How To Make Pumpkin Puree

Ever wondered how to make pumpkin purée? It’s the easiest thing ever! All you need is a pumpkin, your stove, a blender and 30 minutes of time.

I make my own pumpkin purée all the time to avoid buying canned food (absolute Trim Healthy Mama purist over here, ahem). This is super easy to freeze, too, so you can stock up!

Ah, pumpkin.

Every year come August (yep, August) I see cans of pumpkin popping up on Instagram.

But why buy canned when you can make your own?

You can use it in all kinds of things, and – shameless plug – especially paired with homemade pumpkin spice mix 😉

Homemade Pumpkin Purée – Why the hassle?

So you might wonder… What’s the deal with making your own pumpkin purée, when it’s so much easier to just buy it?

• it’s probably cheaper (I say probably because it depends on if you’re buying organic etc etc)
• it avoids cans!!!! (I don’t like canned food for the residue in food AND the energy needed to make cans)
• it tastes better – or at least that’s my humble opinion

Also, it’s SO easy you don’t have any excuses not to try it.

How To Make Pumpkin Puree

1) The pumpkin

First, you have to get your pumpkin.

According to the internet, sugar pumpkins are generally best, though I have even made purée from butternut squash and it works just as well, it’s just not as orange.

Avoid pumpkins and squashes that are on the stringy and sometimes watery side, like spaghetti squash or acorn squash.

2) Prep and cook

Peel the pumpkin, deseed it and hack it up into pieces.

Now I know there’s all sorts of tutorials for slow cooker pumpkin purée and roasted pumpkin purée… Come on. I’m not that organized, ever.

Unless I made a huge batch for the freezer, I probably need my pumpkin purée in the next 30 minutes…

… which is why I steam it in a pot on the stove, with just a little water added to cover the bottom of the pot. Just keep it covered and stir from time to time so the pumpkin doesn’t brown on the bottom.

3) Drain and steam

It usually takes 10-15 minutes to get buttery tender like this. Drain very well, then put back in the pot and over low heat to steam off any excess water.

Again, watch out so it doesn’t start sticking to the pot! And it will look messy, don’t worry.

4) Blend

All that’s left in the end is to blend it. I use my immersion blender, because it’s quick and easy.

For extra-smooth pumpkin purée (like for feeding to a baby) I always use my Vitamix.

Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can!

• allow the pumpkin purée to cool to room temperature
• pack into containers or bags suitable for freezing
• label with the name and use-by date (freeze for up to 3 months)
• to defrost, simply put in the fridge overnight and make sure to heat it all the way through before eating

Get the printable instructions for how to make pumpkin purée here: