Homemade Pumpkin Puree

Homemade Pumpkin Puree is healthy, easy, and a fun fall activity after being at the pumpkin patch! Not to mention all of the health benefits pumpkins have! 

It’s pumpkin season! You’ve been to the pumpkin patch and now you really want to make something homemade by using your picked pumpkins! 

Knowing how to make pumpkin puree can also come in handy during the holiday season because let's face it. Everyone is buying out the canned pumpkin! That’s such a pain when you are on a timeline to make these holiday foods, or you are set on making that pumpkin pie, then you can’t find pumpkin puree! 

Today I’m going to teach you how to make homemade pumpkin puree, talk about the health benefits, and give you some recipes that will come in handy for the upcoming holidays! 

Pumpkin Nutritional Benefits 

Pumpkins are FULL of vitamins and minerals! Especially vitamin A. One cup of pumpkin has almost 300% of the recommended daily values! Pumpkins also contain a high amount of antioxidants that have been proven to reduce symptoms of chronic diseases. 

If you are watching calories, eating clean, or following Weight Watchers, pumpkins are relatively low in calories because over 90% of it is water! 

This almost sounds like a miracle fruit right? So the pumpkin family is considered a fruit because of the seeds, but when it comes to nutritional values it is more like a vegetable! 

How is Pumpkin Puree Different From Pumpkin Pie Filling?

Pumpkin pie filling is a store bought ingredient that already has added sugar, spices, and preservatives in it. Pumpkin puree is pure pumpkin.

How To Make Pumpkin Puree in the Oven 

Start by slicing your pumpkin in half and clean out the seeds and gooey stringy stuff. Then place both halves on a baking sheet. Cook in the oven at 350F for 45 to 60 minutes. When your pumpkins are done, you should be able to stick a fork in them easily. Cooking times may vary depending on the pumpkin variety and size, so just check on them occasionally. 

After they are finished cooking, remove the peel. Add the pumpkin flesh to a food processor and blend. You can also put them in a pot and use an immersion blender. 

Let the pumpkin cool completely before adding it to any recipe. 

Can I Make Pumpkin Puree in the Instant Pot? 

Yes! Simply add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside. Cut off the stem and sit the whole pumpkin on the trivet, put the lid on, and switch the valve to the sealing position. Cook on manual high pressure for 18 minutes. Let it release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release. 

Take the pumpkin out of the IP and place it on a cutting board. Cut the pumpkin open, remove the stringy parts, seeds, and peel. Then blend as usual. 

What If My Pumpkin is Too Big For the Instant Pot? 

Cut off the stem first and cut your pumpkin into pieces that will fit. Clean them out first before putting them in the Instant Pot. Add one cup of water and place the trivet inside. Place the pumpkin pieces in, flesh side up. Then cook on high pressure for 5-10 minutes, and perform a quick release. Cooking times may vary due to variety or size. 

How To Store 

Store your pumpkin puree in an airtight container for 4-6 days in the refrigerator. 

How To Freeze 

Freeze your puree in one or two cup portions. This will make it easier the next time to use it. Let the puree thaw at room temperature before adding to your recipes.

You can use Ziploc bags, or the Foodsaver works really well and keeps food fresher for longer! 

Favorite Pumpkin Recipes:

• Pumpkin Muffins 
• Instant Pot Bundt Cake 
• Pumpkin Pie with Coconut Milk (coming soon!)
• Gingerbread Pumpkin Bundt Cake (coming soon!)

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