Making Homemade Pumpkin Puree from scratch is super easy and takes very little hands on time. So grab those fresh pumpkins from the market and let’s roast pumpkins and whip up some pumpkin puree y’all! vegan + gluten free

This recipe was first published in October 2014. I updated it October 2019 with new photos and tips. 

It’s that time of year when we crave that fabulous pumpkin flavor. Roasting and pureeing pumpkin couldn’t be simpler! Homemade pumpkin puree tastes better than store bought anyway, so why not whip some up for those special pumpkin recipes?

In this recipe, I’m sharing how to roast pumpkins, how to make pumpkin puree and with all my storage tips!

A Variety of Pumpkins to Roast

Look for pie pumpkin, sugar pumpkin and/or winter luxury pumpkin. These varieties are smaller than the jack-o-lantern carving pumpkins and are suitable for cooking in sweet and savory recipes.

There’re other winter squash varieties that can be roasted using this recipe as well like kabocha, sweet meat or even butternut squash! Check out the farmers market to see what farmers are grown’. They’ll tell you about all the different varieties. Why not try something new? My favorite pumpkin to roast is winter luxury and kabocha. Both are so sweet and perfect for pumpkin pie.

And save those pumpkin seeds! Homemade pumpkin seeds with a smoky sweet spice mix are so satisfying. They’re such a treat for sharing and snacking.

How To Roast Pumpkins

Whipping up homemade pumpkin puree couldn’t be easier. You’ll need a food processor or high speed blender and storage containers for freezing – I like using pint size Mason jars. Here’s how to make pumpkin puree:

• Preheat your oven to 375F. To prepare pumpkin for roasting, wash the pumpkin skin and dry. Cut the pumpkin in half. If saving the seeds for making roasted pumpkin seeds, use a metal spoon and/or your hands to scoop out the seeds and strings. Place the seeds in a bowl. Set aside.
• Place pumpkins cut side down on a parchment paper or silpat lined baking sheet. Cook pumpkins for 50-60 minutes or until the flesh is soft and fragrant.
• Remove the pumpkins from the oven and allow to cool.

How To Make Puree Pumpkin

• First, after removing the pumpkins from the oven, allow them to cool until they can be safely handled.
• Second, if you roasted the pumpkin with seeds, use a metal spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard. Otherwise, scoop out the flesh and transfer it to a food processor or high speed blender. 
• Next, puree the flesh in batches until smooth and silky. 
• Last, store your pumpkin puree’. There are several ways.

How To Store Your Puree

• Refrigerator Storage: Store the puree for up to three days in the refrigerator in a lidded container. 
• Freezer Storage: I like to store puree in Mason jars at 15 oz each. This is the same amount in a can of store-bought pumpkin puree. I’ve frozen my puree up to a year with good results. Thaw overnight in the fridge. 
• Small Portions: Another freezing method I find helpful is to freeze the puree in ice cube trays. Pop the puree out when frozen and place in a storage container in the freezer until ready to use. This is convenient when making smoothies or when a smaller quantity of pumpkin is called for. It’s perfect for oatmeal or porridge.

Homemade Puree FAQs

What is Pumpkin Puree? It’s a silky smooth mash of cooked/roasted winter squash. If purchasing from the store, the canned puree can be a variety of winter squash such as butternut, or Hubbard. If making homemade pumpkin puree, process 100% pure pumpkin or a mix of winter squash if you prefer.

Is Pumpkin Puree the Same as Canned Pumpkin? Yes and no. I refer to my comment above. However, if using homemade pumpkin puree, it tends to contain more water than canned. Be sure to strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth when using it in pie or other baked recipes.

Can You Freeze This Puree? Yes! As noted above, freezing this puree is super easy. It can be stored in the freezer for up to a year.

Can You Preserve/Can This Puree? Home canning is not recommended for pumpkin butter or any mashed or pureed pumpkin or winter squash. For more information, see National Center for Home Food Preservation. 

Is This Puree Nutritious? Yes! According to World’s Healthiest Foods, “Because of its carotenoid richness, winter squash is an excellent source of vitamin A. It’s also a very good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, manganese, and copper.” See recipe card for pumpkin puree nutrition.

What Can You Use Pumpkin Puree In? There are many ways to enjoy homemade pumpkin puree!

• stir into oatmeal
• stir into chili
• add to hummus
• drop a few frozen pumpkin ice cubes into your smoothie
• stuff enchiladas with it

What to Make with Your Puree

• Pumpkin Butter – vegan
• Pumpkin Pecan Bundt Cake w/ Chocolate Maple Drizzle– vegan
• Kabocha Two Bean Chili – vegan
• Gluten Free Mini Pumpkin Pies
• Easy Stovetop Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
• Pumpkin Scones with Candied Ginger
• Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe by Foolproof Living
• Autumn Spice Smoothie – vegan
• Pumpkin and Spice Chia Pudding – vegan
• Pumpkin Granola – vegan
• Pumpkin Porridge – vegan

A Few Recipe Notes

• One sugar pie pumpkin makes about 2 cups of puree – about what you’d find in a can of store bought pumpkin puree. However, this can vary depending on size of pumpkin.
• Before using homemade pumpkin puree in a recipe that calls for canned pumpkin puree, strain the pumpkin through a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth. Let it set for about 30-60 minutes to strain off excess liquid. Homemade pumpkin puree tends to contain more moisture than the canned variety.
• For easy freezer storage, I like to use pint size Mason jars. They’ll hold about what you’d find in one can of commercially sold pumpkin puree (15 oz).
• Note that if using homemade pumpkin puree in a recipe, it’s different than pumpkin pie puree. Store bought pumpkin pie puree is typically sweetened and contains spices.

Watch a Video to See How Simple This Recipe Is!