/2 cups orange juice
- 1 banana (small, sliced)
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar (packed, or 1/3 cup regular sugar)
- 2 dozen ice cubes (if you like)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional)
Directions
1. Place pumpkin, evaporated milk, orange juice, banana, and sugar in blender.
2. Cover and blend until smooth.
3. If using ice, pour mixture over ice. Sprinkle cinnamon on top, if desired.
Pumpkin Bread
This sweet and spicy pumpkin bread makes a treat for a post-run brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 can pumpkin (15 ounces)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup yogurt, low-fat plain
- 1 1/2 cups flour (all purpose)
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raisins
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together pumpkin, sugar, oil, and yogurt.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the flours, baking powder, soda, cinnamon, and salt; add to pumpkin mixture, stirring until just moistened.
4. Stir in raisins.
5. Pour into 2 greased 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pans and bake for 1 hour.
6. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes; remove from pan and cool completely.
Pumpkin Pancakes
These fluffy, pumpkin pancakes make a delicious meal after a long run in the Fall. Add some sliced bananas or applesauce on top for additional fruit and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 6 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup pumpkin (canned)
- 1 3/4 cups milk, low-fat
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Directions
1. Combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a medium bowl, combine egg, canned pumpkin, milk and vegetable oil, mixing well.
3. Add wet ingredients to flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Batter may be lumpy. (For thinner batter, add more milk).
4. Lightly coat a griddle or skillet with cooking spray and heat on medium.
5. Using a 1/4 cup measure, pour batter onto hot griddle. Cook until bubbles begin to burst, then flip pancakes and cook until golden brown, 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter. Makes about 1 dozen 3 1/2 inch pancakes.
Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies
Bake these cookies the night before and enjoy a delicious treat on busy mornings.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups pumpkin (pureed, cooked)
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 egg
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup walnuts (chopped)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Mix pumpkin, brown sugar, eggs, and oil thoroughly.
3. Blend dry ingredients and add to pumpkin mixture.
4. Add raisins and nuts.
5. Drop by teaspoonfuls on greased cookie sheet.
6. Bake 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Makes 48 cookies.
Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins
This dense, moist chocolate muffin contains no fats or oils. The secret ingredient is canned (or pureed) pumpkin that binds the ingredients together for a tasty, satisfying treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 can pumpkin
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Directions
1. Whisk all the dry ingredients together. Add pumpkin and water.
2. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
3. Place batter into 24 prepared muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Also see:
Preparing the Perfect Post-Run Brunch (with Recipes)
