How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree

Homemade pumpkin puree is the best way to make all the pumpkin recipes that you love! Once you realize how easy it is to make homemade pumpkin puree and how much better it tastes than the store-bought stuff you will never go back to using a can of pumpkin puree!

Homemade Pumpkin Puree

I have been making my own pumpkin puree for as long as I can remember. Not only is it much cheaper but the flavor is so much better when I use it in my recipes that use pumpkin puree including my pumpkin pies recipes, pumpkin brownies and pumpkin muffins. 

For the longest time, I put off making homemade pumpkin puree because I thought it would be too difficult. Then I made it for the first time years ago and I haven’t looked back since! Yes, Not only does it taste better, it is not filled with all the preservatives that canned pumpkin puree has in it.

Making this homemade pumpkin puree recipe is super simple. I need things to be simple, and making pumpkin puree is just about as easy as opening up a can of pumpkin puree. 

This post will teach you everything you need to know, from how to roast pumpkin, how to puree pumpkin, how to store pumpkin puree, and how long pumpkin puree lasts.

When you are making homemade pumpkin puree you are going to end up with pumpkin seeds. Do not throw these away! They are such a tasty snack! After you are getting done making your pumpkin puree use the pumpkin seeds to make toasted pumpkin seeds or sweet and salty pumpkin seeds.

What is Pumpkin Puree?

Pumpkin puree is the result of a cooked and blending pumpkin. It is used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory dishes. It’s made from pumpkins.

What do you make with pumpkin puree?

Pumpkin puree is the main ingredient in so many amazing recipes. I love making my pumpkin yogurt by mixing it into some vanilla Greek yogurt. You can check out all these Pumpkin recipes to use your pumpkin puree. If you are looking for amazing recipes to use with your homemade pumpkin puree be sure to check these out!

Dessert Recipes to Make with Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin Pie. The classic pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving favorite, featuring a spiced pumpkin filling in a flaky pie crust. We love making Maple pumpkin pie and the best Pumpkin Pie from Scratch. If you are looking for a low carb pumpkin pie this crustless pumpkin pie recipe is perfect. 

Cakes and Cookies. There are many pumpkin desserts that are great for making with homemade pumpkin puree. We love making Pumpkin Coffee Cake, Pumpkin chocolate chip Cake, Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies, Pumpkin Spice Cake, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, Pumpkin Pudding, Pumpkin Brownies, Pumpkin Dessert Lasagna and Pumpkin Gingersnap Cookies.

Breakfast Recipes to Make with Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin Muffins. Moist and flavorful pumpkin muffin recipes are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. We love making  Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, Easy pumpkin Muffins, Whole wheat pumpkin muffins, 

Smoothies: Add a spoonful of pumpkin puree to your morning smoothies for a nutritious boost. It pairs wonderfully with yogurt, banana, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Pumpkin Breakfast foods. Incorporate pumpkin puree into your pancake or waffle batter or french toast mixture for a fall-inspired breakfast. Top them with maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream. One of our favorites to make is pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes. My kids love it when I make pumpkin french toast too. 

Pumpkin Bread. Pumpkin bread is a delicious treat that’s both moist and comforting. We love making Pumpkin Banana Bread, Maple Pecan Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Apple Bread, and Moist Pumpkin bread.

Dinner recipes to make with pumpkin Puree

Pasta Sauces. Pumpkin puree can add depth and creaminess to pasta sauces. I love having Pumpkin Pasta Sauce on top of pasta.

Drinks to make with Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin Spice drinks. Make your own pumpkin coffee drinks including Pumpkin Spice syrup to add to your coffee. Homemade pumpkin spice lattes and Pumpkin Spice Frappuccinos are a great way to start the day.

Is Canned Pumpkin the same as Pureed Pumpkin?

The canned pumpkin that you buy in the store is the same thing as pureed pumpkin, the only difference between the two is that making pumpkin puree from a fresh pumpkin tastes so much better in your pumpkin recipes.

What is the best type of pumpkin to use to make pumpkin puree?

When you are baking with pumpkin and making pumpkin puree you want to be sure you are using a baking and/or cooking pumpkin. You do not want to make pumpkin puree out of the pumpkins you use for carving. There is a big difference between a carving pumpkin and a cooking pumpkin.

