Name: Classic and Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 1.2 kg pumpkin (any type) or butternut squash, unpeeled weight; 1 onion, sliced (white, brown, or yellow); 2 garlic cloves, peeled whole; 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth/stock, low sodium; 1 cup water; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 to 3/4 cup cream, half and half, or milk

If you’re craving something comforting, cozy, and effortlessly delicious, this Classic and Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s not just smooth and velvety but ready in no time — perfect for warming you up on any chilly day!

pumpkin soup - The image shows a thick creamy orange soup in a black pot positioned on a white marbled surface. The soup’s surface is smooth with a swirl of white cream creating a spiral pattern on top. A large silver spoon is partially dipped into the soup, catching light to show its shiny metal texture. The colors contrast nicely with the warm orange soup and the white cream swirl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Classic and Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Classic and Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Classic and Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever the pumpkin season rolls around, this soup is my go-to for quick comfort. The beauty is in its simplicity — no fancy ingredients, just honest, hearty flavors that remind me of home.

Speedy prep: You can have this soup simmering and ready to enjoy in about 15 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
Flexible ingredients: Whether you use fresh pumpkin, butternut squash, or even canned puree, this recipe adapts without losing its charm.
Rich, creamy texture: The addition of cream (or milk for a lighter touch) lends a velvety smoothness that feels indulgent but isn’t fussy.
Customizable flavors: From swapping broth types to adding your favorite herbs, this soup invites you to make it truly your own kitchen masterpiece.

pumpkin soup - A white bowl with a blue rim is filled with smooth orange soup. On the surface of the soup, there is a swirl of white cream and a sprinkling of green herbs and black pepper, adding texture and color contrast. A woman's hand is holding a piece of white bread dipped in the soup, showing a thick layer of soup coating the bread. The scene is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Classic and Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe plays a role in building that comforting flavor and silky texture. Here’s why I love the choices and some tips when you’re shopping.

pumpkin soup - Flat lay of vibrant orange pumpkin chunks with smooth, matte skin, nestled beside a glossy whole butternut squash sliced lengthwise to reveal its deep orange flesh, crisp white and brown onion slices showing delicate layers, two shiny garlic cloves with papery skin intact, a small heap of fresh green parsley leaves adding a pop of color, and a small glass jar filled with thick, creamy white cream showcasing its rich texture, all naturally arranged with gentle overlaps and soft shadows, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Pumpkin or Butternut Squash: Using fresh pumpkin adds natural sweetness and earthy depth. Butternut squash can be a sweeter, creamier substitute — either works beautifully.
Onion: Provides a savory base layer that balances the pumpkin’s mild sweetness.
Garlic cloves: Whole cloves gently infuse the soup without overpowering it — just the right hint of aromatic warmth.
Vegetable or chicken broth: Low sodium stocks let you control saltiness and enhance the overall flavor without masking the pumpkin.
Water: Added to balance the liquid — just enough to help the pumpkin cook evenly without diluting flavor.
Sour cream/ Cream/ Milk: I often use cream for richness, but milk or half-and-half work well too. It softens the soup’s texture and adds that addictive creamy finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The best thing about this Classic and Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe is how open it is to your personal touch. I love experimenting and adding little twists that turn it into something totally mine — and you can do the same!

Variation: Sometimes, I add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to deepen the warmth, which makes the soup feel like a cozy hug on a cold day. If you like a bit of heat, a dash of cayenne or chili flakes kicks it up a notch without overwhelming the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
Dairy-Free: To keep it vegan or dairy-free, swap the cream for coconut milk. It gives a lovely tropical twist and smooth richness.
Protein Boost: For a heartier meal, stir in cooked lentils or chickpeas after blending for texture and extra nutrition.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Classic and Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pumpkin Like a Pro

First things first, I slice the pumpkin into about 3cm (a bit over an inch) thick pieces. Don’t worry if your cuts aren’t perfectly even — rustic is charming here! I remove the skin and scoop out the seeds (a spoon works wonders). Then chunk it into roughly 4cm pieces. Pro tip: If you want, roast those seeds with a pinch of salt for a crunchy snack while you cook!

