In the realm of quick and comforting meals, few dishes rival the simplicity and rich flavor of a homemade soup. And when it comes to pumpkin, the idea of peeling, roasting, and pureeing a whole squash can feel like a daunting task, especially on a busy weeknight. This is precisely where our Creamy Canned Pumpkin Soup shines. It’s a true “don’t overthink it” culinary winner, proving that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to achieve a deeply satisfying, velvety smooth, and incredibly flavorful pumpkin soup. Made with readily available canned pumpkin, this recipe eliminates all the fuss, delivering genuine taste that rivals any from-scratch version. We’ve explored every shortcut imaginable, and this method consistently demonstrates that canned pumpkin can indeed produce a soup just as exquisite as one made with fresh puree.
This Creamy Pumpkin Soup is exceptionally simple to prepare using canned pumpkin, making it an ideal choice for a healthy, homemade savory dish. Its robust flavor is elevated when generously topped with your favorite garnishes, such as crunchy croutons, crispy bacon bits, and toasted pumpkin seeds. Whether you’re seeking a warm embrace on a chilly evening or a flavorful meal prep option, this soup delivers on taste and convenience.
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Table of Contents
The Magic of Canned Pumpkin: Why It’s Your Secret Weapon
Forget the cumbersome process of carving, de-seeding, roasting, and blending a fresh pumpkin. Canned pumpkin puree is a culinary hero that offers unparalleled convenience without compromising on flavor or texture. It’s pre-cooked and perfectly smooth, saving you significant time and effort. This makes it an ideal ingredient for busy home cooks who crave comforting, wholesome meals but are short on time. Beyond its convenience, canned pumpkin delivers a consistent flavor and vibrant color every single time, ensuring your soup is always a success. When selecting your canned pumpkin, always look for labels that explicitly state “100% pure pumpkin” or “pure pumpkin puree.” Avoid “pumpkin pie filling,” as this contains added sugars and spices that will alter the savory profile of your soup. Pure pumpkin is simply cooked and mashed pumpkin, offering a neutral canvas for all your culinary creations.
Nutritional Benefits of Pumpkin Soup
This creamy pumpkin soup isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with beneficial nutrients. Pumpkin itself is a powerhouse, rich in vitamins, particularly Vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), which is vital for vision and immune function. It’s also a good source of Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Combined with carrots, celery, and onions, this soup becomes a medley of healthy vegetables, contributing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your diet. The addition of broth and a touch of cream creates a comforting and satisfying meal that can easily fit into a balanced eating plan, especially when mindful of portion sizes and toppings.
Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Canned Pumpkin Soup
Crafting this quick and delicious soup requires just a few staple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Olive Oil: The foundation for sautéing our aromatics, providing a subtle richness and preventing sticking.
- Carrots, Celery, and Onions (Mirepoix): This classic aromatic trio is the soul of many savory dishes. They are slow-cooked to create a deeply flavorful base for the soup. For ultimate convenience, grab a pre-chopped mirepoix mix from your grocery store.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic kick that complements the sweetness of the pumpkin beautifully. Freshly minced garlic yields the best flavor.
- Broth: Whether it’s vegetable, chicken, or beef broth, this liquid gold brings the soup together and determines its overall savory depth. Choose a low-sodium option to better control the seasoning.
- Canned 100% Pureed Pumpkin: The star of our show! Its convenience and smooth texture are unmatched. Remember to double-check the label to ensure it’s 100% pure pumpkin and not sweetened pumpkin pie filling. You can find high-quality options on Amazon.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, it instantly infuses the soup with that quintessential autumnal flavor.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This is what gives the soup its luxurious, velvety texture and rich mouthfeel. It transforms a simple soup into a gourmet experience.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste, bringing out all the vibrant flavors of the ingredients.
Customizing Your Pumpkin Soup: Variations and Flavor Boosters
One of the best aspects of this pumpkin soup recipe is its versatility. It serves as an excellent base for numerous customizations, allowing you to tailor it to your exact preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Enhancing Savory Notes or Addressing Blandness
If you find your soup lacking a certain spark, the first step is always to adjust the salt. A little extra salt can awaken all the flavors. Beyond that, consider these additions to deepen its savory profile:
- Curry Powder: A teaspoon or more can add an exotic, warm, and slightly spicy dimension, transforming it into a more robust, Indian-inspired dish.
- Smoked Paprika: For a hint of smoky depth and a beautiful reddish hue, smoked paprika is an excellent choice.
- Turmeric: Offers earthy notes and a vibrant golden color, along with its known health benefits.
- Cayenne Pepper: If you crave a subtle heat, a pinch or two of cayenne pepper will do the trick without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
- **Fresh Herbs**: Stir in some fresh thyme, sage, or rosemary for an aromatic boost.
