I absolutely love sharing this Easy Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup with Chipotle and Coconut Cream Recipe because it’s that perfect blend of cozy and a little kick—just what you want when the weather starts to cool. It’s packed with warmth from the pumpkin pie spice and a smoky chipotle heat that’s perfectly balanced by the creaminess of coconut milk. Whenever I make this, my family goes crazy for it, and I think you’ll find it hits that perfect sweet-and-spicy note that keeps you coming back for more.
This soup works wonderfully as a weeknight dinner that comes together quickly, but it also shines as a comforting starter for holiday meals or a fall gathering. I love how you can customize the heat level with the chipotle to suit your taste, and the coconut cream adds a silky finish that makes it feel really special without a lot of fuss. If you’ve been hunting for an easy fall soup recipe with big flavor, this Easy Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup with Chipotle and Coconut Cream Recipe will become your go-to in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Flavorful: Combines sweet pumpkin and potato with smoky chipotle for a satisfying taste.
- Simple and Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes on the stovetop, perfect for busy days.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Works great in slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust spice and cream level to suit your preferences effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup with Chipotle and Coconut Cream Recipe brings its own magic, creating layers of warm, rich flavor and creamy texture. Let me walk you through why these come together so beautifully—and a few shopping tips you’ll find handy.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality, extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor when sautéing your onions and spices.
- White onion: Chopped finely for that sweet base flavor that blends seamlessly into the soup.
- Minced chipotle pepper: This smoky canned chipotle in adobo is where the subtle heat and depth come from; don’t skip it!
- Granulated garlic powder: Quickly amps up the savory notes without the fuss of fresh garlic.
- Pumpkin pie spice: That classic mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove adds fall warmth — if you can’t find it, you can mix these spices yourself.
- Kosher salt: Balances and enhances every other flavor in the dish; always season thoughtfully.
- Pumpkin puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience and consistent flavor; real pumpkin works too if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Sweet potatoes: Peeling and chopping them helps them cook faster and mash into a velvety texture.
- Vegetable broth (or chicken stock): The liquid base that adds savory depth—choose low sodium so you can control the salt.
- Fresh lemon juice: Added at the end for brightness and a little zing that balances the richness.
- Maple syrup: Just a touch to round off the flavors with gentle sweetness.
- Canned unsweetened coconut milk (or heavy cream): This adds creamy texture and subtle tropical notes; coconut milk keeps it dairy-free.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Easy Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup with Chipotle and Coconut Cream Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily tweak it to match your tastes or dietary needs, making this your own cozy favorite.
- Spice Level: I often add extra chipotle if I’m in the mood for more heat, but you can always reduce it for a milder version that kids love too.
- Veggie Boost: Sometimes I toss in shredded carrots or celery for a subtle extra layer of flavor and texture without overpowering the soup.
- Dairy-Free Options: For a vegan or dairy-free bowl, stick with coconut cream—it adds such a beautiful silkiness, unlike anything else.
- Herb Twist: Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions on top brings a lovely pop of color and freshness that really brightens each spoonful.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup with Chipotle and Coconut Cream Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Flavor Base
Start by heating up olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped white onion and sauté it gently, stirring often, until it’s soft and translucent—this usually takes about 5 minutes. It’s the foundation of flavor here, so patience matters. Then, stir in the minced chipotle pepper, garlic powder, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt, cooking for just a minute until those spices become fragrant and start to bloom. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen fills with that amazing smoky, warm aroma.
Step 2: Add Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, and Broth
Now, add your pumpkin puree, peeled and chopped sweet potatoes, and the vegetable broth (or chicken stock) to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine all those flavors. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 25 to 30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. This slow simmer lets the flavors meld and the veggies soften perfectly.
Step 3: Blend Until Silky Smooth
When the sweet potatoes are fully cooked, turn off the heat. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot—careful not to splatter—to puree the soup until it’s creamy and smooth. If you don’t have one, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, but remember to vent the lid to avoid pressure build-up. Blending is where the magic happens, turning chunky veggies into luscious, velvety soup.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon, Maple, and Coconut Cream
Last but not least, stir in the fresh lemon juice and maple syrup to balance the smoky and sweet flavors. Then gently fold in the canned coconut milk or heavy cream to give the soup a rich, silky texture. Taste and add more salt if needed. This final step brings everything together into that delicious harmonious bowl you’re craving.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup with Chipotle and Coconut Cream Recipe
- Sauté Gently: Don’t rush the onions—softening them fully makes a sweeter, deeper flavor base.
