How to make your own Pumpkin Puree

How to make homemade pumpkin puree easily in your oven to use in pies, cakes, cookies and more. 
Last week was the first time in almost a year that I saw canned pumpkin on the grocery store shelves. I was pretty shocked that the pumpkin shortage had gone on as long as it has. I told myself that I would make my own pumpkin puree this year if I couldn't get my hands on any. 

I have seen a few stores that still don't have any canned pumpkin in stock. If that's how it is in your area then this post is for you. I never realized how easy it was to make pumpkin puree until I couldn't find any. I always thought making your own puree was hard and time consuming, so I never even bothered to even try. 

The other day while in home depot, I came across some pie pumpkins, so I grabbed a few. I know canned pumpkin will eventually be back in stock, but until then, I will be making my own pumpkin puree. 

I have to admit the whole process was pretty simple, but I did run into one problem. I didn't  know that the skin on sugar pumpkins was so hard. It was so hard that I couldn't even cut the pumpkins. I just assumed pie pumpkins were a different texture then regular Jack-O-Lantern pumpkins. 

To solve the problem I just roasted the pumpkins whole for about 20 minutes to soften up the skin. After they cooled a bit I cut off the stems and cut each pumpkin into pieces and placed them back into the oven a second time. 

Now I still don't know if fresh is better than canned because I froze all the pumpkin puree I made, but you can bet that I'll be making a recipe in the next couple days and I will let you know. I have included some step-by- step photos of just how easy it is to make your own pumpkin puree. 

To start, preheat your oven to 375 F degrees. Slice the pumpkin in half and remove stem. You can cut the pumpkin into quarters if you want, or just leave it halved. Using a spoon, scrape out all of the stringy stuff and the seeds (save the seed if you want to toast them). Spray a foil-lined baking sheet with non-stick spray. Place your pumpkin cut-side down on the sheet.

Cook the pumpkin pieces for about 45 minutes or until its tender when pierced with a fork. When done, remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet.

Using a spoon scrape out the flesh and discard the skin/rind. It should be easy to scoop right out, Place pumpkin pulp in a food processor and process until smooth.

I used the blade attachment to my Cuisinart hand mixer. You can also just mash it with a fork or potato masher.

At this point you can use it in any recipe that calls for pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin. I froze mine in 2 cup measures in zip lock freezer bags. Most recipes call for a whole can which is 15 ounces so 2 cups will work out great.

If the pumpkin puree is a bit watery you can strain it through a small strainer, but I have only ran in to that problem one time. 

If you're not using immediately store pumpkin puree in the freezer. I store mine in freezer bags and then add to one large freezer bag and lay flat.





Yield: 4 cups
Author: Tina Butler | Mommy's Kitchen
Make your own Pumpkin Puree

Make your own Pumpkin Puree

How to make homemade pumpkin puree easily in your oven to use in pies, cakes, cookies and more.
Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 45 MinTotal time: 1 Hour

Ingredients

  • 2 - small pie pumpkins (sugar pumpkins)
  • non stick baking spray
  • hand mixer or immersion blender
  • measuring cup
  • zip lock bags or freezer containers

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Slice pumpkin in half and remove stem. You can cut it in quarters if you want, or just leave it halved.
  2. Using a spoon, scrape out all of the stringy stuff and the seeds. (save the seed if you want to toast them) Spray a foil-lined baking sheet with non-stick spray.
  3. Place your pumpkin cut-side down on the sheet. Cook pumpkin for about 45 minutes or until its tender when pierced with a fork.
  4. When done, remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet. Using a spoon scrape out the flesh and discard the skin/rind. It should be easy to scoop right out, Place pumpkin pulp in a food processor and process until smooth.
  5. I used the blade attachment to my Cuisinart hand mixer. You can also just mash it with a fork or potato masher.
  6. At this point you can use it in any recipe that calls for pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin. I freeze mine in 2 cup measurements in zip lock freezer bags or use small freezer containers.
  7. Most recipes call for a whole can of pumpkin which is 15 oz. After removing the pumpkin from the freezer, thaw and drain off any water before using.