Making It Sweeter or Spicier
While this recipe leans savory, some prefer a touch of sweetness. You can add a teaspoon of brown sweetener or brown sugar at the end, tasting and adjusting as needed. For those who love a kick, consider a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes during the simmering stage.
Dietary Adaptations
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Easily make this soup dairy-free by swapping heavy whipping cream for full-fat coconut milk (for a slight coconut flavor) or a dairy-free creamer. Ensure your broth is vegetable-based.
- Using Fresh Pumpkin: If you have fresh pumpkin, you can certainly use it. Simply roast the pumpkin until tender, then scoop out the flesh and puree it until smooth before adding it to the soup.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Canned Pumpkin Soup
Making this creamy canned pumpkin soup is wonderfully straightforward. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve perfect results every time. Full measurements are available in the recipe card below.
- Sauté the Veggies: Begin by heating a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large pot or a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your chopped carrots, celery, and onions. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and translucent. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavor of your soup, so don’t rush it. The aroma will tell you they’re ready.
- Add the Garlic: Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste. You just want to release its pungent, sweet aroma into the pot.
- Stir in the Pumpkin Puree: Now, add the canned 100% pure pumpkin purée to the pot. Stir it thoroughly to combine with the sautéed vegetables and garlic. At this stage, the mixture will be quite thick, which is exactly what you want – it means the flavors are beginning to meld and concentrate.
- Pour in Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the broth, then sprinkle in the pumpkin pie spice, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to deepen and the vegetables to become fully tender.
- Blend for Creaminess: Once simmered, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until it is silky smooth and lump-free. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender, blending until smooth, and then return it to the pot. Be extremely cautious when blending hot liquids. If the soup appears too thick for your liking, add a splash more broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy whipping cream. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. If you desire a bolder flavor, add a little more salt, pepper, or pumpkin pie spice. Gently warm the soup through for another 2-3 minutes, but avoid bringing it to a rolling boil after adding the cream, as this can sometimes cause it to separate. Just heat until it’s perfectly cozy and creamy.
- Serve It Up: Ladle the warm, creamy pumpkin soup into bowls. Garnish with a swirl of extra cream, a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, or a drizzle of good quality olive oil. For an extra special touch, add roasted pumpkin seeds or crispy bacon bits. Enjoy your effortlessly delicious homemade soup!
Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
By Brandi Crawford
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10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
American
6 cups
141 kcal
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Equipment
- Immersion Blender
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Freezer Soup Molds
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped carrots
- ¼ cup chopped celery
- ¼ cup chopped onions I used white onions.
- 3 garlic cloves Minced
- 4 cups broth You can use any broth. I used chicken.
- 2/ 15 oz cans 100% pureed pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice See notes for how to make your own.
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Place a soup pot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
- Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the heated oil. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the vegetables begin to soften and release their fragrant aromas.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic; you just want to let its aroma infuse into the vegetables.
- Add the 4 cups of broth, the pureed pumpkin from two 15 oz cans, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, place the lid on the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.
- Remove the lid and stir the soup. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup directly in the pot until it is smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot. Exercise caution as the soup will be hot.
- Stir in the ½ cup of heavy cream until fully incorporated.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Video Tutorial
For a visual guide, check out our step-by-step video on how to make this delicious creamy pumpkin soup. Coming soon!
Notes and Pro Tips
- Cream Alternatives: Heavy whipping cream provides the richest texture, but you can omit it for a lighter soup or substitute it with full-fat coconut milk (for a slight tropical hint), half-and-half, or even plain Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Fresh Pumpkin: While canned pumpkin is incredibly convenient, feel free to use fresh pumpkin if desired. Simply roast, peel, and puree your pumpkin before incorporating it into the recipe.
- Canned Pumpkin Selection: Always confirm the label states 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which is sweetened and spiced.
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice: No pumpkin pie spice on hand? You can easily make your own blend using ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger. A pinch of ground cloves can also be added for extra depth.
- Sweet or Savory Preference: This recipe yields a savory, vegetable-forward soup. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, start by adding 1 teaspoon of brown sweetener or brown sugar during the simmering stage, then taste and adjust as needed.
- Thickening the Soup: If your soup turns out too thin (which can happen if the canned pumpkin is old or a bit watery), you can thicken it. In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of the hot soup until smooth. Stir this slurry back into the pot of soup and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
- Storage & Freezing: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 2-3 months. I highly recommend using Souper Cube soup molds for convenient single-serving portions.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup
Calories: 141kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 9g
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Nutrition Data Disclaimer
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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Delicious Toppings and Serving Ideas
While this Creamy Canned Pumpkin Soup is delightful on its own, adding a variety of toppings can elevate its flavor and presentation, making each bowl a unique culinary experience. Get creative with these ideas:
- Croutons: Store-bought or homemade crispy croutons add a satisfying crunch.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) offer a nutty flavor and pleasant texture.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Cooked Bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon bits provide a savory, salty kick that perfectly complements the sweet undertones of pumpkin.
