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Pumpkin Puree + Freezing Tips

A bowl of homemade pumpkin puree.

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Learn the easiest way to make and freeze your own pumpkin puree! 

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 5.5 pound pie pumpkin
  • 2 teaspoons neutral flavored oil (canola or avocado oil work well)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350℉.

  1. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil.
  2. Wash and dry the pumpkin. Use a sharp, heavy chef’s knife to cut the stem off the top. Then, cut the pumpkin in half, from top to bottom.
  3. Lay the halves cut side up and scoop the seeds out. Set them aside to roast or plant. Then, scrape out any remaining stringy parts.
  4. Lightly rub the pumpkin flesh with oil, and lay the pumpkin halves, cut side down, on the prepared sheet pan. 
  5. Bake for 1 hour at 350℉, until fork tender. It may take longer, depending on the size of the pumpkin. Once the pumpkin is fully cooked, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool. 
  6. Scoop the flesh out of the pumpkin shell with a spoon and puree in a blender or food processor until smooth.

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • The pumpkin pictured was a 5 pounds and 6 ounces pie pumpkin. It yielded 2 pounds and12 oz of pumpkin puree. About 5 cups or almost 3 15-ounce cans. 

Freezing Instructions:

To use in place of a 15 ounce can of pumpkin: Place the freezer bag or freezer-safe pint jar on a food scale. Tear the scale to zero. Add 15 ounces of pumpkin puree. Make sure to leave ½ inch of headspace if using a jar. Label, seal, and freeze. When ready to use, defrost in the fridge overnight. Follow the same method to freeze in 1-cup portions. 

Freeze in silicone molds or ice cube trays: Place the silicone mold or ice cube tray on a sheet pan or plate. This will keep it from spilling in the freezer. Fill the mold with cooled pumpkin puree. Place the whole thing in the freezer until the puree is frozen solid. Remove the puree chunks from the mold and seal them in a labeled freezer bag. Return to the freezer until ready to use.

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