How to Make Pumpkin Puree

Homemade pumpkin puree is easy to make with fresh pumpkin and a few simple steps. Roast a sugar pumpkin until tender, then blend the cooked pumpkin into a smooth puree to use in your favorite pumpkin recipes.

Course American

Cuisine American

Keyword baking, fall, pumpkin

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Servings cups

Calories 118kcal

Author Luci Petlack

Equipment

sheet pan
large, sharp knife
Spoon
blender or food processor
fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth optional

Ingredients

1 sugar pumpkin about 2 pounds

Instructions

Carefully cut the pumpkin in half from stem to bottom. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp.
Place the pumpkin halves cut-side down on a lightly oiled or parchment-lined sheet pan.
Roast at 400°F for 35–45 minutes, or until the pumpkin flesh is very tender and easily pierced with a fork or small sharp knife.
Remove the pumpkin from the oven and let cool until easy to handle. Remove the stem and peel away the skin.
Place the cooked pumpkin flesh in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Work in batches if needed.
If the puree is particularly watery, drain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Notes

Pumpkin: Sugar pumpkins, also called pie pumpkins, are ideal for pumpkin puree. Larger carving pumpkins can be used, but they tend to have more water and less concentrated flavor.

Yield: A 2-pound sugar or pie pumpkin will yield about 2 cups of pumpkin puree, though the exact amount will vary.

Substitution: Homemade pumpkin puree can generally be substituted for canned pumpkin puree at a 1:1 ratio.

Storage: Store pumpkin puree in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3–6 days or freeze for up to 6 months for best quality.

Freezing: Freeze in recipe-sized portions so you can thaw exactly what you need. One-cup portions are especially convenient for baking.

Thawing: Thaw frozen pumpkin puree in the refrigerator overnight. Stir well before using, and drain any excess liquid if needed.

Nutrition