How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree for Pie

How to make homemade pumpkin puree for pie from scratch to be used in your favorite healthy pumpkin recipes. This easy step by step process will show you how!

Orange pumpkins heaped at country roadside stands, and filling the baskets at the local farmers market signal it’s time to bake with pumpkins.

With homemade pumpkin puree you can bake up all your favorite fall desserts, most popular is pumpkin pie from scratch. Make the perfect dessert for a cozy supper on a fall evening or to tote along to your next potluck. Here is the step by step process on how to make homemade pumpkin puree.

Best Pumpkins for Making Homemade Pumpkin Puree

Select bright-colored, firm, unblemished pumpkins. When shopping for pumpkins, look for those labeled Sugar Pumpkins or Pie Pumpkins. These are the best for baking since they are sweet, flavorful, and have smooth-textured flesh.

Avoid large Halloween carving pumpkins because their flesh is too fibrous for a soft puree. They are full of seeds and very bland.

Homemade Pumpkin Puree Video

Ingredients for Homemade Pumpkin Puree

• 3-4 pound pumpkin
• salt

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree for Pie

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Slice the top of the pumpkin off. Then, cut the pumpkin in half, and then each half into halves. Scoop out the seeds and fiber with a large metal spoon.

Sprinkle the pumpkin flesh with kosher salt and lay the halves, flesh side down, on a parchment paper-lined pan. Roast until pumpkin is soft, 45 to 60 minutes. When the flesh is fork tender, the pumpkin is finished roasting.

Remove the pan from the oven. Using a large spoon, remove the roasted flesh of the pumpkin from the skin to a blender or to the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth, 3 to 4 minutes.

How Long Does Pumpkin Puree for Pie Last?

If you aren’t using your homemade pumpkin puree right away, it can be stored in the fridge. If kept in an airtight container, it will last for about a week. I like to keep some on hand during the fall to add to my pumpkin pie spice smoothie and pumpkin chip granola bars.

How to Freeze From Scratch Pumpkin Puree

Fresh homemade pumpkin puree and opened canned pumpkin purée only lasts for a week stored in a glass container in the fridge. However, storing in the freezer it will last for months. Freezing homemade pumpkin purée in amounts you use most makes it easier to store, thaw, and use. These are the best ways to do that.

Frozen pumpkin puree will last for 6-8 months if stored correctly.

In a Freezer Bag

Get a large freezer safe plastic storage bag and fold the edges outward. Then, spoon how much you want of pumpkin into each bag. Seal the bag with just a small opening remaining, then use your hands to flatten out the pumpkin inside the bag and push out the air. Freeze the bags flat, stacking them as you go.

In a Freezer Safe Glass Storage Container

This is my preferred method for storing any leftovers in the freezer or fridge since I try to stay away from using a lot of plastic. Using small glass containers, spoon the amount of puree you want in each one. Place the lid on and store in the freezer.

How to Use Frozen Homemade Pumpkin Puree

To use frozen homemade pumpkin puree, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. It is best to use thawed pumpkin puree within a few days for the best flavor.

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree for Pie Recipe