Homemade Pumpkin Puree

It’s so easy to make fresh Homemade Pumpkin Puree! Grab a baking pumpkin, roast and puree. It’s that easy. Enjoy in any of your favorite fall recipes.

pumpkin puree in a white bowl

Are you having a hard time finding canned pumpkin puree at the store? Or do you want to make the freshest pumpkin dish completely from scratch? While canned pumpkin works perfectly fine for most recipes, it’s very easy to make your own pumpkin puree from scratch.

All you have to do is roast a pumpkin, puree and enjoy in all of your favorite meals.

Making pumpkin puree is almost as easy as buying it canned. Best of all, it tastes more fresh and flavorful than canned puree.

scooping out seeds from a sugar pumpkin to roast in the oven

Steps to Make Fresh Pumpkin Puree

  1. Choose a pumpkin for baking. “Sugar Pumpkins” or “Pie Pumpkins” are the best type of pumpkins to make homemade puree. Avoid the larger carving type pumpkins which generally don’t taste as good as the smaller baking pumpkins.
  2. Slice the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Discard the seeds or save them to make roasted pumpkin seeds.
  3. Place the pumpkins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, flesh side down.
  4. Roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 45 minutes or until the flesh starts to separate from the skin and the pumpkin starts to collapse. Allow the pumpkins to cool slightly.
  5. Scoop out the roasted pumpkin flesh using a spoon. It should easily separate from the skin.
  6. Puree pumpkin. Place the fresh in a blender or food processor and blend.

If you do not have a blender or a food processor, you can use a potato masher to mash the pumpkin. Keep mashing until you achieve a puree consistency.

scooping out roasted pumpkin fresh to puree in a food processor

FAQs

Is canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree the same thing?

All pumpkin puree is made with winter squash. Some canned versions of pumpkin puree are a mix of different varieties of winter squash so the texture, color and flavor might be slightly different. Homemade pumpkin puree is usually lighter in color and somewhat thinner than the canned versions.

Can I substitute canned pumpkin for pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use in any recipe that calls for canned pumpkin.

Can you use regular pumpkin for homemade pumpkin puree?

You will need a pie pumpkin, also called a sugar pumpkin. These pumpkins are smaller and have a much better pumpkin taste than the standard carving pumpkin. You can find pie pumpkins during the fall season at most grocery stores.

How long does homemade pumpkin puree last in the fridge?

Homemade puree lasts about 1 week. Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container until ready to use.

smooth pumpkin puree in a food processor container

While using canned pumpkin is perfectly fine, we think using homemade puree yields a better texture and flavor. If you’re in a pinch and can’t locate canned pumpkin, then this recipe will work great for you!

Recipes Using Pumpkin Puree

Did you try this homemade pumpkin puree recipe? Leave a recipe rating and review below.

pumpkin puree in a white bowl

Homemade Pumpkin Puree

Yield: 4 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
This from scratch pumpkin puree recipe is easy to make!
5 from 4 votes

Ingredients 

  • 2 sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins (about 2 pounds each)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Remove the stem from each pumpkin. Then, slice each pumpkin in half lengthwise. Use a large spoon to scoop out all of the seeds and discard or save them for roasting.
  • Place the pumpkin halves flesh side down on a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Roast for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the pumpkins start to separate from the skin and partially collapse.
  • Use a spoon to scoop out the pumpkin flesh. The skin should separate from the flesh easily.
  • Place the flesh in the bowl of a large food processor or blender. Puree until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
  • Place the puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Use the puree in any of your favorite pumpkin recipes.

Notes

How to Thicken Pumpkin Puree
  • From scratch pumpkin puree is sometimes not as thick as canned pumpkin puree. 
  • You can strain the pumpkin puree in cheesecloth over a bowl to thicken. Discard any liquid. 
Storage
  • Store puree in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. 
Freezing
  • To freeze pumpkin puree, place in a freezer safe ziplock bag for up to 5 months. Thaw before using. You can also strain the puree in cheesecloth to remove any liquid.

Nutrition

Calories: 177kcal, Carbohydrates: 44g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 7mg, Potassium: 2312mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 19g, Vitamin A: 57888IU, Vitamin C: 61mg, Calcium: 143mg, Iron: 5mg
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Ashley C.
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a review below or share a photo and tag @spoonfulofflavor on Instagram.

3 comments on “Homemade Pumpkin Puree”

  1. I’ve never made my own pumpkin puree because it seemed intimidating but after reading your post I’m inspired. 

  2. Your recipe is a lifesaver! Stores are totally out of canned pumpkin.

  3. love to be able to make everything from scratch, at least once! to see how much better it tastes and to say I did it! maybe even add some new techniques, so thank you for this scratch pumpkin puree

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