Name: Homemade Pumpkin Puree (How to Cook a Pumpkin)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 sugar pumpkin (2 pounds); 1 tablespoon olive oil (if baking)

Fresh pumpkins are everywhere from late summer to early winter, so make homemade Pumpkin Puree to have on hand all year long.

Have you ever wondered how to cook a pumpkin and make your own homemade pumpkin puree? It’s easy!

What is Pumpkin Puree?

Homemade pumpkin purée is cooked and mashed or blended pumpkin.
Pumpkins are often popular vegetables to grow for first-time gardeners (and kids!), but what to do with all the extra pumpkins? This recipe puts those pumpkins to good use in just a few easy steps.
Pumpkins are chock-full of vitamins and fiber. Mix some puree into a smoothie for an organic boost of nutrition.
Turn the pumpkin seeds into a healthy, portable snack.
Don’t forget about the family pooch. Try this recipe for dog treats!

pumpkin to show how to make Homemade Pumpkin Puree

Ingredients & Variations

Pumpkins – Be sure to choose a variety intended for cooking such as sugar pumpkins for the best flavor and texture. Look for a small brightly colored pumpkin that is deep orange with little green or blemishes.

Variations – Make seasoned pumpkin puree for future pies, bread, and other desserts by mixing in this DIY pumpkin pie spice. For a savory pumpkin puree, add a pinch of pepper before baking. For a sweet pumpkin puree, add a pinch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of brown sugar.

process of scooping pumpkin seeds to make Homemade Pumpkin Puree

How to Cook a Pumpkin

This pumpkin puree is so smooth and great for adding to all kinds of baking!

Slice in half and scrape out the seeds per the recipe below.
Brush each pumpkin half with a bit of oil.
Roast on a baking sheet until fork-tender.

How To Make Pumpkin Puree

Once the pumpkin is tender, scoop the flesh out of the shell and place it into a food processor.
Pulse until smooth.
To thicken the puree further, line a strainer with cheesecloth and let the puree rest a little while.

Stovetop Pumpkin Puree: Prepare as above but boil in water until the pumpkin pieces are tender. Drain, cool, and puree. Boiled pumpkin will need to drain in cheesecloth longer.

Tips for Homemade Puree

Strain pumpkin puree through cheesecloth to remove as much liquid as possible before using as homemade contains more water than canned pumpkin.
Homemade pumpkin puree has a naturally sweeter, milder taste compared to canned.
Line the pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Puree chunks of pumpkin in a blender, a food processor, or use a potato masher.

process of blending Homemade Pumpkin Puree

How To Store It

Cooked pumpkin will last in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. To freeze, scoop the cooled puree into freezer bags, leaving two inches for expansion. It should keep in a deep freezer for up to one year.

Or, freeze puree in ice cube trays, then empty them into a freezer bag. Pop on out to add to cookies, a smoothie, or to make any soup, sauce, or stew rich and creamy!

Homemade Pumpkin Puree in a bowl with a spoon

more pumpkin recipes

Here are some of our favorite pumpkin recipes using fresh pumpkin puree!

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Desserts

Easy Pumpkin Soup

Soups & Stews

Easy Pumpkin Butter

Dips and Dressings

Savory Pumpkin Chili

Soups & Stews

Easy Pumpkin Muffins

Baking & Breads

Pumpkin Bread

Breakfast

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Homemade Pumpkin Puree (How to Cook a Pumpkin)

It’s so easy to make homemade pumpkin puree!

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Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Servings 2 cups (1 cup per pound)

Author Holly Nilsson

Equipment

Baking Sheet

Ingredients

▢ 1 sugar pumpkin 2 pounds
▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil if baking

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Wash the pumpkin and cut it in half. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and pith (the stringy bits).
Brush olive oil over the flesh of the pumpkin (the cut side), and toss with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt if desired. (*see note)
Place on a baking tray, cut side down, and roast 45-55 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Cool the pumpkin slightly.

To Puree

Once cooled, use a spoon to scoop out the flesh of the pumpkin and place in a food processor. Pulse until smooth.
Fresh pumpkin can contain a lot of water compared to canned so if necessary, line a strainer with cheesecloth and place the pumpkin puree in the cheesecloth to drain for 30 minutes.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Video

Notes

Seasonings: If using in savory recipes, add a pinch of pepper to the pumpkin before baking. If using in sweet recipes, add a pinch of cinnamon.

If using a larger pumpkin: If using smaller pumpkins they can be cut in half and baked per directions. Larger pumpkins should be cut into large chunks before baking.

Consistency: Homemade pumpkin puree usually contains more water than canned. It should be strained using cheesecloth or coffee filters in a colander before use (especially for baking).

Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

4.79 from 19 votes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Pantry, Sauce

Cuisine American

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How to Cook Pumpkin Puree in a jar with a title

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How to Cook Pumpkin (Homemade Pumpkin Puree)