Step 2: Let Everything Simmer Together

Into your pot go the pumpkin chunks, sliced onion, and whole garlic cloves. Pour in the broth and a cup of water — you’ll see the pumpkin peeking above the surface, and that’s totally fine. Bring it to a boil uncovered, then drop the heat so it simmers rapidly. I usually test after 10 minutes with a butter knife; if it slides easily into the pumpkin, you’re good to blend!

Step 3: Blend to Velvety Perfection

Once your pumpkin is tender, it’s time to blend. I swear by my stick blender because it’s quick and cuts down on cleanup. If you’re using a traditional blender, let the soup cool a bit first — hot soup plus blender lids that aren’t sealed tight equals an explosive mess I learned to avoid the hard way! Blend until totally smooth and luscious.

Step 4: Season and Swirl in the Cream

Give the soup a good stir with salt and pepper to taste — this is where you bring out the flavors. Finally, stir in your cream, milk, or half and half gently. Remember: don’t boil the soup after adding cream, or it’ll split, ruining that beautiful silky texture.

Top Tip

From countless batches, here are a few things I’ve learned that make this Classic and Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe come out perfect every time — and I want you to enjoy that same success!

Use fresh pumpkin when possible: The flavor and texture are unbeatable compared to canned, though canned puree is a handy substitute when you’re short on time.
Don’t skip the cream: Even a splash of milk can transform your soup's mouthfeel, making it irresistibly smooth and rich.
Be mindful when blending hot soup: Always vent your blender lid or use a stick blender to avoid unexpected eruptions in your kitchen.
Season gradually: Add salt and pepper after blending so you can adjust seasoning precisely without overdoing it.

How to Serve Classic and Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my bowls with a little extra swirl of cream or a drizzle of olive oil for a glossy finish. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper adds bite, and parsley or chives give a burst of fresh green that wakes up the presentation. Toasted pumpkin seeds make a fantastic crunchy topper and are surprisingly addictive!

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is my go-to companion — a warm baguette or sourdough really soaks up the soup beautifully. For something a little heartier, grilled cheese sandwiches or roasted vegetable crostini pair incredibly well and turn this soup into a filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving the soup in mini pumpkins hollowed out like little bowls — it’s a showstopper and adds festive charm. You can also rim your bowls with a dusting of smoked paprika or cinnamon to amp up the aroma and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover pumpkin soup in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays fresh for up to three days. Before reheating, give it a good stir since it tends to thicken as it chills.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully, which is a lifesaver for busy days. I portion it into individual containers or freezer bags, and it’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

When reheating, do it low and slow on the stove to preserve that creamy texture. If the soup looks thicker than you like, stirring in a splash of water or broth smooths it right out. Avoid microwaving at full power as it can cause uneven heating or split the cream.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this pumpkin soup recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth and swap the cream for coconut milk or a plant-based milk alternative to keep it dairy-free while still creamy and delicious.

What’s the best way to peel and cut pumpkin?

Cut the pumpkin into thick slices first, then slice off the tough skin using a sturdy knife or vegetable peeler. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon before chopping into chunks. Watching a quick video tutorial can be really helpful for this step!

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?

Yes! Two cans of pumpkin puree can replace fresh pumpkin in this recipe. Just add them directly to the pot with broth and garlic, then simmer and blend as usual. It’s a great shortcut with almost no compromise on flavor.

How do I prevent the cream from splitting?

The key is to add cream at the end after you’ve removed the soup from heat and avoid boiling it afterward. Stir cream in gently and serve immediately for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Classic and Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe has become one of those comforting staples in my kitchen that I keep returning to, season after season. It’s so satisfying to whip up from simple, wholesome ingredients and enjoy bowls of smooth, creamy goodness with friends or family. Give it a try for your next cozy meal — I promise it’ll soon feel like an old friend in your recipe collection!