Creamy Pumpkin Hummus Recipe

10 minute creamy pumpkin hummus recipe transforms fall gatherings. Learn how to make savory pumpkin hummus with tahini, maple syrup, and warm spices in minutes.

Hi, I’m Linda, and welcome to Tasty at Home—where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens.

Last October, I stood in my kitchen staring at three cans of pumpkin purée. My ambitious pie plans had fallen through. Well… I wasn’t about to let perfectly good pumpkin go to waste.

That’s when inspiration struck. Moreover, I’d been craving something savory after weeks of pumpkin spice everything. What if I combined my favorite chickpea hummus with autumn’s star ingredient?

The first batch? Honestly, it was a disaster. Too thick, overly sweet, and lacking that signature hummus tang. But after twelve attempts—yes, twelve—I finally nailed the balance between earthy pumpkin and bright, garlicky goodness.

One bite transported me straight to a cozy Vermont farmhouse, where the smell of cinnamon and roasted vegetables fills crisp autumn air. Additionally, this autumn hummus recipe became my secret weapon at every fall gathering. Friends kept asking for the recipe, convinced I’d spent hours in the kitchen.

Let me tell you—this 10 minute creamy pumpkin hummus recipe requires less time than brewing your morning coffee. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just need a quick weeknight snack, this savory pumpkin hummus delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss.

Tasty at Home – Where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens.

Why This Pumpkin Hummus Stands Apart From Everything Else

Traditional hummus certainly has its place. However, this roasted pumpkin hummus brings something entirely different to your appetizer spread.

The secret lies in balancing sweet and savory elements. Consequently, you get creamy texture, warm spices, and that addictive tang all in one bite. I’ve tested this recipe at four different dinner parties, and it disappears faster than any cheese board I’ve ever served.

What makes this version special? The ice water technique. Most recipes skip this crucial step, leaving you with grainy, paste-like hummus. Meanwhile, adding ice water one tablespoon at a time creates that silky-smooth texture you’d expect from upscale restaurants.

Furthermore, this recipe uses pure maple syrup instead of sugar. This subtle swap adds depth without overwhelming the savory spices. Thomas Keller always emphasizes the importance of layered flavors, and this approach delivers exactly that complexity.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Hummus

Ingredient	US Measurement	Metric	Purpose
Chickpeas (canned, drained)	1 can (15 oz)	425g	Protein base, creamy texture
Pumpkin purée (NOT pie filling)	1 can (15 oz)	425g	Star flavor, autumn essence
Tahini	⅓ cup	80ml	Nutty richness, traditional flavor
Olive oil	¼ cup	60ml	Smooth consistency, healthy fats
Ice water	¼ cup	60ml	Ultra-creamy texture secret
Fresh lemon juice	½ lemon	~2 tbsp	Bright acidity, balance
Pure maple syrup	1 tablespoon	15ml	Natural sweetness, depth
Garlic cloves	2 cloves	–	Sharp, pungent kick
Ground cumin	1 teaspoon	5ml	Earthy, warm undertones
Ground cinnamon	¾ teaspoon	3.75ml	Autumn spice, subtle sweetness
Kosher salt	1 teaspoon	5ml	Flavor enhancer
Cayenne pepper	Pinch	–	Heat balance, complexity

Bold Add-Ins and Creative Twists

Toppings (choose your favorites):

• Pomegranate arils (jewel-like bursts of tartness)
• Toasted pepitas (crunchy contrast)
• Fresh rosemary, finely chopped (aromatic sophistication)
• Extra virgin olive oil (glossy finish)

For serving:

• Crisp apple slices (Honeycrisp works beautifully)
• Rainbow carrot sticks
• Pita chips or root veggie chips
• Baked Cranberry Brie Bites pair wonderfully alongside

Shopping Tips for US Grocery Stores

Shopping smart saves time and money. Therefore, here’s what you need to know before heading to the store.

Pumpkin purée vs. pie filling: This distinction matters enormously. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices. Instead, look for 100% pure pumpkin purée in the baking aisle. Libby’s is the most reliable national brand.

Tahini selection: Find tahini near the peanut butter or in the international foods section. Soom and Seed + Mill offer exceptional quality. Alternatively, some stores stock it in the organic section.

Fresh vs. jarred garlic: Fresh garlic provides superior flavor. However, jarred minced garlic works in a pinch—use 1 teaspoon per clove.

Quality indicators: Choose chickpeas packed in BPA-free cans. Additionally, tahini should have minimal separation and a nutty (not bitter) smell when opened.