The best varieties of pumpkin to use for cooking and baking are: 

• Pie Pumpkin (top choice)
• Sugar pumpkin (top choice)
• Cheese pumpkin (top choice)
• Dickinson pumpkin
• Baby Pam
• Cinderella pumpkin
• Lumina Pumpkin
• White Baby Boo
• Red Warty
• New England Pie

Tips for Making Homemade Pumpkin Puree

Choose the Right Pumpkin. Opt for sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkin varieties of pumpkin, as they are sweeter and have smoother flesh, making them ideal for puree. Avoid larger, carving pumpkins, as they can be watery and less flavorful.

Cut pumpkin into Pieces. When baking the pumpkin, if you have a larger pumpkin that will fit on your baking sheet cut the pumpkin into wedges.

Blend Until Smooth. Use a food processor, blender, or immersion blender to puree the cooked pumpkin pieces until they are completely smooth and free of lumps.

Strain If Necessary. Depending on the pumpkin’s moisture content, you may need to strain the puree through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove excess liquid. This step is especially important if you want a thicker consistency for baking.

Cool Before Using. Allow the homemade pumpkin puree to cool down before using it in recipes or transferring it to storage containers. Hot puree can affect the texture and flavor of your dishes.

How Much Pumpkin Puree will one pumpkin make?

A single sugar pie pumpkin typically yields around 2 cups of puree, which is roughly equivalent to the amount found in a standard can of store-bought pumpkin puree. Keep in mind that the yield can vary based on the pumpkin’s size. 

What consistency should homemade pumpkin puree be?

Homemade pumpkin puree should have a smooth and silky consistency. When properly prepared, it should resemble a thick, creamy puree that’s easy to scoop, spread, or incorporate into recipes. The texture should be free of lumps or fibrous bits, allowing it to blend seamlessly into both sweet and savory dishes. If your homemade pumpkin puree appears too thick, you can add a small amount of water to achieve your desired consistency, but be cautious not to overdo it, as you want to maintain the flavor and thickness characteristic of pumpkin puree. 

How Long will Pumpkin Puree last?

Pumpkin puree made with fresh pumpkin will last for up to a week when stored in the fridge.

If you are freezing pumpkin puree it will last in the freezer for up to 1 year. I like to freeze someone in zipclose bags and then also freeze some using an ice cube tray. Then I have pumpkin puree for my baking recipes but then the ones in the ice cube trays are perfect for when I make a pumpkin smoothie and add it to things like yogurt or overnight oats. 

How to store fresh pumpkin puree

Store the pumpkin puree in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to five days. 

How to Freeze Pumpkin Puree

If you are freezing pumpkin puree all you have to do is pour it into a freezer-safe container with a little bit of extra room and put it in the freezer. Be sure your container has that extra space because frozen pumpkin puree will expand a bit when frozen.

You can also use an ice cube tray and fill it with the pumpkin puree. Once the pumpkin puree is frozen, pop the cubes out of the tray and put them into a freezer bag.

How to thaw frozen pumpkin puree

Thawing frozen pumpkin puree is easy. Just know that you will have a bit of liquid on the top once it is defrosted, just use a spoon to mix the pumpkin puree and it will be as if you never froze it. There are two ways to defrost frozen pumpkin puree.

The first method is to put your frozen container or bag of pumpkin puree in the fridge and let it thaw on its own. It will take a few hours for it to defrost this way.

The second way to defrost pumpkin puree is by using the defrost button on your microwave.

Tips for Using Homemade Pumpkin Puree in Recipes

Strain the puree. If you plan to use homemade pumpkin puree in a recipe that originally asks for canned pumpkin puree, it’s a good idea to strain your homemade puree through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Allow it to rest for around 30-60 minutes to remove any extra liquid. Homemade pumpkin puree often has more moisture than its canned counterpart.

Measure Accurately. When substituting homemade puree for canned pumpkin in a recipe, measure it accurately. One cup of canned pumpkin typically equals about 1 3/4 cups of homemade puree. Adjust accordingly to ensure the right consistency in your dishes.