Notes:

If the skin of you pumpkins is really hard you can bake the pumpkins whole for about 20 minutes. Then remove from the oven let cool a bit and cut in half.

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36 comments

Holly said…
Only you, my dear! Looks great, I'll have to try it. Thanks and have a great day!
Kirby said…
Its a hit and miss here, sometimes we have it and sometimes we dont! I'll keep this mind for the times they dont have it! Thanks!
Mom Putnam said…
Do you know of any receipe that you can actually can the pumpkin and waterbath it? I dont have room in my freezer.
Rhondi said…
I can't wait to try this! I'm actually baking your Pumpkin Sheet Cake right now and it smells delicious! I plan on trying all your pumpkin recipes. I just discovered last year that I like pumpkin...my mom never made anything pumpkin. All these years I've been missing out. Thanks for all the wonderful recipes!
Tina Butler said…
Mom Putnam I am not sure if you can actually can pumpkin puree or not. I read somewhere that pumpkin butter couldn't be canned saftley. Here is the article I saw it in. Looks like you could can the pumpkin if you cube it but not puree it. Which doesn't make sense because we are not adding anything to the puree besides a tad bit of water.

http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/pumpkinprecautions
Fabulous! Libby's has finally arrived here in Maine, but I think I'll be making my own puree as well this year. It's so easy!

Hope all's well! LOVE the new blog look here, Tina ;)
Anonymous said…
It actually tokk 3 stores before finding canned pumpkin.It was also a little on the spendy side. This sounds like a much cheaper way and just adds to the enjoyment of Fall activities! Thanks for the great idea.
Darcy
Californiutahan said…
I'd been looking for pumpkin for months, too--also found it last week! I'll keep this in mind, though--I've had pie made from fresh pumpkin before and it was AMAZING.
Californiutahan said…
@Mom Putnam: More info on canning pumpkin

http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/tips/fall/pumpkins.html
http://extension.usu.edu/weber/files/uploads/Canning%20Pumpkin%20Butter.pdf
Patricia said…
You can also use butternut squash to make "pumpkin" puree. Bet you can't taste the difference once you've added spices etc. It's also less stringy than pie pumpkins. Take care.
The Manintvelds said…
It's good that you're posting this .. I made my own puree last year out of necessity and it made the absolute best pies I've ever eaten .. and that's no exaggeration! Hope everyone who reads this post tries to make their own this year .. take my word on it, it's awesome!
Tina Butler said…
I made pumpkin bread today with the fresh pumpkin. Everyone is right it is better than canned. I will buy some canned so i can use it in the summer and then use the fresh pumpkin in the fall and winter. We go through a lot of pumpkin in our house. Maybe I can get a good stash going in the freezer.
I heard on the news today that my state's (VA) pumpkin crop is a good one- perfect for for putting some away in the freezer!
How interesting! I've always heard that you should stir the puree over low heat for several minutes to get moisture out...I've never actually added moisture back in.
Anonymous said…
I'm so excited. I can't wait to try it. We don't have canned pumpkin here yet.
I still can't find pumpkin in my small town. I went to get some on Monday after work to make some pumpkin muffins and there was none to be found. They told me it was a seasonal thing. I read this article in the Richmond Times yesterday and the shortage is over!!! http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/2010/sep/28/b-togo28-ar-528572/
sherry said…
Thanks so much. I actually did this last year, one thing, after freezing the pumkpkin, there is still some water in it, so you may need to strain it again or the recipe may not turn out exactly as you would like. I did this with both pie pumpkins and field pumpkins. They both taste great, field pumpkins have much more water so it may look like a lot of pumpkin, but it is really only half of what you see. I really love your blog.
Hi Tina!