International Substitutions

For readers outside the US:

• Chickpeas = garbanzo beans
• Pumpkin purée = butternut squash purée works similarly
• Kosher salt = sea salt flakes
• Maple syrup = honey or date syrup
• Pita chips = flatbread crackers

Equipment You’ll Need (Plus DIY Alternatives)

Essential Tools

Food processor: This recipe demands a food processor rather than a blender. Consequently, you’ll achieve the proper texture without overheating the mixture. A standard 11-cup Cuisinart works perfectly. Don’t have one? A high-powered blender can substitute, though you’ll need to stop and scrape down sides frequently.

Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time.

Can opener: Obviously necessary for those chickpeas and pumpkin.

Rubber spatula: Essential for scraping down the food processor bowl between additions.

Serving bowl: Choose something shallow and wide for beautiful presentation.

DIY Alternatives

No food processor? You know what—a potato masher combined with serious elbow grease can work. The texture won’t be as silky, but you’ll still get delicious results. Alternatively, some stick blenders come with chopping attachments that handle this job adequately.

Missing a citrus juicer? Simply fork the lemon half and twist while squeezing. Strain out seeds with your fingers.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Path to Hummus Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients (2 Minutes)

Start by draining and rinsing your chickpeas thoroughly. This removes excess sodium and that slightly metallic canned taste. Meanwhile, mince your garlic finely—roughly chopped pieces won’t break down completely.

Measure everything before starting. Julia Child called this “mise en place,” and it prevents scrambling mid-recipe. Consequently, your hummus comes together smoothly and quickly.

Step 2: Initial Food Processor Pulse (1 Minute)

Add chickpeas, pumpkin purée, and minced garlic to your food processor bowl. Pulse 5-6 times to break everything into small, manageable pieces. Don’t run continuously yet—you’re just getting started.

The mixture should look chunky and uneven. That’s exactly what you want at this stage.

Step 3: Add Flavor Foundation (30 Seconds)

Now add lemon juice, tahini, maple syrup, kosher salt, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. These ingredients build flavor complexity that develops during processing.

Oops! I once forgot the lemon juice entirely. The resulting hummus tasted flat and one-dimensional. That bright acidity balances the pumpkin’s earthiness—don’t skip it.

Step 4: Process With Olive Oil (2-3 Minutes)

Turn your food processor on and let it run continuously. While running, slowly drizzle olive oil through the feed tube. This gradual addition emulsifies everything, creating creaminess.

Let the processor work for a full 2-3 minutes without stopping. Your patience pays off here. The mixture transforms from chunky to creamy, though it’ll still show some texture.

Listen for the sound change—it shifts from choppy to smooth. Additionally, the color lightens as air incorporates into the mixture.

Step 5: The Ice Water Secret (2 Minutes)

Here’s where magic happens. With the processor still running, add ice water one tablespoon at a time through the feed tube. After each addition, let the processor run for 20-30 seconds.

Watch the texture transform. The hummus becomes silky, airy, and incredibly smooth—exactly like restaurant-quality versions. Add more or less water depending on your preference. I typically use the full ¼ cup, but you might prefer stopping at 3 tablespoons for thicker consistency.

Common mistake to avoid: Adding water too quickly creates a soupy mess. Patience wins every time.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust (1 Minute)

Stop the processor and taste your creation. Does it need more salt? Perhaps another squeeze of lemon? This adjustment moment separates good hummus from exceptional hummus.

Remember, flavors intensify slightly after chilling. Therefore, season confidently but don’t overdo it.

Step 7: Serve With Style (1 Minute)

Transfer hummus to a shallow serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create swoops and swirls—this isn’t just pretty, it creates pockets for olive oil and toppings.

Drizzle generously with olive oil. Then add your chosen toppings. I love the color contrast of pomegranate arils against orange hummus. Similarly, fresh rosemary adds sophisticated aroma and visual appeal.

Arrange apple slices, carrot sticks, and chips around the bowl. Serve immediately or refrigerate until needed.

Expert Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results

Texture Perfection

Want ultra-smooth hummus? Remove chickpea skins before processing. Honestly, this takes extra time, but the difference is noticeable. Simply pinch each chickpea between your fingers—the skin slips right off.

Alternatively, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil for richer mouthfeel.

Flavor Depth

Toast your cumin before adding it. Heat the ground spice in a dry skillet for 30 seconds until fragrant. This technique (often used by Thomas Keller) intensifies the earthy notes dramatically.

Furthermore, letting the hummus rest for 30 minutes before serving allows flavors to marry and develop.

