Go Back
–+ servings
Print Pin
No ratings yet

Homemade Pumpkin Puree

This Homemade Pumpkin puree is so easy to make and so much better than the store-bought one. Effortlessly cook moist, fork-tender pumpkin using your Instant Pot, no need to peel or cut the pumpkin. 
Course How-to
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 1 lbs
Author Jyoti Behrani

Equipment

Ingredients

Ingredient To Make Pumpkin Puree

  • 1 pie pumpkin or sugar pumpkin
  • ½ cup water
  • 1-2 tablespoon water, for blending (Optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep The Pumpkin

  • Clean Pumpkin - Wash and dry the pumpkin. You can use one of the methods described below to make homemade pumpkin puree.
  • Cut The Pumpkin In Half (optional) – Depending upon the size of the pumpkin and the size of the Instant Pot, you may have to cut the pumpkin.

Step 2: Cook The Pumpkin

  • You can use Instant Pot, oven, microwave, or slow cooker for this recipe. Sharing all 4 methods below:

Method 1: Using Instant Pot

  • Add ½ cup of water into the inner pot and place a trivet.
  • Place the pumpkin on the trivet, stem side up. Close the lid, vent sealed.
    Note: For pumpkin halves, place the cut side up.
  • Turn ON MANUAL / PRESSURE COOK (high), for 20 minutes. Allow 10 minutes of natural pressure release.
    NOTE: For small to medium (around 2 ½ – 3 lbs.) pumpkin, cooking time is 20 minutes. For large (around 4 lbs.) pumpkin cooking time is 25-30 minutes.
  • Carefully remove the trivet. Transfer the pumpkin to a plate. Discard the stem, and cut the pumpkin in half. Using a spoon, remove the seeds and scoop out the pumpkin pulp.
    Note: Save the seeds for later use.

Method 2: How To Roast Pumpkin In An Oven

  • Preheat the oven to 400 F.
  • