Easy Pumpkin Puree Recipe

Top view of a food processor with pureed pumpkin resting in it.

Making homemade pumpkin puree is simpler than you think! This easy pumpkin puree recipe creates a silky-smooth puree perfect for pies, soups, or adding to any fall recipe.

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Keyword easy pumpkin puree recipe, Homemade pumpkin puree

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Cooling Time 20

Total Time 1 30

Servings

Calories 59kcal

Ingredients

1 small baking pumpkin 4 to 6 pounds
Salt optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Rinse and pat dry the pumpkin. Cut one side of the pumpkin from the stem down to the bottom. Important: Do not try to cut through the stem—it’s too hard. Remove the knife, rotate the pumpkin, and slice down the opposite side. Once both sides are cut, pull the halves apart. The stem should separate easily.
Scoop out the seeds and most of the stringy bits. If using, lightly season the inside of the pumpkin halves with salt, then place them cut side down on the baking sheet.
Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the pumpkin is easily pierced with a knife and the flesh pulls away from the skin.
Cool until you can safely handle the pumpkin halves, then scoop the soft flesh into a food processor. The skin of fully cooled pumpkins will peel off quite easily, I prefer this method over scooping. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your pumpkin.
Process for 3 to 5 minutes, until very smooth.

Notes

RECIPE TIPS:

Purchasing Pumpkins: Look for “sugar pumpkin” or “pie pumpkin” as these smaller varieties have a smoother texture and a naturally sweeter flavor, perfect for puree. Consider buying directly from your local farm fresh stand, as most are picked the same day.
Storing: Store your homemade pumpkin puree in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze it for up to 3 months. You can also can it if you know how.
Cutting the pumpkin: Consider using a dish towel to hold the stem while slicing, as the stem can be prickly. The towel also helps keep the pumpkin steady, making the process safer.
Use this bake method for other winter squash: This baking method also works with most winter squashes, however, the baking time may vary. until When the other squash variety is easily pierced with a knife and the flesh pulls away from the skin, then it is done.

EQUIPMENT:

Baking Sheet
Parchment
Food Processor

Nutrition