Learn how to make pumpkin puree at home, a must-have for fall and winter! Homemade Pumpkin Puree is super easy to make with just one sugar pumpkin and perfect whether you’re making pumpkin pie, pumpkin bars or pumpkin cheesecake!
PIN HERE for later and follow my boards for more recipe ideas
Updated October 2021
Easy Homemade Pumpkin Puree
Skip the trip to the store and learn how to make pumpkin puree from scratch! We probably make homemade pumpkin puree at least 5 times every fall. You can make so many festive goodies with it, and it gives you so much more flavor than canned pumpkin puree.
Pumpkin puree is tastiest when it’s made from sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins, because they have the richest and best flavor. You don’t need any other ingredients to make it! Not only is this recipe vegan and gluten-free, but it’s also Whole30, Keto and Paleo-friendly. You could even serve this creamy puree as baby food – it’s naturally delicious!
Why Make Pumpkin Puree From Scratch?
There are a ton of reasons why you would want to make homemade pumpkin puree instead of just buying it from the store. For the past few years, there’s been a pumpkin shortage and they have been sold it by the time we need it for Thanksgiving.
You can easily taste the difference between this pumpkin puree and your average canned variety. If you’re a fan of fall flavors, you definitely have to make this from scratch. It doesn’t contain any of the additives or preservatives that you’ll find in store-bought puree. For a couple weeks worth of delicious pumpkin-flavored treats, start with this simple puree!
Is Pumpkin Healthy?
There are tons of health benefits to pumpkins, and you can take advantage of them all by making your own pumpkin puree. This nutritious, low-calorie superfood contains four important vitamins – Vitamin A for your eyes, Vitamin C for your immune system, Vitamin B2 for energy and Vitamin E for antioxidants. And that’s not all! Pumpkins are also a great source of iron and potassium.
Recipe Ingredients
How many recipes can you make with just 1 ingredient? This puree really couldn’t get any easier.
- A Sugar Pumpkin (Pie Pumpkin): Your pumpkin should weigh about 4 to 6 pounds and be washed and dried before you begin.
How to Tell if a Pumpkin is Ripe
- Listen: One of the best ways to determine whether or not a pumpkin is ripe is by giving it a little knock with your knuckles. It should sound hollow.
- Feel: Try to dig your fingernail into the skin of the pumpkin. If it’s ripe, you won’t be able to puncture the skin. The stem should also be stiff.
- Look: Ripe pumpkins have a bright orange color that evenly covers the fruit.
How to Make Pumpkin Puree
All you have to do to make this puree is cut your pumpkin, roast it in the oven and blend it in a food processor until smooth. It comes together in an hour or less! Be sure to watch the video to see how easy!
- Heat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut Pumpkin & Remove Seeds: Use a sharp knife to cut the pumpkin in half. Scrape the seeds and strings out and set aside the seeds for roasting, if desired.
- Roast & Let Cool: Place the two halves, cut-side down, on the baking pan and roast for 45 – 60 minutes, or until very soft inside. Remove from the oven and let stand for at least 15 minutes, or until cool enough to handle.
- Blend: Using a large spoon, scrape out all the roasted flesh of the pumpkin and transfer it to the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth, about 3 to 4 minutes. Store in a resealable jar in the fridge.
Tips for Success
- Use a Towel to Grip the Pumpkin: When you’re cutting your pumpkin, you want to make sure you have a good grip to avoid cutting yourself. Using a small kitchen towel is an easy way to grip your pumpkin better.
- Roast Cut-Side Down: Don’t forget to place the pumpkins insides-down on the baking sheet.
- Chill Immediately: Once your puree is nice and smooth, transfer it to a jar, seal it well and refrigerate it immediately.
Ways to Use Your Puree
- Make Muffins: These soft and Healthy Pumpkin Muffins are even more healthy and flavorful when they’re made with homemade pumpkin puree!
- Bake Bread: For an unforgettable fall breakfast or snack, you’ve gotta try my Healthy Pumpkin Bread.
- Make a Latte: You only need one tablespoon of homemade pumpkin puree to make the best Pumpkin Spice Latte ever!
- Make Doughnuts: Do you like healthy and delicious pumpkin donuts? Say no more. This Keto Pumpkin Donut Recipe is to die for!
How to Store Pumpkin Puree
Store homemade pumpkin puree in a resealable jar in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week, if stored properly. Be sure to start chilling it as soon as it’s finished.
Can You Freeze It?
Roasted pumpkin puree is totally freezer friendly. In fact, if you store well-sealed puree in the freezer, it will last for up to 3 months! Before you use it, thaw it out in the fridge inside a bowl of water.
More delicious pumpkin recipes:
Learn how to make pumpkin puree at home, a must-have for fall and winter! Homemade Pumpkin Puree is super easy to make with just one sugar pumpkin and perfect whether you're making pumpkin pie, pumpkin bars or pumpkin cheesecake!
- 1 sugar pumpkin (pie pumpkin) , about 4-6lbs, washed & dried
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Use a sharp knife to cut the pumpkin in half. Scrape the seeds and strings out and set aside the seeds for roasting, if desired.
Place the two halves cut-side down on the baking pan and roast for 45 - 60 minutes, or until very soft inside. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes, or until cool enough to handle.
Using a large spoon, scrape out all the roasted flesh of the pumpkin and transfer to the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth, about 3 to 4 minutes. Store in a resealable jar in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Process until smooth, about 3 to 4 minutes. Store in a resealable jar in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Store in a resealable jar in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Leave a Comment