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    Home » Recipes » Kitchen Basics

    How To Make Pumpkin Puree

    Published: Oct 21, 2019 · Modified: May 27, 2021 by Chellie Schmitz

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    Making Homemade Pumpkin Puree is easier than you think. Fresh roasted pumpkin will give your favorite pumpkin recipes the ultimate flavor and texture! From creamy pumpkin soups and sauces to moist bread and muffins and of course pumpkin pie, you won't regret it, and will probably never buy canned again. It's also much healthier when made from scratch. There's no preservatives or questions of what's in it. Storing and Freezing instructions included. #howtomakepumpkinpuree #homemade #pumpkinpuree via @artfrommytable

    Making Homemade Pumpkin Puree is easier than you think. But you might be wondering, "why would I do that"?

    Well, most importantly, fresh roasted pumpkin will give your favorite pumpkin recipes the ultimate flavor and texture! 

    From creamy pumpkin soups and sauces to moist bread and muffins and of course pumpkin pie, you won't regret it, and will probably never buy canned again. 

    It's also much healthier when made from scratch. There's no preservatives or questions of what's in it. 

    Stock your freezer and you'll be set for the season, or that Pinterest inspiration.

    fresh pumpkin puree in a jar with a spoon sticking out
    Jump to:
    • Homemade is best
    • Store-bought vs homemade
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Notes
    • Best Pumpkins for puree
    • Freezing and Storing
    • Ways to use
    • 📋 Recipe

    Homemade is best

    I really enjoy making staple items from scratch. It didn't used to be that way, I didn't know any different. But over the last 10 years, I've experimented with loads of recipes where I've taken a homemade approach.

    And what I've learned, is that besides being so much better for you (which was the reason I started), is that my recipes just tasted a whole lot better. And isn't that the joy in eating?

    I love gathering around the table with my family and friends and providing them with something super delicious and mouthwatering. Food brings people together.

    Store-bought vs homemade

    Some canned pumpkin puree is actually made from one or more types of winter squash. This is an interesting article on what you might find in a canned variety.

    I have been making pumpkin puree from scratch for a long time. Once you do it, it's so hard to go back to the canned stuff!

    I always bought '100% pure pumpkin' when I bought it canned, but this? Oh my! It is a bajillion times better.

    In our recipe today, we are only using pumpkins. Nothing else. And that's how I always make it.

    Ingredients

    • pie pumpkins- These are the smaller pumpkins, often referred to as 'sugar pumpkins'. You can find them in the produce section of your grocery store when they are in season. Or, get them from your local farmer's market.

    Instructions

    Before you begin, preheat the oven to 350°

    Step One: Cut the pumpkin

    • Using a sharp Chef's knife, cut the stem off the pumpkin
    • Cut the pumpkin in half lengthwise down the center.
    • Remove the seeds and pulp (you can roast the seeds later)
    pie pumpkin cut in half

    Tip for removing the seeds:
    Use an ice cream scoop.

    This one, in particular, has a flat edge that works wonders. It was completely accidental how I figured this out.

    Now that I've been using it, I would buy one just for this purpose. It is so much easier than a typical spoon.

    pie pumpkin cut in half with seeds scooped out.

    Step Two: Bake the Pumpkin

    • Bake the pumpkin cut side down for an hour (you can line your rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup if you want to).
    • Remove from the oven, and let cool enough for handling
    pie pumpkins cut side down on a rimmed baking sheet

    Step Three: Puree´

    • Once the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, use a spoon to scoop out the flesh into a blender or food processor.
    • Blend on high until you have a smooth consistency.
    fresh roasted pumpkin in a blender, before blending.

    I use a Vitamix for this and it is extremely smooth!

    Notes

    • If you're only working with one pumpkin, and a blender, you may need to use the tamper to push the pumpkin down into the blade until it gets going. Working with two or more, you won't have an issue. 
    • Freezes GREAT! Make a big batch using several pumpkins and you'll be ready for all the fall recipes.

    Best Pumpkins for puree

    The best pumpkins to use are pie pumpkins, also known as sugar pumpkins. They are smaller and rounder than the kind you would carve. They are typically labeled at your grocery store or farm market.

    Pie pumpkins are full of flesh that makes it a good choice for cooking. The pulp has a better texture (less stringy) and is sweeter. 

    Freezing and Storing

    Store fresh pumpkin in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. 

