How to Make Pumpkin Purée

Learn How to Make Pumpkin Purée at home for all your fall baking recipes!

While store-bought canned pumpkin purée is easily accessible, making your own homemade version can enhance the flavor of your favorite pumpkin recipe. Homemade pumpkin purée has a much fresher and more authentic pumpkin taste compared to its canned counterparts, which often contain different varieties of squash (such as butternut squash) instead of just pumpkin.

So, for true pumpkin for your favorite pumpkin recipe, make it at home! Don't be intimidated, though—this process is simpler than you might think.

So, let's get to making it, shall we? The article below is full of useful information. You can jump around using the menu below, or skip to the end of the article for the full recipe.

Jump to:

• What Type of Pumpkin
• Step-By-Step Recipe Overview
• Troubleshooting + Tips
• Using + Storing It
• More Cooking Tutorials
• All Pumpkin Recipes
• Full Recipe
• Pin it for Later

What Type of Pumpkin

When it comes to making pumpkin puree, not all pumpkins are created equally. The type of pumpkin you choose plays a significant role in the flavor and texture.

The two most commonly available pumpkins in the grocery store that are good for puree are:

• sugar pumpkins
• pie pumpkins

These pumpkins are specifically cultivated for culinary use, making them ideal for creating a rich and velvety puree.

There also may be some local heirloom pumpkin varieties available that are good for making pumpkin puree. It's best to talk with the farmer to check to make sure a specific varietal will be good for eating.

Regardless of the type you use, look for smaller pumpkins as they tend to have sweeter and smoother flesh.

Avoid using large carving pumpkins, as they are more fibrous and less sweet.

Step-By-Step Recipe Overview

This is a quick visual overview of the steps needed to make this recipe, and not intended to be the full recipe. For the entire recipe, keep scrolling to the bottom of the post!

Troubleshooting + Tips

Making pumpkin puree is a pretty straightforward process: roast the pumpkin then puree it! However, there are some words of caution to share/reiterate.

• Make sure to choose the right pumpkin. Using the wrong type of pumpkin can result in a stringy or less flavorful puree.
• Wash your pumpkin! It should be said that anytime you are cutting through the skin and into the flesh of any fruit or veggie, you must wash it to remove any dirt, debris, or other surface contaminants that may have gathered during the growing or handling process.
• The actual baking time will vary, depending on the size of your pumpkin. The goal for this recipe isn't to brown the pumpkin, as that will impart a different flavor, but instead, it is just to cook it until tender while reducing the moisture in the pumpkin. That is why the recipe calls for flipping the pumpkins over halfway through cooking (to allow the steam to escape). Pay attention to prevent the pumpkin from browning too much.
• Resist the urge to add water to the baked pumpkin in the food processor. More water equals less flavor, and that is not the goal here. Instead, scrape down the pumpkin as it is blended/pureed to make a smooth consistency.

What to do if the pumpkin is very watery?

Depending on the pumpkin and the growing conditions, it's possible you get a pumpkin that has a high moisture content. In order to conteract that, you can do one or two things:

• Let the pumpkin puree sit in a cheesecloth-lined strainer overnight.
• Cook the pumpkin puree in a wide pan over low heat, stirring frequently. This will slightly change the taste of the pumpkin, but it will concentrate the flavor.

Using + Storing It

From classic pumpkin pies to not-so-classic pumpkin pie, and pumpkin bread or bars, the possibilities are endless for homemade pumpkin puree. Use homemade puree as you would for any recipe that calls for canned pumpkin.

Pumpkin puree can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week or frozen for a few months, ensuring you have a taste of fall all year round. Storing it in a mason jar results in a similar amount as a can of pumpkin, which I find useful!

More Cooking Tutorials

All Pumpkin Recipes

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