- Crab: For a luxurious twist, consider adding a small amount of cooked crab meat.
- Caramelized Onions: Sweet, slow-cooked caramelized onions can add incredible depth and a delightful sweetness.
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of your favorite shredded cheese, like cheddar, gouda, or parmesan, adds creaminess and a savory tang as it melts.
- Swirl of Cream or Yogurt: A dollop of extra heavy cream, sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt swirled on top adds a beautiful visual and a creamy finish.
- Drizzle of Olive Oil: A finishing drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall richness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Soup
This recipe produces a savory, vegetable-forward soup, rich with the flavors of onions, carrots, and celery, beautifully complemented by the subtle warmth of pumpkin pie spice. While it leans savory, many enjoy a hint of sweetness. For a sweeter profile, I recommend adding 1 teaspoon of brown sweetener or brown sugar, adjusting to your taste. This balances the earthy pumpkin and aromatic vegetables wonderfully.
Properly stored in an airtight container, this pumpkin soup will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing and refrigerating to maintain quality and prevent bacterial growth.
Yes, this soup freezes exceptionally well! You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. For easy portioning and reheating, I highly recommend using Souper Cube soup molds. Once frozen solid, you can pop out the soup blocks and store them in freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat on the stovetop.
The heavy cream in the recipe already contributes significantly to its creaminess. For an even more velvety finish, you can stir in an extra splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or even a dollop of full-fat plain Greek yogurt. Blending the soup thoroughly with an immersion blender or standard blender is key to achieving that smooth, silky texture.
Absolutely! For a dairy-free or lighter version, simply omit the heavy whipping cream. You can substitute it with unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, or full-fat coconut milk for a richer, dairy-free alternative. The canned pumpkin itself provides a naturally thick and creamy base, so the soup will still be wonderfully satisfying.
Of course! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with other additions. Roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash can be blended in for added depth. For toppings, crispy bacon, toasted pumpkin seeds, a swirl of extra cream, fresh herbs like thyme or sage, or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese are fantastic choices. You can also mix in a small amount of cooked apple puree for a unique hint of sweetness.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with this Comforting Soup
This creamy canned pumpkin soup is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some fantastic suggestions to complement your bowl:
- Pumpkin Cornbread: A delightful combination, echoing the pumpkin flavor in a savory bread.
- Air Fryer Croutons: Homemade, crispy croutons add texture and are incredibly easy to make.
- Sweet Potato Cornbread: Another flavorful cornbread option that complements the sweetness of the pumpkin.
- Cornbread Muffins: Perfect individual portions of classic cornbread.
- Southern Cornbread: For those who love traditional, rich cornbread with their soup.
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: Simple yet effective, perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup.
- Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a lovely contrast to the soup’s richness.
Explore More Pumpkin-Inspired Recipes
If you’re a fan of pumpkin, you’ll love exploring these other delightful recipes that celebrate this versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory forms. From breakfast to dessert, there’s a pumpkin dish for every craving:
- Pumpkin Crisp
- Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
- Sugar Free Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie
- Keto Pumpkin Mug Cake
- Keto Low Carb Pumpkin Bread
- Keto Low Carb Pumpkin Muffins
- Keto Pumpkin Spice Latte
- No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
- Keto Low Carb Pumpkin Cookies
- Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili
- Pumpkin Protein Muffins
Discover Other Hearty Soup Recipes
If you enjoy the comforting warmth of a good bowl of soup, be sure to check out these other popular recipes. From light and refreshing to rich and hearty, there’s a soup for every occasion and palate:
- Chicken Lasagna Soup
- Sweet Potato Soup
- Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup
- Instant Pot Chicken Ramen Soup
- Buffalo Chicken Soup
- Panera Autumn Squash Soup
- Keto Cauliflower Soup
- Ham Potato and Vegetable Soup
- Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Weeknight Pumpkin Soup
This Creamy Canned Pumpkin Soup truly redefines convenience without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with smart shortcuts, can yield a dish that’s both deeply comforting and impressive. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe offers an effortless way to enjoy the rich, autumnal taste of pumpkin in a smooth, creamy soup. Perfect for a brisk fall evening, a quick lunch, or a holiday appetizer, this soup is destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation. So go ahead, grab a can of pumpkin, and let this delightful recipe bring warmth and flavor to your table tonight.