    To freeze it, I recommend putting it in ziplock storage bags and freezing it flat. By doing so, you will use your space more effectively, and it thaws out quickly. 

    You can also freeze it in glass or plastic mason jars (or any container). It stays good in your freezer for one year. Make sure you leave headroom in your jar.

    Thaw before using.

    After freezing and thawing, it may be watery. If this happens, place cheesecloth over a bowl, place the pumpkin in it, and let the excess water strain out.

    You should only need thirty minutes or so to do this. Check out the video in the recipe card for a visual.

    Ways to use

    Whether you have a full portion, or you're just looking for ways to use leftovers, here are some ways:

    1. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
    2. Pumpkin Whipped Cream
    3. Pumpkin Overnight Oats
    4. Pumpkin Soup
    5. Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies
    6. Pumpkin Oatmeal
    7. Stir some into yogurt with pumpkin pie spices
    8. Blend with some cream cheese and pumpkin pie spices for a quick dip
    9. Make a Pumpkin smoothie with vanilla yogurt, milk, and cinnamon
    10. Pumpkin pancakes
    11. Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
    12. Pumpkin Butter
    13. Pumpkin Spice Latte'
    homemade pumpkin puree in a glass jar

    📋 Recipe

    fresh pumpkin puree in a jar with a spoon sticking out

    Homemade Pumpkin Puree

    Once you make your own pumpkin puree, you may never buy canned again. It's easier than you think and you can stock up and freeze it for all your pumpkin inspirations!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: how to, kitchen basics
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
    Servings: 2 cups
    Calories: 1kcal
    Author: Chellie Schmitz

    Equipment

    • Rimmed baking sheet
    • Blender or food processor
    • Ice cream scoop or large spoon
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 pie pumpkin also known as sugar pumpkin

    Instructions

    • Remove the stem and cut pumpkin in half length wise.
    • Scoop out seeds and pulp.
    • Place pumpkin halves flesh side down on a rimmed baking sheet
    • Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45-60 minutes. It should be fork tender.
    • Remove from the oven and cool until you can handle it.
    • Scoop out the flesh and place in a Vitamix, blender, or food processor, and puree.
    • Use immediately, store in the fridge for a week, or in your freezer for one year.

    Notes

    Yields 2 - 2 ½ cups of pumpkin puree'
    After freezing and thawing, it may be watery. Put cheese cloth over a bowl, pour the puree on top of the cheesecloth, and let the water drain out before using. This is optional, depending on what you are using the puree for. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 1kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Vitamin A: 41IU
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!I love to see what's on YOUR table! Mention @artfrommytable or tag #artfrommytable on your favorite social.
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    about chellie

    ABOUT CHELLIE

    Chellie is the creator of Art From My Table, where her passion for delicious food and gathering with loved ones comes together. She believes anyone can cook a great meal, it doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. Her recipes and food photography have been featured in many publications including Buzzfeed, Southern Living, Today Food, and Fitness magazine. Read more...

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    1. Roseann Hampton

      October 04, 2016 at 9:25 pm

      Wow, that looks easy! Thanks!

    2. chellie

      November 03, 2015 at 6:30 am

      You'll never go back! You could freeze it in a mason jar, but I typically freeze it in a quart size freezer bag. Then you can lay it flat in your freezer, and it takes much less time to thaw. Make sure you measure it and write that on your bag too. Most recipe's use '1 can of pumpkin', so I like to freeze mine in 2 cup portions. Great question, thanks.

    3. Nikki Frank-Hamilton

      November 02, 2015 at 11:44 pm

      Next year I am going to try this! It looks so good and fresh and healthy! When you freeze it do you do it in your mason jars? How long does it last? Pinning so I can use your directions, I had no idea how to do this! Thanks.

    4. chellie

      October 30, 2015 at 6:08 pm

      Thanks Adre! Fall photography is so fun to do. Yes, the pumpkins are so easy and so fresh! If you try it, let me know. 🙂

    5. Adreanna @ Glamp Laugh Love

      October 30, 2015 at 10:11 am

      I had no idea it could be done this easily! Thanks for sharing Chellie. And your pictures look great!!
      Adre

    6. Audrey

      October 29, 2015 at 4:45 pm

      My first thought when I saw the picture was - "That is what pumpkin is supposed to look like!" Thanks for linking up on the Creative K Kids Tasty Tuesdays Linky Party. I hope you will join us again next week.

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