Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup (With Canned Pumpkin!)
This easy slow cooker pumpkin soup recipe is so easy to prepare with canned pumpkin! It’s a simple dump-and-go slow cooker meal that’s perfectly rich, creamy and oh-so cozy.

5 star review
“Wow, I LOVED this! Fall perfection, and so easy. I love the balance of flavors; the tomato adds just the right hint of acidity without taking over, and the spices add depth and warmth without making me feel like I’m drinking pumpkin pie. 🙂”
– Ginny
About this Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Rich, warming and creamy – this cozy Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup recipe is a fall favorite in our house!
It’s a go-to dinner from my fall capsule meal plan and one of those easy slow cooker soup recipes that’s made for busy weeks.
We’re using canned pumpkin instead of roasting & pureeing a fresh, whole pumpkin so the prep could not be easier.
And since it cooks low & slow with aromatics and spices, the end result is just as rich and flavorful without all the extra fuss.
The best part is that it’s a simple dump-and-go slow cooker recipe, and you likely already have many of the ingredients on hand already in your pantry & fridge, so you can make this yummy soup anytime!
Tip: The consistency of this soup is very traditional for a creamy pumpkin soup. If you prefer something thicker, you can always add 1-2 peeled and chopped potatoes to the mix.
This post was originally published with the title “Slow Cooker Tuscan Pumpkin Soup”, we’ve changed the name and updated it to improve the post but it’s the same great recipe!

Process & Tips
This is a dump and go slow cooker recipe, which means it requires no browning or sauteing beforehand.
So, all you have to do is add all your ingredients to your crockpot and let it do the work for you!
The trick to getting a luscious, creamy soup (without a drop of cream) is to add your coconut milk at the very end after everything is done cooking.
Saving it until then ensures you get the creamiest results without the soup feeling thin or watered down.
And don’t worry, even if you’re not typically a fan of coconut milk, I still think you’ll enjoy this hearty, cozy soup.
The garlic, onion and cinnamon really help to overpower it – plus it adds creaminess, mellows the acidity of the tomato, and doesn’t add coconut flavor to the soup!
The sage and rosemary add freshness and depth to this recipe, but if you can’t find them or they’re not within your budget, feel free to skip them.
How to Make Pumpkin Soup in the Instant Pot
I love the convenience of making this in the slow cooker but created a post for you that walks you through how to make instant pot pumpkin soup too.
So if you ever find yourself short on time, this pressure cooker version uses the same ingredients and is just as easy & delicious!

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup
Double up on the pumpkin party and serve with this easy pumpkin bread.
Crusty bread, crunchy croutons or one bowl cornbread muffins would all be fantastic with this warm bowl of soup.
Feel free to get creative and load it up with all the toppings – such as toasted pumpkin seeds, roasted maple chickpeas, bacon bits, Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs for added flavor and texture.
Serve with an easy side salad by tossing any of your favorite greens in an easy salad dressing recipe for a simple and delicious soup & salad night!
Tip: If you like a little more spice, you can add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle of cayenne pepper on top before serving.

