Fall has arrived, which means you can find me in my kitchen whipping up anything and everything pumpkin! And when it comes to fall cooking and baking, I love using homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned puree. Why? Because homemade pumpkin puree is more flavorful, fresh, and will uplevel any fall recipe.
My homemade pumpkin puree recipe is so simple and only requires only one ingredient–pumpkin! So forget about using canned puree this fall, and learn how to make my homemade pumpkin puree recipe instead!
Why Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree?
1. Making pumpkin puree at home adds more flavor and freshness to your favorite fall recipes. Using fresh pumpkin, instead of pumpkin that has been sitting on a shelf, will always taste better!
2. Eating seasonally and locally is a great way to support your local farmers, and your health! Pumpkins are ripe and ready to eat in the fall, and there are plenty of freshly picked pumpkins available at your local farmers market or grocery store during this time of year.
3. Making your own pumpkin puree means that you control the ingredients! No preservatives or additives necessary– just fresh, delicious pumpkin!
4. Making homemade pumpkin puree will help you save some money. You can make double the amount of puree for the same cost as one can of pumpkin puree from the store.
What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Use?
When making homemade pumpkin puree, you want to use baking pumpkins– often labeled as sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins.
Avoid large carving pumpkins, as their flesh is too fibrous to make a smooth puree.
Ways to Use Pumpkin Puree
Since there are so many delicious fall recipes that call for pumpkin puree, I love having homemade pumpkin puree on hand throughout the season.
Some of my all-time favorite recipes to make with pumpkin puree are pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice coffee creamer, pumpkin waffles, pumpkin bread, pumpkin soup, pumpkin risotto, and the list goes on!
Pumpkin Puree Variations
You can add different ingredients to your pumpkin puree to give it different flavors and uses.
Some of my favorite add-ins to my homemade puree recipe are:
- Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar
- Pumpkin Spice Seasoning
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Since pumpkin is very versatile and can be used in savory and sweet foods, feel free to spice up the recipe to fit your cooking or baking needs!
What Can I Do With the Pumpkin Seeds?
After scooping out the pumpkin seeds, you can set them aside to roast them! Pepitas (roasted pumpkin seeds) are delicious by the handful, mixed into granola or trail mix, or sprinkled on top of soups and salads.
Pumpkin Puree Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized pumpkin
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree
1. Preheat oven to 375*F
2. Cut off the stem of your medium-sized sugar or pie pumpkin and slice the pumpkin in half vertically.
3. Scoop out the seeds and pulp, setting aside the seeds for roasting if desired.
4. Place pumpkin halves, cut side down, on a lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 45–60 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
6. Let the pumpkin cool, then scoop out the roasted flesh
7. Transfer flesh (and any other option add-ins) to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
8. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for longer storage.
Homemade Pumpkin Puree
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized pumpkin sugar pumpkin or pie pumpkin
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375*F
- Cut off the stem of your medium-sized sugar or pie pumpkin and slice the pumpkin in half vertically.
- Scoop out the seeds and pulp, setting aside the seeds for roasting if desired.
- Place pumpkin halves, cut side down, on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 45–60 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
- Let the pumpkin cool, then scoop out the roasted flesh.
- Transfer flesh (and any other option add-ins) to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Simple & Delicious Recipes for the Holidays
The holidays are right around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning which delicious recipes you’ll be whipping up for your family and friends. Forget about store-bought stuffing, cranberry sauce in a can, pre-made pumpkin pie or apple cider, and make it yourself this year with my holiday recipe guide, Holidays From Scratch!
Holidays From Scratch takes away the daunting task of choosing the right recipes for your holiday celebrations and ensures that the recipes you make for your loved ones taste absolutely incredible!
With 15 easy-to-make, mouthwatering recipes– including appetizers, main courses, side dishes, desserts, and drinks to sip on– your guests will be asking for seconds and wondering how you prepared such a phenomenal holiday feast!
Did you make my homemade pumpkin puree recipe? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest recipes on the blog, check out my recent posts: