Homemade Pumpkin Puree From Scratch (Fresh Pumpkin!)

Homemade pumpkin puree - Freshly cut pumpkins are lightly brushed with olive oil and baked until warm and tender. The pumpkin is then peeled and blended in a food processor until smooth. In just over an hour, you'll have delicious homemade pumpkin puree to add to all of your favorite fall recipes and enjoy all season long!

Is there anything better than the smell of pumpkin spice in the air? It's like a scent signal that fall is finally here! And do you know what's even better than pumpkin spice? Homemade pumpkin puree, of course! It's so easy to make, and it tastes a million times better than store-bought. Plus, you can use it for all sorts of recipes, both delectable and hearty. So if you're looking for an easy and delicious way to celebrate the arrival of fall, give this homemade pumpkin puree a try today!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pumpkin Puree From Scratch

Simple- Anyone can make homemade pumpkin puree, and it's so easy. Let the kids jump in and help make it along with lasting memories.
Versatile – Pumpkin puree is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Appetizers, main courses, desserts, beverages, and even dog treats are just a few examples of foods that can be made with pumpkin puree.
Minimal ingredients – This recipe only requires 3 simple ingredients! They can all easily be found at the local grocery store. It can't get much better than that.
Less wasteful- When using canned pumpkin puree, you are committed to the whole can. Leftover canned pumpkin puree doesn't last long after the can has been opened, so you end up throwing the unused puree in the trash. Homemade pumpkin puree can be stored in smaller pre-portioned containers creating less waste and saving you money.

Equipment Needed To Make Pumpkin Puree From Fresh Pumpkin

Baking sheet
Knife
Large spoon for scooping
Pastry brush
Food processor or blender
Parchment paper

Ingredients For Your DIY Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin
Olive Oil
Salt (Optional)

How To Make Pumpkin Puree From Scratch

To make this homemade pumpkin puree, all you have to do is preheat the oven. Cut the pumpkins before brushing them with olive oil and placing them on a baking sheet. Bake pumpkins until soft and fragrant. Blend the cooked pumpkins until they are smooth and uniform in texture.

What Can Pumpkin Puree Be Used In?

Pumpkin is a very popular fall dish that may be used in a variety of meals. It may be utilized in both sweet and savory recipes.

Breakfast foods such as pumpkin pancakes or oatmeal.
Pumpkin soup or pizza for lunch are good options.
A pumpkin pasta dish or warm hearty chili would make wonderful dinner choices.
Cookies, as well as the classic pumpkin pie, are two excellent dessert options to end your meal with pumpkin.
Pumpkin-flavored beverages, using pumpkin purees, such as coffee, tea, lattes, and smoothies, have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They are so tasty!
Pumpkin puree is also very popular with dog owners. Pumpkin puree can be used to make dog treats and is an excellent addition to dog food to add moisture and extra flavor.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

There are a lot of other vegetables out there that can be roasted and pureed to use in different recipes. Pureed vegetables make a great base for soups. Carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, butternut squash, leeks, and lentils are just a few examples.

Vegetables that have been pureed are also quite popular when making healthy homemade baby food. The possibilities with baby food are endless, and they're a fantastic method to get your kids to try different veggies.

How To Reheat & Store DIY Pumpkin Puree

Best Way To Store Pumpkin Puree Leftovers

The best way to store leftover pumpkin puree is in pre-portioned airtight containers in either the refrigerator or freezer.

How Long Will Pumpkin Puree From Scratch Last In the Fridge?

As long as pumpkin puree is stored properly in an airtight container, it will last up to a week in the refrigerator.

Can I Freeze Pumpkin Puree Made From Fresh Pumpkin?

Yes, you can freeze your homemade pumpkin puree. To have individual portions, I suggest freezing pumpkin puree in ice cube trays. Once completely frozen, transfer the cubes into an airtight container or freezer bag for storage. DIY pumpkin puree lasts up to 6 months in the freezer.

How To Reheat Easy Homemade Pumpkin Puree

Simply thaw frozen pumpkin puree in the refrigerator overnight, then use it as needed.

Homemade Pumpkin Puree From Scratch FAQs

Can I make homemade pumpkin puree ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, making it ahead of time is a great idea. You can make pumpkin puree as early as 4 days in advance. If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, pumpkin puree will keep for about a week.

Is there a way to thin the pumpkin puree if it is too thick?

Yes. If your pumpkin puree is too thick or doesn't seem to be mixing well, add 1 tsp of water in small increments until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I use large carving pumpkins for making pumpkin puree?

Yes, however, I suggest using “pie pumpkins” instead. Pie pumpkins are smaller and easier to prepare but they also have much more flavor than carving pumpkins.

Is roasting the pumpkin the only way to cook it?

No. Roasting a pumpkin in the oven isn't the only way to cook a pumpkin for pumpkin puree. You may also steam pumpkins on the stove or cook them in an instant pot or crockpot. Regardless of how you cook your pumpkins, you will still end up with a delicious pumpkin puree!

Do I need to remove the skin before cooking the pumpkin?

No, you do not need to remove the pumpkin skin before cooking. The raw skin is extremely difficult to remove. Once the pumpkin has been cooked, the skin comes off much easier!