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Home » Baking

Published: Nov 4, 2015 · Modified: Nov 10, 2022 by Kathy

Pumpkin Puree

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Orange pureed squash in a small bowl.

Making homemade pumpkin puree is easy! You end up with delicious pure pumpkin that's smooth and thick and ready to use in baking!

Easy to make and freezer-friendly so you can have access to delicious pumpkin puree all year long.

A small white bowl filled with pureed pumpkin.

Homemade pumpkin puree

When I have the option of doing something homemade, I usually go for it! This pumpkin puree is one of those things.

Buying cans of pumpkin at the store is certainly easy and the quality is usually good. But making your own is that much better. I just enjoy knowing that I've made this.

Be picky when choosing your pumpkins. You aren't looking for the carving variety. Instead, look for one labeled sugar pumpkin or pie pumpkin.

At the grocery store, these will be found in the produce area near other winter squash varieties. Sugar pumpkins have a higher sugar content than carving pumpkins. They are usually less stringy as well.

This year I ended up with three different pumpkin varieties for baking. I bought one at the grocery store. Then we went to a pumpkin patch to select our carving pumpkins. They had a large wagon full of sugar pie pumpkins!

I like to cook my pumpkins whole, rather than cutting them in half. It's just easier than trying to cut them and scrape out the seeds. Cooking them whole works just perfectly!

All the pumpkins cook up the same, and I don't notice a difference in taste. Although, maybe if I did an actual taste test, I'd be able to tell.

Once my pumpkins are baked and pureed, I use the homemade pumpkin puree in pumpkin muffins, pumpkin banana muffins, pumpkin waffles, pumpkin scones and pumpkin pie bars. During Halloween, I also make mummy pumpkin hand pies. Use in any recipe calling for pumpkin puree.

I also have a savory recipe using pumpkin puree! Check out this black bean pumpkin chili! It's so delicious!

I freeze my pumpkin puree and just pull it out and let it thaw when I'm ready to use.

Four small pumpkins on a baking sheet.

Step by step directions

  • Start by washing your pumpkins.
  • Place on a baking sheet and pierce each pumpkin several times using a sharp knife. This allows steam to vent and prevents a pumpkin explosion (that would be an ugly mess for your oven!)  
  • Bake at 350 for 45-60 minutes. The time, depends on the size of your pumpkin.
  • At 45 minutes, take a knife and push through the skin. If it slides through with very little resistance, it's done!
  • Allow pumpkins to cool so they are easy to handle
  • Pull off stem and then cut pumpkins in half. Scoop out seeds and very stringy pulp surrounding the seeds.
A cooked pumpkin on a baking sheet.
Pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet.
  • Slide the skin or peel off and cut pumpkin flesh into chunks.
  • Put chunks into food processor and puree until very smooth. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides.
Pumpkin chunks in a food processor.
Pureed pumpkin in a food processor.
  • Put puree in a fine meshed sieve and allow excess liquid to drain off.
Draining the liquid from pumpkin puree.

Tips for making pumpkin puree

  • Pumpkin puree has a lot of liquid in it. Try to strain off as much as possible when using for baking. I place my puree in a fine mesh strainer or sieve over a bowl and just leave it for 30-40 minutes. The liquid will slowly drip off into the bowl.
  • Pumpkins vary in color from yellow to deep orange. They can all be used the same way.
  • Store pumpkin puree in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze and use within 6 months.

To freeze puree

  • Measure out portions of pumpkin puree in amounts you will normally use. I like to freeze in one cup portions.
  • Place your measured puree in small plastic containers and place on a baking sheet and into the freezer.
  • Once frozen, remove from the small containers and place frozen puree into a freezer safe bag.
  • You can also keep frozen puree in small containers just make certain you add a lid to the top
A small bowl filled with pureed pumkin.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Be certain to check out all my delicious recipes!

Listen to the audio version of this recipe, Making Pumpkin Puree.

A small white bowl filled with pureed pumpkin.

Pumpkin Puree

Kathy Berget
How to make your own pumpkin puree
5 from 26 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Course Baking
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 8 kcal

Equipment

  • Cookie Sheet
  • Food Processor
  • Sieve
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients
  

  • 1 sugar pumpkin (or other small pumpkin)

Instructions
 

  • Wash pumpkin
  • Pierce pumpkin with a sharp knife in 4-5 places
  • Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 45 - 60 minutes until the pumpkin is soft and cooked through
  • Let cool then peel of skin and remove seeds
  • Place pumpkin into a food processor and process until smooth
  • Place pureed pumpkin in a fine sieve and allow excess liquid drain off

Notes

  • You can easily cook more than one pumpkin at a time. 
  • Large carving pumpkin don't work well for pureeing. They are a bit more fibrous and not as sweet as a smaller sugar pumpkin.
  • Pumpkin puree has a lot of liquid in it. Try to strain off as much as possible when using for baking. I place my puree in a fine mesh strainer or sieve over a bowl and just leave it for 30-40 minutes. The liquid will slowly drip off into the bowl.
  • Pumpkins vary in color from yellow to deep orange. They can all be used the same way.
  • Store pumpkin puree in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze and use within 6 months.
 
To freeze puree
  • Measure out portions of pumpkin puree in amounts you will normally use. I like to freeze in one cup portions.
  • Place your measured puree in small plastic containers and place on a baking sheet and into the freezer.
  • Once frozen, remove from the small containers and place frozen puree into a freezer safe bag.
  • You can also keep frozen puree in small containers just make certain you add a lid to the top

Nutritional Disclaimer:

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cupCalories: 8kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.03gSaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 0.3mgPotassium: 99mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2469IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.2mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @BeyondTheChickenCoop or tag #beyondthechickencoop!

