What are pumpkin scones?
Pumpkin scones are soft, golden scones made with mashed pumpkin, a classic of Australian home baking. They became famous through Lady Flo Bjelke-Petersen, wife of Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen.
Pumpkin scones were popular in country Australia for decades, especially in Queensland, where pumpkins grew easily. Cooked, mashed pumpkin gives the scones a moist texture, sweet flavour and bright colour.
Flo Bjelke-Petersen became known nationally for her pumpkin scones in the 1970s and 1980s, often baking them for visitors and media. Her recipe became one of the most widely shared in Australia.
How they are served
Pumpkin scones are usually served warm with butter, and sometimes with jam or golden syrup. They are a favourite at morning teas, country shows and community events.
Baking competitions at agricultural shows often include a pumpkin scone category, judged on height, texture and colour.
The scones are simple to make with self-raising flour, butter, sugar, egg, milk and pumpkin. Flo Bjelke-Petersen later became a senator for Queensland, but she remained best known for her baking.
Did You Know?
Butternut and Queensland blue pumpkins are favourite varieties for making pumpkin scones.