Gourmet Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Pumpkin

Pumpkin’s off the menu and you’re in a bind? We’ve been there.

And we’ve got your back with the top five swaps you’re gonna love.

Gone are the days of pumpkin-only pies and soups.

Life handed us the universal truth that variety is the spice of it

And we’re rolling with it, finding gems that’ll brighten up any dish.

Got a recipe screaming for pumpkin and can’t find any? No sweat.

Our list is packed with easy-to-find, flavorful alternatives that might just become your new go-tos.

We’re talking about switching up the game, keeping flavors bold and your kitchen creations exciting.

These substitutes aren’t just stand-ins; they bring their own unique twist to every meal.

Dive in with us as we share the perfect picks to keep your cooking on point, no pumpkin required.

What is Pumpkin?

As the name suggests, pumpkin is a type of squash often associated with autumn and Halloween.

Pumpkin can range from small to large and maybe orange or yellow.

The inside of the pumpkin is typically made up of seeds, pulp, and flesh—similar to butternut squash.

The pulp makes its way into many different recipes and acts as a food coloring agent.

A common way to cook a pumpkin is by roasting the seeds, which are then often salted and eaten.

Pumpkin can be used for many things around Halloween, including pumpkin pie, pumpkin candles, Halloween crafts, etc.

Pumpkin has a distinct flavor, unlike any other squash in terms of taste.

It can be described as being sweet, rich, and earthy.

Typically, pumpkins can be found at the grocery store from September through December.

If you have trouble locating pumpkin at your local grocery store, you can also find it at many farmer’s markets.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a versatile and beloved ingredient, especially during the fall season.

However, if you find yourself without fresh or canned pumpkin or simply want to explore alternative options, there are several substitutes that can provide similar characteristics.

In this guide, we will compare the top 5 substitutes for pumpkin, discussing their key characteristics and providing suggestions on proper ratios to ensure delicious results in your recipes.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Acorn Squash	Mild, sweet flavor with a tender texture	Use an equal amount of acorn squash as a substitute
Sweet Potatoes	Naturally sweet with a creamy texture	Use an equal amount of sweet potatoes as a substitute
Butternut Squash	Sweet and nutty with a smooth texture	Use an equal amount of butternut squash as a substitute
Hubbard Squash	Sweet and rich with a dense texture	Use an equal amount of hubbard squash as a substitute
Canned Pumpkin	Smooth and creamy with a rich flavor	Use an equal amount of canned pumpkin as a substitute

Now let’s dive into each substitute in more detail:

1 – Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is a winter squash that can be found in various colors, including green and orange.

This vegetable has a very sweet flavor and, when cooked, can have a creamy texture.

Acorn squash tastes great with brown sugar when being baked in the oven.

In addition to this, it may also add a crunchy texture when paired with items like pecans.

This squash is often found in grocery stores from September through November.

The acorn squash can be cooked in various ways, including roasting, sautéing, boiling, and microwaving.

• Key Characteristics: Acorn squash has a mild and sweet flavor profile similar to pumpkin. It has a tender texture and can be roasted, baked, or pureed to use as a substitute.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of acorn squash as a substitute for pumpkin. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.

2 – Sweet Potatoes

For many individuals, sweet potatoes and yams are interchangeable.

However, there is a difference: sweet potatoes typically have a red or orange tint to them, while yams tend to be darker in color, making them appear browner.

This vegetable tastes great when prepared as fries or mashed with cinnamon and butter (or a vegan alternative such as coconut oil instead of butter).

Sweet potatoes can be found in grocery stores year-round.

This vegetable can make soups, casseroles, fries, etc.

• Key Characteristics: Sweet potatoes offer natural sweetness and a creamy texture. While they have a distinct flavor from pumpkin, they can be roasted, mashed, or pureed to provide a similar consistency and sweetness.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of sweet potatoes as a substitute for pumpkin. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.

3 – Butternut Squash

If you are looking for a squash with a nuttier flavor, butternut squash is a perfect choice.

They can be found in multiple sizes and colors, including orange and yellow.

It may also have green patches throughout its surface that do not affect the taste or quality of the vegetable.

This squash tastes great when roasted with things like garlic and onion.

This vegetable can be found in grocery stores year-round.

Butternut squash can be used to make soups, stews, and roasts.

It may also add a creamy texture when paired with pasta or rice dishes.

• Key Characteristics: Butternut squash has a sweet and nutty flavor with a smooth texture. It can be roasted, boiled, or pureed, making it an excellent substitute for pumpkin in various recipes.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of butternut squash as a substitute for pumpkin. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.

4 – Hubbard Squash

Hubbard squash is a winter squash typically has a green and yellow color.

They can also be found in smaller sizes and may appear more round than other types of winter squashes.

This squash has a nutty flavor and, when cooked, has a sweet taste.

Hubbard squash tastes great in soups, stews, or casseroles.

It can also be roasted or sautéed with other vegetables.

This vegetable can be found at grocery stores year-round.

It is important to note that there are many varieties of this squash.

If you cannot find a hubbard squash at your grocery store, try substituting a butternut or acorn squash instead.

• Key Characteristics: Hubbard squash is sweet and rich, with a dense texture. It can be roasted, steamed, or pureed to mimic the flavor and consistency of pumpkin.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of hubbard squash as a substitute for pumpkin. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.

5 – Canned Pumpkin

Canned pumpkin can be found at grocery stores year-round and is typically used as a baking ingredient.

When cooked, it has a sweet taste and creamy texture.

This canned product may pair nicely with other ingredients such as spices, sugar, oil, and fruit.

The mixture can then be cooked or baked before being served as a dessert or side dish.

Canned pumpkin can make soups, stews, and other dishes.

It may also add a sweet flavor to pasta or rice dishes.

Remember to avoid using this ingredient for pumpkin pies because it will not give the same taste.

• Key Characteristics: Canned pumpkin provides a smooth and creamy texture with a rich flavor. While it may seem obvious, using canned pumpkin can be a convenient substitute when fresh pumpkin is not available.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of canned pumpkin as a substitute for fresh pumpkin. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.

Conclusion

Pumpkin is a versatile vegetable that works well in desserts, side dishes, and main courses.

If you cannot find this ingredient at your grocery store, don’t worry.

There are several substitutes for pumpkin, including acorn squash, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, hubbard squash, and canned pumpkin.

Depending on the recipe, acorn squash may taste better than butternut or hubbard.

The same goes for other substitutes like sweet potatoes or canned pumpkin.

If possible, try using a couple of types and see which one works best with your dish.