- Control the Heat: Start with one teaspoon of chipotle and adjust after blending, so you don’t overpower the soup.
- Blend in Batches Safely: If using a blender, remove the center of the lid to allow steam to escape and avoid accidents.
- Balance Flavors Last: Always add lemon juice and sweetener at the end for fresh brightness and perfect harmony.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup with Chipotle and Coconut Cream Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this soup with a little drizzle of extra coconut cream or a spoonful of plain yogurt for a cooling touch. Fresh chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds gives it a fun texture and pop of color. If I’m feeling indulgent, a few thin slices of avocado on top add a creamy contrast that’s just heavenly with the smoky chipotle.
Side Dishes
For a cozy meal, I usually pair this soup with crusty artisan bread or a warm, buttered baguette for dunking. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette brighten up the plate and add some fresh crunch alongside the smooth soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in small hollowed-out pumpkin bowls—they look stunning and really set a festive mood. Another fun idea is layering the soup with a swirl of chipotle oil or chili flakes for guests who love extra heat. A sprinkle of toasted pepitas and edible flowers makes it party-ready and super Instagram-worthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let the soup cool completely and then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. I’ve found that the flavors actually deepen after a day or two, so leftovers taste even better than day one sometimes!
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, which makes it great for batch cooking. I portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If it’s too thick after chilling, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. I avoid microwaving since it can cause uneven heating, but if you do, stir it midway for the best texture.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree in this soup?
Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin works well but you’ll want to roast or steam it first until tender, then puree it before adding to the soup. This might add a bit more prep time but gives you a fresh, vibrant pumpkin flavor.
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Is this soup gluten-free and vegan?
Yes! By using vegetable broth and coconut cream, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan. Just make sure your broth and any maple syrup you use are certified gluten-free if you’re sensitive.
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How spicy is this soup, and can I adjust it?
The chipotle pepper adds a mild smoky heat that most people find balanced, but you can easily adjust the amount to make it as mild or spicy as you like. Start with less and add more after blending if needed.
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Can I make this soup in advance for a party?
Definitely! This soup actually tastes better the next day after flavors have melded. Make it a day ahead, store it chilled, then gently reheat before serving. Just add any cream or lemon juice last minute for the freshest taste.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup with Chipotle and Coconut Cream Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s part nostalgic comfort and part adventure with the little smoky spice. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it as comforting and delicious as I do. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but elegant enough to impress guests, making it a versatile gem in your recipe box. Once you make it, I bet it’ll become your favorite autumn or winter warm-up, just like it did for me.
PrintEasy Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup with Chipotle and Coconut Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup is a comforting blend of creamy pumpkin puree and tender sweet potatoes, flavored with chipotle pepper, pumpkin pie spice, and a touch of maple syrup. Perfect for cool weather, it offers a smooth, velvety texture enhanced by coconut milk or cream and a bright finish of fresh lemon juice. This flavorful soup can be made on the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, providing versatile cooking options.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 1 tsp minced chipotle pepper (from a can of chipotle in adobo)
- 1 tsp granulated garlic powder
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 (15-oz) can pumpkin puree
- 6 cups chopped, peeled sweet potato
- 1 quart vegetable broth (or chicken stock if not vegetarian)
Finishing Ingredients
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/3 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chipotle pepper, garlic powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Main Ingredients: Mix in the pumpkin puree, chopped sweet potatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine evenly.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the pot, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Let cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- Blend the Soup: Turn off the heat. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend on high until completely smooth.
- Add Final Flavors: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, and coconut milk or heavy cream. Adjust salt to taste if needed, and mix well before serving.
Notes
- Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- To make the soup vegan, use vegetable broth and coconut milk instead of chicken stock and heavy cream.
- The soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a smoother texture, strain the soup through a fine mesh sieve after blending, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg