How to Make Pumpkin Puree – an easy, step-by-step tutorial that teaches you how to make your own pumpkin puree at home! So easy!
How To Make Pumpkin Puree 101
Instead of buying canned pumpkin at the store you can follow this easy step-by-step tutorial on how to make pumpkin puree in your kitchen at home. It is super easy to do and then you can control how it is made and what goes into it! We all have pumpkins around in the fall so why not make some puree out of them!? Perfect for enjoying in your favorite recipe now or store it for later!
What You Will Need
- (2) 4-6 pound baking pumpkins – these are what we used but you can use any sized pumpkin. Just be aware that the taste or texture could vary.
- kosher salt – just a sprinkle to help bring out those great flavors!
Are Canned Pumpkin & Pumpkin Puree The Same Thing?
Yes, they are the same thing. Many people say that canned pumpkin is too watery and they prefer the taste and texture of making homemade pumpkin puree. By making pumpkin puree at home you are able to make adjustments to the taste and texture to your liking which is really nice!
Can I Use Any Pumpkin For Puree?
Yes, you can use ANY pumpkin for making puree. You just need to be aware that your results may vary. Each pumpkin has its own taste and texture plus the amount of time you need for cooking will vary. A larger, more dense pumpkin is going to need more time to bake than a smaller pie pumpkin.
How Do I Pick The Perfect Pumpkin?
If you are in need of tips for picking the perfect pumpkin you should definitely checkout this great resource!
How Should I Store Pumpkin Puree?
Homemade pumpkin puree can be stored in the fridge or the freezer! Here are some tips for storing it both ways:
- Refrigerator – simply place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezer – place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. When freezing make sure you leave a space in the top to account for any expansion.
What Can I Make With Pumpkin Puree?
SO MANY THINGS!! Some of the most amazing recipes use pumpkin puree and each of them vary on how much pumpkin you need so making your own puree is great for being able to just take what you need instead of opening a new can every time! A few of our favorite recipes are: Pumpkin Bread, a Pumpkin Smoothie, and Easy Pumpkin Chili.
How To Make Pumpkin Puree
Step one – Pick out the pumpkin you want to use.
Step two – carefully cut a thin slice off the side so you can lay it flat.
Step three – place the pumpkin on the flat side and cut it in half lengthwise, but do not go through the stem (it’s too thick).
Step four – use your hands to pull the pumpkin apart at the bottom. This will allow the stem to break apart and results in two halves.
Step five – use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and strings.
Step six – option to make Roasted Pumpkin Seeds!
Step seven – sprinkle both halves with a little kosher salt.
Step eight – place the pumpkins cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step nine – Roast for 30-40 minutes or until they are soft enough to pierce with a fork.
Step ten – once they have cooled, scoop out the flesh with a spoon and discard the empty shells.
Step eleven – place the cooked pumpkin that was scooped out into a food processor.
Step twelve – blend on high until smooth.
Step thirteen – enjoy in your favorite pumpkin recipe or store for later!
Made this recipe and loved it?! We would love it if you would take a minute and leave a star rating and review – it is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that as well. THANK YOU!
Don’t forget to check out my Instagram account for some behind-the-scenes action! Or give me a follow on Facebook or see what I am pinning on Pinterest!
Other Recipes You Might Like
Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Bake
Homemade Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Pumpkin Pudding
How to Make Pumpkin Puree
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approx. 3 1/2 cups
- Category: How-To
- Method: Oven + Food Processor
- Cuisine: American
Description
How to Make Pumpkin Puree – an easy, step-by-step tutorial that teaches you how to make your own pumpkin puree at home! So easy!
Ingredients
- (2) 4-6 pound baking pumpkins
- kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Rinse pumpkins and wipe dry with clean paper towel.
- Standing the pumpkin upright, cut a thin slice off of the side so that you can lay it on its side flat without worrying about it rolling.
- Use a large, sharp knife, cut lengthwise through the pumpkin (but not the stem, it’s too thick).
- Once you have cut all the way through the pumpkin, pull the two sides part at the bottom and the stem should break apart resulting in two complete halves.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and strings (use the seeds to make Roasted Pumpkin Seeds!).
- Sprinkle the flesh with a little kosher salt.
- Place the pumpkins cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast for 30-40 minutes or until the pumpkins are soft enough to pierce with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Once pumpkins are cool, scoop out the flesh with a spoon.
- Discard the empty pumpkin shells and place the scooped out flesh into a food processor. Blend on high until the pumpkin flesh is smooth.
- Use in your favorite pumpkin recipe!
Notes
- Fridge: place in an airtight container and store for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: in an airtight container for freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months – just be sure to leave space at the top for expansion.
- Pumpkin Seeds: we highly recommend making some Roasted Pumpkin Seeds after scooping them out!
- Pumpkin Recipes: we love making homemade pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffins and pumpkin spice lattes!
- Large Pumpkins: we used smaller, baking pumpkins for the recipe but you can use large pumpkins too! Just adjust your cooking time and know that they might have a slightly different taste or texture – all pumpkins are different.
Keywords: how to make pumpkin puree, homemade pumpkin puree
Leave a Rating & Comment