Our homemade pumpkin puree recipe is so easy, delicious, and fun to make that you’ll wonder why you ever bought the canned stuff. It’s as simple as roasting veggies in the oven—a pumpkin is just a large squash, after all.
I can’t explain why, but the joy you’ll feel when serving a Pumpkin Pie with homemade pumpkin puree is real. And you don’t have to stop there. Try our Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Pumpkin Pancakes,… and I could go on (and I do. Scroll down for more ideas)!
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Easy Pumpkin Puree Recipe
Don’t be intimidated by making your own pumpkin puree, because it’s so simple and the perfect way to prepare for the Fall season. While it may be easier to grab a can at the store, here are some reasons to try this recipe:
- Easy to make and tastes amazing
- Freezes and keeps well
- Nutritious benefits include added fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Control the flavor and create the consistency you like
- Stash of pumpkin at the ready for sweet and savory fall dishes
- Save the seeds (pepitas) for Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Are Canned Pumpkin and Pumpkin Puree the Same Thing?
While the two are used interchangeably, just take a peek at this picture to see a side-by-side comparison of canned stuff versus this homemade recipe. The darker color of the canned version is because many brands of canned pumpkin are actually a mixture of “squash and field pumpkins” per the FDA, giving it a darker color. It’s also steamed, rather than roasted.
The taste and nutritional value are similar, but making your own pumpkin puree ensures that your pumpkin dish is actually pumpkin. You can also experiment with your own puree by mixing pumpkin with different squashes like Roasted Acorn Squash, Kabocha, or Roasted Butternut Squash for a unique flavor.
What Type of Pumpkin is Best for Homemade Pumpkin Puree?
A pumpkin is the only ingredient you need for pumpkin puree. Our recipe calls for 2 small baking pumpkins, giving you two to four cups of ready-to-use puree. It’s easy to multiply this recipe to make more.
While all types of pumpkins can be roasted and made into puree just like any other squash, here’s how to get the best result.
- Sugar pumpkins (or pie pumpkins) are best because they are, well, sweeter (what’s in a name?), although you may use the smaller regular pumpkins. Ideally, your pumpkin should be 7-9 inches wide.
- Look for freckles – You’ll know a sugar pumpkin when you see one up close.
- Where to find them – Look in the produce section of your grocery store, next to the other squash, or ask for a pie pumpkin at a farmers market or patch.
- Avoid larger varieties like Jack-o-Lantern pumpkins since they tend to have less flesh, more moisture, and less sweet flavor. Smaller types have a more concentrated flavor.
Pro Tip:
Canned and homemade pumpkin puree can be substituted 1:1, so that’s 15 oz or about 2 cups minus 1 Tbs of puree.
How to Make Pumpkin Puree
With less than 10 minutes of prep time, it’s quick and easy to ditch the store-bought version.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Rinse and cut the pumpkin in half (or quarters or larger pumpkins) to scrape out the seeds and pulp, and then keep the seeds for Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.
- Place the pieces on a baking sheet cut-side down, and then bake for 50 minutes to an hour or until you can easily pierce the flesh with a fork.
- Once cool enough to handle, peel the skin of the pumpkin off and cut the pumpkin into 1-inch pieces. Process the chunks in a food processor in batches until applesauce consistency.
Pro Tip:
Use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to remove the seeds and pulp from the pumpkin.
How to Thicken Pumpkin Puree
- To make most recipes, like pumpkin pie, for example, you’ll need to drain some of the liquid. Put a fine mesh strainer over a bowl, and then line it with a double layer of cheesecloth. Wrap the puree in cheesecloth and gently squeeze to release the liquid.
Pro Tip
The amount of water released from the puree can differ depending on the type and freshness of the squash. You can also squeeze out more if you prefer a thicker consistency.
What is Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is simply the flesh of a pumpkin that has been softened by roasting in the oven, and then it is mashed or blended into a mashed potato-like texture. It’s used in all types of recipes.
Can I use a Blender?
You can use a strong blender. Try blending only a few cubes at a time so it doesn’t get stuck. You can also use a potato masher or food mill.
What to Make with Pumpkin Puree?
Pumpkin is one of the most versatile ingredients to add to savory dishes and sweet treats alike. For instance, in baking, it’s an excellent substitute for:
- Substitute eggs (1/4 cup puree for 1 egg)
- Substitute butter (3/4 cup pumpkin for every cup of butter)
- Substitute Oil (1:1)
Here are some ideas on how to use pumpkin puree:
Breakfast Pumpkin Recipes
- Pumpkin Waffles and pancakes
- Pull-Apart Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin Flax Granola
Dinner Recipes that Use Pumpkin
- Add a half cup to our Beef Chili for Pumpkin Chili
- Add a bit of sage and a half cup of puree for a velvety texture in Penne alla Vodka.
