How to make Pumpkin Puree

Learn how to make pumpkin puree and save money when you make pumpkin recipes. Homemade pumpkin puree is very simple and freezer friendly.

Homemade pumpkin puree

Let’s talk about how to make pumpkin puree. In the fall, I love baking with pumpkin. I love making pumpkin cookies (my kids’ favorites), pumpkin bread, even pumpkin pancakes.

Pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin. Needless to say, I have to buy a lot of canned pumpkin at the store.

I have been seeing a lot of tutorials for how to make pumpkin puree on Pinterest, so I wanted to give it a try myself. I mean, with all of my pumpkin baking, how cool would it be to just reach in my freezer and grab some pumpkin puree?

Plus, the flavor is richer and you can tell a big difference in how it tastes.

The results?

I made my own pumpkin puree for the first time and I have to tell you, it was SO easy. I have no idea why I haven’t been making homemade pumpkin puree.

There aren’t a lot of kitchen tools or fancy equipment you need. The only thing I would suggest is a food processor. I have a food processor similar to this one, and I love it!

I have used it for years and it is still going strong. My food processor holds about 10 cups, so it is a great size for this recipe.

Are you ready to learn how to make pumpkin puree? This is so easy, you may never buy canned pumpkin again. It is truly that simple.

Ingredients you need

• Whole pumpkin

How to make Pumpkin purée:

• First, find a pumpkin. It doesn’t matter whether you grew one in your garden, found one in the patch or picked one up from the store. Any pumpkin will do.

• Second, cut your pumpkin in half. I used a small knife to remove the stem and then a large knife to cut it in half. This did take a little strength, but it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it was going to be.

• Then scoop out the seeds. If your family likes pumpkin seeds, you can save them and bake them up later.

• Finally, put the pumpkin halves face down on a large baking sheet. They need to bake in a 350 degree oven for 50 minutes to an hour.

How do you know it is fully cooked?

Baking times very based on the size of your pumpkin and oven. Generally it takes about an hour to be fork tender.

When in doubt, you should be able to pierce the outside of the pumpkin easily with a fork. That is how you know your pumpkin is done.

Making pumpkin puree

• Let the fresh pumpkin cool slightly and then begin removing the skin. Don’t let it cool too much otherwise the skin will get harder to remove.

• I used a fork and my fingers to remove the skin. I was surprised at how easily the skin came off. 

• It maybe took me 5 minutes to remove the skin from both halves of my pumpkin.

• Once all of the skin is removed, cut the pumpkin flesh into chunks and place them in your food processor. I had a small to medium sized pumpkin so i was able to fit about a fourth of my pumpkin in the food processor at one time. It is best to not overfill the food processor.

• Blend until you have a nice smooth puree. I turned my food processor on 2 for about 20 seconds and 1 for another 10 seconds or so. The pumpkin is so soft, it becomes nice and smooth very quickly.

How long does it last?

Pumpkin puree will last up to 4 days in the fridge. You will need to make sure to store inside an airtight container.

How to freeze pumpkin puree

• I placed my pumpkin puree into freezer bags in 1 cup increments. This will make life easier when I am baking something with pumpkin because it will already be measured out for me.

• Freezer bags work best because they lay flat and take up less room. Pumpkin puree can be frozen up to 3 months.

• When ready to use, remove the pumpkin puree from the freezer about 30 minutes before and you will be all set.

What is the cost?

It will vary based on the size of pumpkin used. I was able to get 10 cups of pumpkin puree. That’s more than 5 cans of pumpkin.

This pumpkin cost me $2.99 at the store. A can of pumpkin starts at about $1 in the store (name brand will cost you more), so this is a nice savings.

This was SO easy to do, I am really surprised I have not tried this before. It is so easy that you probably will not buy store bought pumpkin again.

What type of pumpkin do you use?

The type of pumpkin you use will impact how it tastes in your favorite pumpkin recipes. Look for pie pumpkins or sugar pumpkins to make the puree.

These are especially best when making pumpkin pie. I could literally just drizzle maple syrup over fresh baked pumpkin and eat it like that.

Tips for Homemade pumpkin puree:

• Homemade pumpkin puree can be runnier than store bought puree. I suggest straining the puree before using in recipes such as pies. You might also want to do this in other baked goods that the extra liquid could impact the finished product. It is easiest to do this using a cheesecloth draped over a bowl to catch any excess water.

• I wanted to try my hand at canning the pumpkin because I thought that would be easier. However, the FDA highly recommends against NOT canning your own pumpkin.
  
  This is a very low acidic food and can very easily become poisonous. I did not want to take the risk. Putting the pumpkin in freezer bags was super easy (and safe).

Is canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree the same thing?

Yes, they are. Both are pure pumpkin without any extra spices and dairy free. You can use both of these interchangeable in recipes as they are the same ingredients.

Make this today.

The entire process is very simple. I thought it was quick and easy.

Plus, it turned out great and tastes amazing. The flavor was rich and perfect for baking.

Try this easy recipe and let us know how it turns our. I think you will love it.

It is definitely so handy to have this in the freezer for all of your pumpkin baking.

Print this pumpkin puree recipe:

Ways to use pumpkin puree:

• Pumpkin Roll Recipe
• Pumpkin Cupcakes
• easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe
• Quick and Easy Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
• Baked Pumpkin Pancakes
• Pumpkin crisp