Presenting the Winners from Our Pumpkin Mashups Recipe Contest

Grand Prize: Chai Butternut Squash Pancakes

Hot or cold, chai tea is my absolute favorite drink. I wanted to enjoy the spicy chai flavor in a different way, and that’s when the idea for these pancakes was born. Serve with your choice of syrup; I enjoy them with some added roasted walnuts. — Corinna Nguyen, Hutto, Texas

Check out our contest page to find our current contest and submit your own recipe for consideration!

1st Place: Chipotle Pumpkin Butternut Soup

This comforting, warm soup will help to keep your spirits up in the fall. Using your garden goodies, warm spices are mixed with some heat from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. You can use any beans you like and add fresh spinach or kale. —Teri Schloessmann, Tulsa, Oklahoma

2nd Place: Pumpkin and Shrimp Ceviche

I’ve always loved the freshness of a good shrimp ceviche, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The pumpkin replaces the jicama, and it’s just barely cooked to offer a crunchy delight of fall flavor. It will taste best if you allow it to marinate overnight. —Robert Rossi, Independence, Louisiana

3rd Place: Butternut Squash Coleslaw

Shredded butternut squash makes a surprise appearance in this colorful and crunchy side dish. The sweetness from the maple syrup and cranberries complements meaty fall entrees. —Ann Sheehy, Londonderry, New Hampshire

Runner-Up: Air-Fried Pumpkin Shakarpara

Shakarparas are crispy fried Indian cookies. My Indian American family makes these traditional treats every year for the holidays. I wanted to put my own twist on them, so I adapted the original recipe by adding pumpkin and fall spices, and I make this shakarpara in the air fryer. —Jessica Burke, Chandler, Arizona

Runner-Up: Chocolate Squash Mousse

I love that this chocolate squash mousse is rich and decadent yet is made with simple, plant-based ingredients! Even though this fluffy treat is very quick to whip up, it's something you'll want to savor slowly. —Andy Huffman, Reno, Nevada

Runner-Up: Pumpkin Falafel

Falafel is the ultimate Middle Eastern street food. Pumpkin adds a light sweetness and keeps the patties moist while baking. Top these beauties with a sweet and savory maple tahini sauce. You can serve them sandwich-style, as an appetizer over a bed of greens, or with soup and salad. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Runner-Up: Pumpkin Campfire Bars

Camping is my favorite activity, and s'mores are my favorite camping treat! I had an abundance of pumpkin puree, so I created this rich and chocolatey version for a holiday dinner. This recipe captures all the fun of s'mores without any of the fuss. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington

Runner-Up: Pumpkin Herb Rolls

These cute pumpkin rolls are a festive fall favorite in my household and are definitely worth the extra effort. If you don't have pumpkin on hand, try using sweet potato. —Veronica Fay, Knoxville, Tennessee

Runner-Up: Spiced Pistachio Pumpkin Bread

This sweet and savory pistachio loaf is a nice change of pace from your typical pumpkin spice bread. Cumin and turmeric give the bread a touch of heat. —Mary Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

Runner-Up: Sweet Potato and Butternut Ravioli

This sweet ravioli recipe is filled with butternut squash and sweet potato. This fall dinner comes together in a snap with a light butter sauce. —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, California

Most Innovative: Herbed Pumpkin Flatbread

Rosemary, thyme and pumpkin give these flatbreads an autumnal twist. They are great served with soup or salad and, of course, with curries. — Kayla Capper, Ojai, California