Temperature Matters

Serve pumpkin hummus at room temperature rather than straight from the fridge. Cold temperatures mute flavors and create a firmer texture. Let it sit out for 20 minutes before guests arrive.

Color Enhancement

For deeper orange color, add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika along with other spices. This adds subtle smokiness while enhancing visual appeal.

Creative Variations to Keep Things Exciting

1. Spicy Southwest Pumpkin Hummus

Replace cinnamon with ½ teaspoon chipotle powder. Add 1 teaspoon lime juice instead of lemon. Top with pepitas and fresh cilantro. This variation pairs beautifully with tortilla chips and makes Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad even better.

2. Maple Pecan Autumn Hummus Recipe

Increase maple syrup to 2 tablespoons. Toast ¼ cup pecans and fold them in after processing. This sweeter version works wonderfully for brunch spreads or Thanksgiving appetizers.

3. Roasted Garlic Pumpkin Hummus

Roast a whole garlic head until golden and caramelized. Use the soft cloves instead of raw garlic. The sweetness complements pumpkin perfectly while adding depth. Man, oh man—this version converts hummus skeptics instantly.

4. Herbed Mediterranean Style

Add 2 tablespoons fresh sage (finely chopped) and reduce cinnamon to ¼ teaspoon. This savory pumpkin hummus version leans Italian and pairs with focaccia beautifully.

5. Holiday Cranberry Swirl

Make the base recipe as written. Warm ½ cup cranberry sauce until loose. Swirl it through the finished hummus for festive color. Serve alongside Christmas Cherry Bars for holiday parties.

Storage, Make-Ahead, and Freezing Instructions

Storage Method	Duration	Best Practices
Refrigerator (airtight container)	5-7 days	Press plastic wrap directly on surface to prevent browning
Freezer (portion in ice cube trays)	3 months	Thaw overnight in fridge, stir before serving
Room temperature (party serving)	2 hours	Keep away from direct sunlight, stir occasionally

Make-Ahead Strategy

This 10 minute creamy pumpkin hummus actually improves overnight. Therefore, make it a day ahead for parties. The flavors meld and deepen, creating even better results.

Before serving, let it reach room temperature and give it a good stir. The olive oil might separate slightly during storage—this is completely normal. Simply mix it back in.

Freezing Tips

Freeze in portions for convenient snacking. Ice cube trays work perfectly—each cube equals about 2 tablespoons. Once frozen solid, pop them out and store in freezer bags.

To thaw, transfer desired amount to the fridge overnight. Never microwave frozen hummus—it separates and becomes grainy.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

For Fall Gatherings

Serve this roasted pumpkin hummus alongside Creamy Oven Baked Mashed Potatoes and Root Vegetable Gratin for Thanksgiving appetizers. The color palette alone creates stunning tablescapes.

Weeknight Snacking

Pair with sliced Honeycrisp apples and sharp cheddar cheese. Add some marcona almonds and you’ve got an impressive cheese board in minutes.

Lunch Box Addition

Pack in small containers with pretzel crisps and baby carrots. This protein-rich snack keeps energy steady throughout afternoon slumps.

Dinner Party Starter

Serve before heavier mains like roasted chicken or beef tenderloin. The light, fresh flavors prepare palates without overwhelming them. Consider adding Perfect Creamed Corn as a complementary side.

Beverage Pairings

Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc cut through the richness beautifully. Alternatively, hard apple cider embraces the autumn theme completely. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling apple juice or herbal tea (especially chamomile) works wonderfully.

Creamy Pumpkin Hummus Recipe FAQs

Bringing It All Together: Your New Fall Tradition

Remember that Vermont farmhouse feeling I mentioned? That’s exactly what you’ll create in your own kitchen with this 10 minute creamy pumpkin hummus recipe.

What started as a happy accident with leftover pumpkin has become my most-requested autumn appetizer. Friends now expect it at every gathering. Accordingly, I’ve made peace with the fact that I’ll be making this every October through December.

The beauty lies in its versatility. Serve it at elegant dinner parties or casual game days. Pack it for office lunches or after-school snacks. Either way, you’re delivering wholesome, flavorful food that brings people together.

Try pairing this roasted pumpkin hummus with a crisp Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad for a complete fall feast. The sweet-tart apples complement the savory hummus perfectly.

Have you made your own version yet? I’d love to see your creative toppings and serving ideas. Tag us on social media with your autumn hummus recipe creations—especially if you’ve invented new flavor combinations. Who knows? Your variation might inspire the next recipe evolution.