So Easy Fresh Pumpkin Puree

By Ann Fulton

Jump to Recipe

Canned pumpkin isn’t the only game in town. It’s easy to make your own pumpkin puree, and the fresh flavor can’t be beat!

 

As I was wrestling with this pumpkin, trying to cut through it — all the while thinking of several people who have commented that they enjoy winter squash recipes, except for the not-so-small detail of cutting them! — I stopped.  Why not try to bake the whole pumpkin and cut it once soft?

By this point, I had managed a slit which was about four or five inches long down one side of the pumpkin.  I figured that would be enough to allow any built-up steam to escape, avoiding a popping pumpkin in my oven!

The results were fantastic; the seeds scooped right out and the skin pulled off easily.  A quick puree in the food processor and I had three pounds of bright orange, fresh puree.  The hardest part was deciding whether to make our favorite pumpkin muffins, pancakes, or baked oatmeal first!

 

Canned pumpkin isn't the only game in town. It's easy to make your own pumpkin puree, and the fresh flavor can't be beat!
So Easy Fresh Pumpkin Puree
Baking the pumpkin whole, although unconventional, will save you the difficult task of trying to cut through a large pumpkin. It also makes quick work of removing the seeds, which scoop right out once the pumpkin is soft. Just remember to make a slit in the side of the pumpkin so the steam can be released.

My 4 3/4 pound pumpkin yielded 3 pounds of fresh puree.
Ingredients
  • 1 sugar or Cinderella pumpkin or other variety suitable for cooking
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Wash the pumpkin and make a long slit in the side of the pumpkin with a knife. This will allow the steam to escape.
  3. Place the pumpkin on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 1 hour and 15–30 minutes. Cooking time will vary based on size of pumpkin and starting temperature. (If your pumpkin has been sitting outside and is very cold, for example, it will take a little longer.) Test with a knife. When inserted, the pumpkin should feel like a baked potato. If it is still firm, bake longer and continue to check every 10 minutes or so.
  4. Once tender, remove from oven and allow to cool until you can touch comfortably. Cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and reserve for later roasting, if desired. Peel the skin away from the flesh (I find it easiest to do with my fingers), and place the flesh in the bowl of your food processor. Processing in two batches works well.
  5. Process until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
  6. Transfer to containers and refrigerate for about a week or freeze.
More On YouTube More on Instagram
Tried this recipe?Post a picture on instagram and we will repost it! Mention @fountainavenuekitchen or tag #fountainavenuekitchen!
The Fountain Avenue Kitchen https://fountainavenuekitchen.com/
Canned pumpkin isn't the only game in town. It's easy to make your own pumpkin puree, and the fresh flavor can't be beat!

Leave a Reply

Make it? Rate the recipe:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Christie Twentier

    Can not believe how simple this was!!! Easy prep, easier clean up. Seriously wish I had several pumpkins to do this at the same time. Can’t wait to use this purée in my great grandmas pumpkin cookies!

    Reply
  2. Anastacia

    I have a pumpkin sitting on my table and it has been 5 days that I am trying to get to it to cut and bake…thanks for the tip. I am about to get up from here and turn on my oven. I want to make “empanadas”, Mexican turnovers. can’t wait to eat one!

    Reply
  3. Pingback: The Fountain Avenue Kitchen – Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins (Grain and Gluten-Free)

  4. Steph

    This is an awesome idea! way better then the store bought pumpkin pure! Could I use a Blender instead of a food processor?

    Reply
    1. Ann

      Thank you, Steph! The only problem you may have with a blender is getting the puree to blend thoroughly without adding liquid. Depending on your blender, it may work though. You could also mash well, the puree just wouldn’t get quite as smooth. If you try, let me know how it goes!

      Reply
  5. Mary Lou Keller

    Your method worked! Thanks Ann! I will be making the pie tonight . I’ll try to remember to get picture of it.
    That is if it turns out. 🙂

    Reply
      1. Mary Lou Keller

        Pie was great! Had enough pumpkin and made 2 pies. My pre made crusts were not quite big enough but it worked out ok. Sent pie home with family and we have pie for us for weekend.

        Reply
        1. Ann

          I am thrilled the fresh puree worked well for your Thanksgiving pies! Thank you for letting me know and good luck today. I will be thinking about you. xo

          Reply
  6. Zena

    This is one of the best time saving tips I have ever received! I followed your directions and now have 4 1/2 cups of puree. Now I won’t procrastinate as long when I buy a pie pumpkin. Thanks Ann! 🙂

    Reply
  7. BONNIE

    I’ll have to try baking it instead of the peel and steam route next time. It took me all day working in small batches to steam 5 pie pumpkins. But I have about 28 cups of puree in the freezer!

    Reply
    1. Ann

      Hi Bonnie! I commend you for being so productive! You must feel so accomplished to have 28 cups of puree in the freezer! Perhaps next time you can accomplish this much in less time with a new tip…in the meantime, enjoy baking with the fruits of your labor!

      Reply