How to Make Pumpkin Puree Like a Pro

_{Follow these simple steps for how to make pumpkin puree to use in your favorite pumpkin recipes. Made from fresh pumpkin and is much healthier than the canned version.  Easy to make from scratch.} 

How to Make Pumpkin Puree like a Pro

Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 1 Hour Total Time: 1 Hour, 15 Minutes Servings: Will Vary

Making homemade pumpkin puree is simple and can be added to your favorite recipes that call for pumpkin. Fresh Pumpkins are a yummy and tasting alternative to canned pumpkins. ‘Tis the season to be baking and cooking with pumpkin. Most stay away from preparing it themselves because of the so-called difficulty level.

Aside from the obvious use in pumpkin pie, it comes in handy for pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin dip, pumpkin bread pudding, pumpkin cookies, and pumpkin doughnuts.

I even mix the puree with butter and maple syrup for a ridiculously sinful fall side dish. While it is easy to buy canned pumpkin, the taste of fresh pureed pumpkin is sweeter and more delicate. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so why not give it a try, right?

I have heard so many people declare that canned pumpkin is best due to their dark color. But all I can say in my experience is that my recipes have come out delicious and never with any complaints. I’ve been very pleased with the outcome of pumpkin-based dishes in which I’ve chosen to use the from-scratch puree.

I say you have fresh pumpkins on hand, why not give it a try? You will find it is quite easy to do. And just so it is not a shock, fresh pumpkin puree is a much lighter color than canned. It is also not as dense. 

How to Use Pumpkin Puree

Once you’ve made your puree, there are tons of ways to use it! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Make these delicious cinnamon rolls.
• Whisk it into savory porridge or risotto.
• Try it in these doughnuts or this bread pudding.
• Make pancakes next Saturday.
• Create this delicious no-bake cheesecake dip.
• Make pie!

How To Make Pumpkin Puree

Please note a full list of printable instructions is below.

Important not to Keep in mind — For safety reasons you can not process pumpkin using the canning method. The safest way to save your pumpkin is to cut it into chunks and freeze it. After it is defrosted, I place it in my food processor and puree it for recipes.

For a better explanation of why you can’t process your own canned pumpkin at home, I found this helpful article. You can also read through my simple explanation below.

Why Can’t We Can Pumpkin Puree:

It is not recommended that you water bath can or pressure cook pureed pumpkin for three specific reasons:

Ph Level – Pumpkin puree, once made, carries a very low Ph level. Low acid-type food should not be considered for canning purposes, as it can enhance the growth of Clostridium botulinum. YIKES!

This is the bacteria that can cause botulism. To be safe for water bath canning, food must have a pH level of 4.6 or lower, preferably 4.2 to account for a variation to suppress the growth.

Water – Squashes including pumpkin have varying degrees of water within the fruit itself. Because of this wide variety, it is hard to calculate a precise canning time.

The thickness of the puree – Again, this stems from how much water is in the pumpkin. I have made some pumpkin puree that has turned out like applesauce, and others have come out quite thick.

This thickness makes it difficult for temperatures to penetrate, especially if your puree is without a lot of water (and much thicker). For all these reasons above, we choose to freeze our pumpkin. It is fast, easy, and gives great results. Plus, it comes worry-free.

How to Prepare Fresh Pumpkin the Easy Way

Ingredients Needed

Making pumpkin puree requires only one ingredient.

Your handpicked pumpkin.

However, we do prefer what is called pumpkin pie pumpkins.

Smaller pumpkins are much easier to handle.

How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree

It does take a while to cook, but I find it the easiest. Walk away and come back to preparing. But first, you will want to make sure that you are starting with clean pumpkins. So give them a good rinse in the sink and dry them with a towel before starting.

STEP ONE: Then preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

STEP TWO: As your oven is coming up to temperature it is time to cut your pumpkin. The first cut you will need to make is taking the top off.

STEP THREE: Then cut the pumpkin in half. Remove the pulp and the seeds by scraping the insides with a metal spoon. (Place the seeds in a colander and reserve for making roasted pumpkin seeds, nothing goes to waste)

STEP FOUR: Put the two halves cut side down in a roasting pan or a casserole dish. Add enough water to cover the first 1/4 inch of the pumpkin.

STEP FIVE: Cook for about 60 minutes or until the pumpkin flesh is tender enough to pierce with a knife. Remove the pumpkin halves. Cool.

STEP SIX: Once cooked, scoop out the flesh with a spoon. After you have scooped out your pumpkin, then you can place it in a food processor until completely pureed.  The next is to divide them into zipper freezer bags. Make sure you label date, and freeze for future use.

And there you have it–easy peasy homemade pumpkin puree.

Pumpkin into Puree Printable Instructions

Unlock the secrets of making pumpkin puree like a professional chef. This step-by-step guide will teach you the best techniques and tips to create a rich and delicious pumpkin puree that will elevate your favorite recipes.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with or leave a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our recipes.

If you have made your very own homemade pumpkin puree, we would love to know all about it. Leave us a comment below. I would also like to know what you use it for (breads, pies, etc).

We all need more recipe ideas in our lives.

Other Fun Fall Time Recipes

Homemade Gingerbread Coffee Syrup Recipe

Mini Pumpkin Pies – Made with Cheese & Crackers

Brown Butter & Maple Sweet Potato Hasselback

Pumpkin Spice Mini Cake Doughnuts with Pumpkin Spice Glaze

Eating out is easy, and it usually tastes delicious, but it’s expensive. Making this meal at home will save you money. Add this recipe to your weekly meal plan.