Ingredients & Modifications
Pumpkin puree: Using canned pumpkin is a great shortcut in this recipe! Be sure to use unsweetened pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. You can make your own pumpkin puree from fresh roasted pumpkin if you like, it will just add to your prep steps & prep time.
Tomato sauce: Another great, versatile ingredient to keep in your pantry! The natural acidity of the tomato sauce provides a nice balance to the pumpkin in this soup.
Vegetable stock: You can use either vegetable stock (to keep it a vegetarian friendly meal) or chicken stock, both work great in this recipe.
Heavy cream: You can also use full-fat coconut milk from a can (note that this will not work with “coconut beverage” from a box). It imparts some creaminess without much (if any) noticeable coconut flavor. You can use a low-fat coconut milk but the result will be more watery & much less creamy.
Garlic: Since we’re using so few ingredients, I opted to use fresh garlic cloves for this recipe and it adds beautiful flavor to this soup. But you could also use granulated garlic powder in its place if you prefer.
Onion: I love the aromatic & savory depth of flavor that onions add to homemade soups, stews and chowders. You could also use shallot in its place. If you don’t like or can’t have onions, feel free to omit them.
Maple syrup: The hint of sweetness from the maple syrup pairs so well with these other fall flavors and ingredients in this soup. Omit the maple syrup for a low sugar or Whole30 option.
Cinnamon: The cinnamon might feel like an unexpected addition to a savory soup but it’s another fall ingredient that feels very at-home with these other flavors.
Kosher salt: Look for kosher salt with the regular iodized salt at the grocery store (it has a subtler flavor). Use less iodized salt if that’s what you have on hand.
How to Store & Freeze Leftovers
This pumpkin soup with coconut milk recipe makes great (freezable) leftovers for easy lunches and dinners.
Leftover soup will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, in a sealed container.
Or up to 3-4 months in a sealed container in the freezer.
My favorite method is to freeze in individual servings in glass mason jars – this post has all my best tips for how to freeze anything in a mason jar.
More Easy Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup (with Canned Pumpkin!)
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
- 2 15-ounce cans pumpkin puree, (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup, (omit for Whole30)
- 2 cups chicken stock, (or vegetable stock for vegetarian/vegan)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
To Add at the End
- ½ cup heavy cream, (or full-fat coconut milk)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Optional Toppings
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage, optional
- Freshly ground pepper and salt to taste
- freshly grated parmesan
Instructions
- Add the onion, garlic, pumpkin puree, tomato sauce, maple syrup, stock, cinnamon, and salt to a 6-quart slow cooker, stirring to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-8, or until the onion is very tender.
- Uncover and add the cream or coconut milk and lemon juice. Using an immersion blender, blend until very smooth. Alternatively, working in batches, carefully ladle the soup into a blender and blend on high until smooth.
- Add the rosemary and sage if using, stirring to combine. Taste and add additional salt if desired.
Great recipe!
So glad you enjoyed!
Could this be cooked in an instant pot?
Tara, I haven’t tested it yet, but I think so! I’d do high pressure for 5 minutes, then quick release. You just want to make sure the onions cook through. Then add the coconut milk and blend. Let us know how it turns out, I know others will want to give it a try! 🙂
The fact that my picky 5 & 8 year old boys ate it is a miracle! It was delicious 🙂
Elisabeth, woohoo, love that! So glad you enjoyed!
I love this soup! I ate it all weekend! I used half the amount of onion and it is still incredibly tasty!
Maria, yay, so glad you enjoyed this one and that you adapted it to fit your tastes. Cheers!
Excellent soup! Very creative recipe, and great for Autumn!
So glad you enjoyed this one, Debbie!
How much fresh pumpkin should/could I use instead of canned?
Hi Bonnie, the equivalent would be 30 oz or about 3 1/2 cups.
Great recipe! Great for Autumn!
Debra, yay, so glad you enjoyed this one. I agree, so cozy for autumn. Thanks so much for leaving a review!
Can you freeze this soup? What are your thoughts? I made a big batch and hoping to save some for later!
Anna, yes! It might separate a bit, but give it a good stir as you reheat and you should be good to go. Enjoy!
Would whole tomatoes work for this instead of the sauce if you’re using an immersion blender anyway? Super excited to make this!
Hi Jessi, no, whole tomatoes won’t work. Tomato sauce contains tomatoes that have been cooked and reduced for a long time, plus seasonings. Using regular tomatoes will results in a watery soup, so go for the sauce! Hope you enjoy.
I just used the sauce since I hadn’t heard back. Disclaimer: I changed the spices pretty significantly because I added curry powder and paprika, and I added roasted pumpkin seeds since I had them. That said, it came out really nice! I’m super pleased.
Jessi, oh good. I love the idea of adding curry powder, and the pumpkin seeds are a great idea. Definitely going to try your way next time!
I am allergic to tree nuts and coconut. Do you recommend regular milk, half and half, or heavy cream be added instead?
Thanks!
Hi Heather, half and half or heavy cream should do the trick! I hope you enjoy.
Any suggestions if we don’t have an immersion blender?
Sarah, you can carefully transfer to a regular blender and blend until smooth! Work in batches if necessary. Hope you enjoy!
Hi Robyn,
Could I add chicken to this? Thanks!
Jenny, I think so… try adding boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the beginning of the cooking process, then pull it out before blending, shred, then add back. Let us know how it goes!
This was very good. Like the good Italian girl I am, I added lots of freshly grated parmesan (romano would be good too). We always add it to our soups.
Sounds yummy!
I love this one! Smells so weird but I keep cooking and eating it! It’s delicious, sometimes I leave out the honey and it’s still good.
Abygail, yay, so happy to hear you enjoyed this one. Thanks for the note on the honey as well!
This soup is SO good! Even my hubby who doesn’t like pumpkin anything ate it. I added smoked paprika in and an apple in place of the syrup/honey. SO tasty!
Shana, yay, so happy you (and the pumpkin skeptical hubby) enjoyed this one. Thanks so much for leaving a review. 🙂
This was absolutely delicious!!! And so easy. Definitely will be making it again. My entire family loved it.
Erin, yay, so happy you enjoyed this one, thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!
I love your site very much!
I’ve made this pumpkin soup for two fall/winter years and it’s still the easiest and yummiest pumpkin soup I’ve made!
Kasey, yay, so happy to hear you’re enjoying this one! Thank you so much for leaving such a kind review!
Awesome taste and so easy to make!!
Yay, so glad you enjoyed this one, Dawn. Thanks so much for leaving a review!
Made it vegan. Best pumpkin soup recipe I’ve tried!
Yay, so happy you enjoyed this one, Kelsey! Thanks so much for leaving a review!
Wow, I LOVED this! Fall perfection, and so easy. I love the balance of flavors; the tomato adds just the right hint of acidity without taking over, and the spices add depth and warmth without making me feel like I’m drinking pumpkin pie. 🙂
I poured in a whole can of coconut milk having forgotten that it was only meant to be half a cup, but honestly, it was delicious and not overtly coconut-y even with the full can. I will probably just plan to do that whenever I make this (and I do plan to have it in my regular fall/winter rotation!) so that I’m not left with extra coconut milk to find a use for.
Ginny, Fantastic, so happy to hear you enjoyed this one, and great tip about the coconut milk. I’m sure others will take note, especially to avoid leftover coconut milk. Thanks so much for leaving a review!