 

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathleen | Hapa Nom Nom says

    November 06, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    5 stars
    Ooo... this would be perfect for my pumpkin ravioli! Thanks for this fabulous recipe, Kathy!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      November 07, 2015 at 6:41 am

      Pumpkin ravioli! I am going to have to check that out!

      Reply
  2. Hannah | The Swirling Spoon says

    November 06, 2015 at 2:56 pm

    Will have to try this technique of roasting the pumpkin whole! I always make my own pumpkin puree, not out of choice but because canned puree is not a thing in Australia bahaha. This looks so much easier than peeling and boiling, which is what I usually do! (and nearly chop my fingers off every time :D)

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      November 07, 2015 at 6:43 am

      I hope you give it a try...you need to save your fingers!

      Reply
  3. Manali @ CookWithManali says

    November 06, 2015 at 9:57 am

    I have actually never made my own pumpkin puree. I think I should considering it's easy to do so and homemade is always better. Thanks for the tutorial Kathy!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      November 07, 2015 at 8:28 am

      Homemade is better! I hope you give it a try!

      Reply
  4. Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says

    November 06, 2015 at 9:15 am

    I love making dishes with pumpkin puree. Nothing can beat homemade puree. Thanks for this share.

    Reply
  5. Cailee August says

    November 05, 2015 at 4:35 pm

    WOW!! This looks amazing! What a fun, homemade idea!! I love it! Honestly, I've never actually thought to make my own pumpkin puree (I know, crazy, right?!! ) But I def should!! I bet it makes recipes so much more delicious!!!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      November 05, 2015 at 8:03 pm

      It's worth giving it a try!

      Reply
  6. Meghan | Fox and Briar says

    November 05, 2015 at 10:26 am

    5 stars
    What a great idea roasting them whole like that! So much easier. I have not made pumpkin puree this year, but I did a few years ago and it turned into the best pumpkin pie I have ever made - so much better than canned pumpkin! Thanks for reminding me that I need to get on that - and for the easier method! Also - I love how the pumpkins look after they have been roasted, they are just beautiful.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      November 05, 2015 at 8:04 pm

      Roasting them whole is the way to go!

      Reply
  7. Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says

    November 05, 2015 at 8:10 am

    I just roasted my own pumpkins for the first time a few weeks ago! I like your method of leaving them whole rather than cutting the top off, scooping the seeds out, and slicing them in half first! You are way smarter than me! 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      November 05, 2015 at 8:04 pm

      I'm just always looking for less steps!

      Reply
  8. David @ Spiced says

    November 05, 2015 at 6:33 am

    Interesting! Thanks for sharing this tip. I have never made my own pumpkin puree. We go through the stuff like crazy though! We actually add a scoop on top of the dogs' food at night after the vet recommended it for extra fiber. Add in the pumpkin baking that I'm always doing, and you can see how we go through it so fast. I need to try making my own now!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      November 05, 2015 at 8:05 pm

      Feeding it to your dog?! Lucky dog!!!

      Reply
  9. Kristine | Kristine's Kitchen says

    November 04, 2015 at 9:57 pm

    I just made my first batch of homemade pumpkin puree the other day! It's amazing how much fresher it is compared to the canned stuff. Your recipe looks SO easy!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      November 05, 2015 at 5:53 am

      You are right...it does taste fresher! Plus you know just what's in it!

      Reply
  10. Senika @ Foodie Blog Stalker says

    November 04, 2015 at 3:19 pm

    I love that you don't have to hack into the pumpkin before cooking it! I need to try making (and eating) my own pumpkin puree, yum!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      November 04, 2015 at 7:48 pm

      Give it a try!

      Reply
  11. Lori from LL Farm says

    November 04, 2015 at 9:06 am

    Hi Kathy,
    I made pumpkin puree for my first time this year by baking the quartered pumpkin. Thanks for the tip on doing it whole!
    ~Lori

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      November 04, 2015 at 7:47 pm

      Hooray for you! Glad you made some!

      Reply
  12. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    November 04, 2015 at 8:23 am

    I haven't tried making my own pumpkin puree yet, but it is on the list! I LOVE that you cook your pumpkin whole!! SO clever and YESS to way less work! Can't wait to give it a try! Cheers, my dear!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      November 04, 2015 at 7:47 pm

      I do like to make things a bit easier!

      Reply
  13. Ami@NaiveCookCooks says

    November 04, 2015 at 7:39 am

    Kathy I love making pumpkin puree at home but lately I have been ahem lazy!! Totally needs to change as thanks to you, I remembered how good homemade pumpkin puree tastes!!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      November 04, 2015 at 7:46 pm

      I like doing several pumpkins at one time and freezing the extra so I have it when I need it.

      Reply
  14. Laura ~ Raise Your Garden says

    November 04, 2015 at 5:43 am

    I love the idea of making your own pumpkin puree and it doesn't come in an aluminum can (who wants that?!) The more I read about food coming in aluminum cans, the more I want to run! And it's fantastic you feed the scraps to the chicken, I wish I could have some, but they are banned, ha, even though we have almost an acre, people would complain. So we feed them to our deer friends in the backyard. But it's such a good idea cause those scraps (And especially the seeds!!) are loaded in nutrients. And I bet you can guess what I do with my seeds though, haha. Brilliant idea. You've convinced me to make some puree and not be lazy =)

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      November 04, 2015 at 7:45 pm

      You can do it! And I need to start roasting seeds - like you! I wonder if I can roast them after the are cooked...

      Reply
5 from 26 votes (24 ratings without comment)

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I'm Kathy, and I love to create delicious recipes from scratch utilizing many ingredients that we grow and raise. I'm a recipe creator, food photographer, and cookbook author!

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