- Use pumpkin in place of some of/all of the squash in our Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
- Add a half cup into our Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Add a half cup to our Classic Risotto recipe for Pumpkin Risotto
Pumpkin Dessert Recipes
Make-Ahead
Keep puree on hand to add a great creamy texture and nutritious veggie to your dish.
- To Refrigerate: wait until the puree is completely cooled, then store in an airtight container for a week
- Freezing: Freeze for 6 months (though, we’ve used it for up to a year). We like freezing in zip-top bags in one-cup portions. Fill, stack, and lay flat in the freezer to store.
- To Reheat: Defrost overnight in the refrigerator. You can use a microwave or saucepan on the stove, but it may change the flavor slightly.
Homemade Pumpkin puree is simple, delicious, and rewarding to make. Also, the technique can be used for other squash, as well. Make your own puree, and you’ll never go back to canned.
More Roasted Vegetable Recipes
If you love this recipe, then you won’t want to miss these other delicious ways to serve up vegetables this Fall.
Easy Homemade Pumpkin Puree
Ingredients
- 2 small pie pumpkins, or one larger sugar pumpkin 8-10 inches*
Instructions
To Make the Pumpkin Puree
- Preheat your oven to 350°F Wash, dry and trim off the stem of the pumpkin. Stand the pumpkin on the flat side and cut it in half, or cut a larger pumpkin into quarters. Using a spoon, scrape out the seeds and pulp. Keep the seeds to make Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.
- Place pumpkin halves on a baking sheet cut-side down and Bake at 350F in the center of your oven for 50 min to 1 hour, or until easily pierced with a knife without resistance.
- Peel the skin off all the chunks and cut the pumpkin into 1-inch pieces. Process in batches in a food processor until smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed for even blending. You should end up with a smooth applesauce consistency.
To Thicken Pumpkin Puree:
- For a thicker puree needed for pumpkin pie or most recipes that call for canned pumpkin puree, set a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and line with a double layer of cheesecloth. Put the puree into the cheesecloth, wrap and gently squeeze to help release excess liquid. For a consistency similar to canned puree, I was able to strain off almost 1 cup of liquid from 2 small pie pumpkins.
Storing Pumpkin Puree:
- Use it immediately, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week. To freeze, place 1 cup of puree into a freezer-safe zip bag, push out all the air, seal ,and freeze for up to 3 months or longer in a deep freezer.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
Natasha, my oven stopped working a few months ago and I can’t get it fixed until after the first of the year. I have an instant fryer and a small toaster oven. What temperature should I set either to and for how long? Do I cover the pumpkin halves with foil or just in a small glass or metal container? Thank you
Hi Karen! I’m sorry to hear about your oven. I have not tested this in the air fryer to provide those instructions. I searched through the comments to see if anyone has left this feedback, but I did not see any comments. You’d have to experiment with it or possibly research online how to do this in the air fryer.
Good morning 🙂 I have a question : You mentioned freezing and storing in a fridge, But never actually canning them. Is there a reason not to can or is it ok to do so ??
Hi June, I have not tried canning this recipe to advise in its freshness or outcome.
So how much is a serving? This should be in ounces or cups for clarity. Thanks!
Hi Martha! At the top of the recipe card, you’ll see the number of servings this recipe makes. The nutrition facts are per serving.
Just received my book!
I love it
I’ve been following you and your recipes, absolutely love your way of cooking!
Thank you
I’m so glad you’re loving my book, Elizabeth! Thank you for your lovely comment.
So much better than canned pumpkin . I believe it has more of it’s vitamins and minerals, than the processed, pumpkin. We do this in small batches and the store bought is processed in tons, of fruit.
Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you so much for sharing that with us!
I e had pumpkin soup in Barbados years ago and it was delicious,do you have a recipe for a soup made with pumpkin
Hi Vivian, you can use pumpkin in place of some of/all of the squash in our Roasted Butternut Squash Soup.
I can’t believe how easy this recipe is, AND it tastes so much fresher than canned. Will make again.
Thank you for the feedback, Erin!
I can’t believe I have never made my own pumpkin puree before now. This was so helpful, thank you so much!
You’re very welcome! I’m glad it was helpful.