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Carve Your Own Pillsbury Pumpkin

By Pillsbury Kitchens
Created October 12, 2022
Jack-o-lantern carved with the Pillsbury Doughboy
Celebrate the Halloween season with the time-honored tradition of pumpkin carving. With a little help from the Pillsbury Doughboy, making your Halloween décor will be frighteningly fun for all.

Picking the Right Pumpkin

When it comes to choosing your pumpkin there are many types to choose from. Here are a few tips to picking the right one:

  1. Pick it up and tap it: The hollower it sounds, the easier the pumpkin is to carve.
  2. Appearance: Consistent color is key to ensuring the pumpkin is ready for carving. Also check for bruises, scratches, or dark spots to ensure your display lasts through the holiday.
  3. Give it a squeeze: A firm pumpkin is an indicator of freshness. Soft pumpkins decompose quicker.
  4. Carry it from the bottom: If you’re like us, you love an ornate stem. Prevent it from breaking by cradling it from the bottom or in a sturdy bag.

Designing Your Pumpkin

Before you sit down to carve your pumpkin, figure out what design you'd like. Here are a few downloadable templates that are easy to print, so you can decorate with the Doughboy. Follow the instructions on the printout to ensure the cleanest outline.

Time to Get Carving

Once your design is set, cut a circle around the stem of your pumpkin. Remove the top and take out all the seeds and strings. Save the seeds and make this tasty Pumpkin Seed Snack Mix later. When complete, begin cutting out the stenciled design. Avoid cutting structural elements of your design too thin to ensure it stays intact throughout the holiday.

Put Your Masterpiece on Display

Place a small LED light or tea candle inside your spooky creation and put it on display it for the world. Share your family's works of art with us on social for a chance to be featured here.