Adjust for Moisture. Homemade puree may have a slightly different moisture content than canned versions. In baking recipes, you may need to make slight adjustments to account for this. You can reduce the amount of added liquid (like milk or water) or add a bit more flour if needed.

What other ways can I cook pumpkin instead of in the oven to make Pumpkin Puree?

If you do not want to bake your pumpkins there are a few other ways that you can cook them before making the puree. 

Steaming Pumpkins for Pumpkin Puree

 Steaming: Steaming is a gentle and efficient way to cook pumpkin for puree. Here’s how to do it:

• Cut the pumpkin into smaller, manageable pieces after washing and removing seeds and strings.
• Place the pumpkin pieces in a steamer basket or a metal colander placed over a pot of boiling water.
• Cover with a lid and steam for about 15-20 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Boiling Pumpkins for Pumpkin Puree

Boiling: Boiling is a simple and effective way to cook pumpkin for puree. Here’s how:

• Cut the pumpkin into smaller, manageable pieces after washing and removing seeds and strings.
• Place the pumpkin pieces in a large pot and cover them with water.
• Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Cook the pumpkin pieces for about 15-20 minutes or until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
• Drain the cooked pumpkin and let it cool before pureeing.

Pressure Cooking Pumpkins for Pumpkin Puree

Pressure Cooking: Using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot can significantly speed up the cooking process. Here’s how:

• Cut the pumpkin into chunks after washing and removing seeds and strings.
• Place the pumpkin chunks in the pressure cooker or Instant Pot with a small amount of water (about 1/2 cup).
• Seal the pressure cooker and set it to cook for 10-15 minutes at high pressure.
• Allow the pressure to naturally release, then open the cooker and let the pumpkin cool before pureeing.

Microwaving: The microwave is a quick and convenient option for cooking small amounts of pumpkin:

• Cut the pumpkin into microwave-safe pieces after washing and removing seeds and strings.
• Place the pumpkin pieces in a microwave-safe dish with a lid or cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
• Microwave on high in 5-minute intervals, checking for doneness after each interval. Cooking time varies based on pumpkin size and microwave wattage.

Supplies needed to make pumpkin puree

• Cutting board.
• Sharp knife.
• baking sheet.
• Spoon.
• Food processor.

Homemade Pumpkin Puree Ingredients

• Pumpkin. Begin with a fresh, ripe pumpkin. You can use a variety of pumpkins, but sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins are popular choices due to their sweet and smooth flesh. These pumpkins are perfect for puree and have a richer flavor compared to larger carving pumpkins.
• water. Used to thin the pumpkin puree to the consistency that you are wanting. 

How to Make Pumpkin Puree In the Oven

Heat your oven to 350 degrees.

First cut off the stem of the pumpkin and then cut the pumpkin in half. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and any stringy fibers inside both pumpkin halves.

Put all of the pumpkin seeds into a bowl, you will want to use these later to make some amazing pumpkin seeds to snack on.

Place the pumpkin onto a baking sheet.

Place the baking sheet with pumpkin into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on the pumpkin for the last 10 minutes or so, so you do not overcook the pumpkin. 

The pumpkin is done cooking when the skin begins to shrivel and the pumpkin flesh is tender (fork tender) and can be poked easily with a fork.

Remove the pumpkin from the oven and let it cool until it is cool enough that you can touch it.

Peel the pumpkin flesh from the pumpkin skin. Discard any parts of the pumpkin flesh that are tough.

Add the pumpkin flesh to a food processor or a high-powered blender if you have one. Using the puree option puree the pumpkin flesh until it is smooth. If you do not have one you can use a large bowl and a potato masher and once you have smashed all the chunks puree the cooked pumpkin with an immersion blender. 

Once done pureeing if the pumpkin puree is a bit dry, add a few tablespoons of water and mix well until it is smooth. Be careful not to add too much water to it, you will want to add the water little by little.

My Favorite Pumpkin Recipes to Make with Pumpkin Puree

• Pumpkin Chocolate chip pancakes
• Pumpkin Muffins
• Homemade Pumpkin Pie
• Pumpkin Swirl Brownies
• Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
• Soft pumpkin cookies

0 Weight Watchers SmartPoints