Pumpkin Puree is the star ingredient in all your favorite fall recipes! It’s so easy and delicious to make it at home with these step-by-step instructions. No need to by the canned stuff anymore!
Whether you love Pumpkin Spice Lattes, pumpkin bread, pumpkin oatmeal or a steaming cup of pumpkin chowder by a roaring fire, it all screams fall.
All these favorite pumpkin recipes you love have something in common. They use pumpkin puree.
It’s the what gives all those recipes their delicious flavor.
Sure, you can use it from a can but it’s SO EASY and delicious to make it at home!
The method is simple and easy, as well as the puree freezes wonderfully for later use.
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What is Pumpkin Puree?
It’s the pureed pumpkin flesh. It’s what you’d purchase in cans that becomes a key seasonal ingredient in many dishes.
It is the star ingredient in the classic Thanksgiving pie filling, along with all your other favorite fall recipes.
It’s easy and satisfying to make your own pumpkin puree.
Great Nutritional Value
Pumpkins are an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory food. This makes them a great addition to one’s diet to keep a body healthy.
They also have a high amount of Vitamin C.
The seeds are high in protein so when carving Jack o Lanterns save them!
I have the best roasted pumpkin seeds method to avoid wrestling with the squash goop.
Best Pumpkins to Use for Making Puree?
The type of pumpkin I use is Sugar Pumpkin or Pie Pumpkins.
They are a smaller pumpkins with sweeter flesh.
Though small, sugar pumpkins yield a large amount of puree.
Fresh pumpkins are abundant in the fall in grocery stores and the Farmer’s Market. It’s easy to find these varieties.
They are superior to most Jack o Lantern giant pumpkins for this recipe.
How Much Puree Does One Pumpkin Yield?
The yield is highly dependent on its size and its meatiness.
I recently made puree using a seven-inch diameter pumpkin with flesh walls about 3/4-inch thick. The yield was 3 cups of puree.
EXAMPLE: The pumpkin shown in the recipe process photos below was in a 15-inch by 10-inch baking pan. It had a yield of 4+ cups of ‘meat’ before pureeing.
As a rule of thumb one 3-pound size should yield the same volume as one can of store bought puree.
How to Make it – Step by Step
Though it takes some time to cook, making the fresh pumpkin puree at home is very easy!
For a detailed printable recipe refer to the recipe card at the end of the blog post.
STEP 1. Preparation.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Slice the pumpkin in half (I suggest using a long sturdy serrated knife) (photo 1).
Scoop out the seeds and membrane (use a large kitchen spoon OR a special scooper for this task); (photo 2).
Reserve the seeds for making Roasted Seeds.
NOTE: don’t worry about removing all the membrane. After it’s cooked it will be very easy to remove before scooping out the flesh to puree.
STEP 2. Cook the pumpkin.
Place the pumpkin halves cut-side down in a large baking dish filled with 1-inch of water (photo 3).
Bake for 45-90 minutes (photo 4) depending on the size of the pumpkin.
Example: a 3-pound size will cook for about 45 minutes, a 4-pound size 60-70 minutes.
STEP 3. Make the Puree.
When the cooking is done (the flesh of the pumpkin will be soft, easily separated from the pumpkin skin and be fork tender), remove from the oven.
Allow to cool until it can be handled comfortably. Scoop out the flesh and process into a smooth puree in a food processor or blender. A potato masher can also be used.
Supplies Needed
- Large sharp kitchen knife (serrated knives work well)
- Large Baking Pan (I use a 15-inch by 10-inch by 2-inch Pyrex pan)
- Sharp-edged large spoon or special scooper
- Food Processor or Blender
- Ice cube trays and freezer bags or containers if freezing the puree
- OPTIONAL: a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for the seeds
How to Use it
It adds a creamy texture to soups and stews, is wonderful in breads without lending an overpowering flavor.
And of course stars in many desserts recipes at this time of year.
Some Favorite Recipes to Use it
- Muffins
- Rice Pudding
- Dessert Bars
- Tamale Pie
- Mini Cheesecakes in Mason Jars
- Try this sweet & savory pumpkin recipe collection for more ideas (all gluten-free too)
How Long Does Homemade Puree Last in the Refrigerator?
Keep in a sealed container and will last 5-7 days in the refrigerator.
How to Freeze it
Freeze the puree for future recipes or to use in the off season rather than buying it canned.
Step-by-Step
- Pour the puree into an ice cube tray
- Freeze fully
- Then transfer the frozen puree cubes to a larger freezer container or bag
It is a very easy way to use small amounts and to get ahead on your Thanksgiving ingredients!
When frozen in an airtight container, the puree will last 6-8 months.
More Delicious Recipes to Try!
- Persimmon Margaritas
- How to Make Peppery Ham Stock
- Bacon Weave: How to Make, Use & Cook It!
Recipe
Originally published October 2014
sly (Canada) says
glad i came across your website before roasting the pumpkin seeds the boiling prior to roasting saves so much time cleaning them and produces bigger seeds.. now do you have a trick to stop eating them? so so good! thks for sharing and Happy Thanksgiving!
Katie says
It’s true what they say- that homemade is always better. This is no different- I love being able to make my own pumpkin puree! Thanks for the recipe- and it’s perfect timing as well!
Suzy says
This came out perfectly! We used the pie pumpkins as suggested and it was easy to manage! Definitely going to try the freezer option next!
Laura says
I love using fresh pumpkins for all my fall recipes! Thanks for all the wonderful tips!
Melissa says
Yum – it turned out so smooth and delicious! Thank you
Kellie Hemmerly says
This is so easy to make and all my pumpkin recipes are soooo much better when using REAL pumpkin puree!
Lauren Kelly says
This was so helpful! I was scared to try this and it really was easy!
Lindsay Cotter says
Great tips on making homemade pumpkin purée! It’s not that hard to do and so much tastier than the canned stuff.
Rachael Yerkes says
This is the best
April says
I never realized how easy it was to make my own pumpkin puree. But now that I’ve made my own, I’m never buying the canned stuff again.
lisa says
it’s always so helpful to have the step-by-step photos for stuff like this! well done
Sandra | A Dash of Sanity says
I love it! Sounds so easy to make!
Karen Morse says
It’s the perfect recipe for fall, definitely makes cooking easier if you have a homemade puree available! I think it’s awesome that you’re sharing this recipe!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
Love this DIY idea! I need to try this immediately!
Lee says
This looks much easier than I thought it would be. I definitely want to try making this! Love knowing exactly what is in the food I am eating.
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
Too easy and homemade is always better!
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
Great post- everyone needs to know how to do this!