We actually placed a call to Libby's to get the pumpkin scoop and they assured us that the canned pumpkin was on its way to stores last week. After the shortage last year though, we used our own puree and you're right - the flavor is so much better! Love these handy tips and step-by-step photos...thanks for sharing.
I've done this every year for awhile. I never buy the canned stuff. This year, we gleaned a local pumpkin farmer's field for pumpkins for our pig. But we found a number of them that were perfectly good for human consumption. Not pie pumpkins though so a little different to deal with but taste the same.

More moisture but after you cook it, put it in a colander lined with cheesecloth at least overnight in the fridge. And I use a hand mixer to puree it.
Tina Butler said…
Yeah Vicki and Joann. It is pumplin season so everyone will be so happy it's back. I always feel so blessed when Gooseberry Patch drops by and leaves me a comment. Thank you so much.
Momto3boys said…
About 4yrs ago when my middle son was 6 he asked for a "real" pumpkin pie, so I grabbed a can of pumpking and he freaked out. He wanted it made from scratch with real pumpkin. I was so scared that it would be hard, but it was super easy. I have never gone back to canned pumpkin again.
Alexis said…
What a perfect time for pumpkin puree... and I love to avoid the can whenever possible! Thank you! I actually just discussed some non-traditional uses for pumpkin on my blog (http://northonharper.com/2010/10/pumpkin-more-than-just-a-pie/)... would love for you to check it out!
Anonymous said…
Tina,

We've got a whole garden full of pie pumpkins, just wondering how your pumpkin recipes turned out using this method i.e., pies, breads, etc. I am new to your site, but I sure like what I see!
Mommy's Kitchen said…
Oh boy I wish I was your neighbor!!! Since I have made my own pumpkin puree that is all I use now. All last year I did not buy any canned pumpkin. I prefer the fresh over the can now.
Anonymous said…
Thanks Tina! I am trying my first batch of pumpkin puree today!
Michelle said…
For the person that was wondering: this page shows you how you can can your pumpkin
http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/pumpkincanning.php
Anonymous said…
How long does the pumpkin stay good in the freezer??? I like to put the dates that I need to use it by on my bags when I freeze things. Thanks!
Tina Butler said…
I looked online and it states about 3 months. That is all the information I could find on it. I have froze mine up to 6 months and they were fine. Just make sure all the air is out of the bags.
Deanna Dodds said…
I have frozen Jack-o-lantern pumpkin for years! I just cut it into lg chunks, pressure cook it for 4-6 minutes with 3/4c water at full pressure, let cool for a couple of minutes, then peel, bag in freezer bags, and mash with my hands. I will generally get 8-10 bags from a large pumpkin (I measure 2 cups per bag). LOL...I have pumpkin in my freezer from 2007! Hope this helps!
Deanna Dodds
Tina Butler said…
@Deanna,
Thanks for letting me know. I had just heard that the jack o lantern pumpkins were a bit grainier than sugar pumpkins. My puree turned out fine and it wasn't grainy at all. Glad you know I can use both types of pumpkins for puree.
Tina Butler said…
I forgot thanks for the information on freezing pumpkins. I generally try and use my frozen pureee within one year.
Anonymous said…
You can also dehydrate your pumpkin puree, grind it in a food processor or blender and rehydrate it to save freezer space. A "can" of dehydrated pumpkin is 1/2 cup dehydrated pumpkin with 2 cups boiling water added to it. You will have to let it sit for about 20 minutes or so until it rehydrates but it does work and you save room in the freezer!
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Anonymous said…
According the the Ball canning book pumkin should only b canned in chunks or slices. Purees can not b canned shelf stable. It has to do w/the density of the pumpking
Anonymous said…
To safely cut pie pumpkins, I use the serrated cutters that come in pumpkin carving kits. They are totally safe and they work well.
Unknown said…
Fresh is soooooo much better than canned... it gives it a richer taste, lighter fluffiness to it. Canned makes a heavy, denser pie. I usually just use a pumpkin scraper and scrape out pieces of pumpkin, put it in the food processor and use it just like the canned. The jack-o'-lanterns made and pumpkin pies a cooking! Its tradition in our house!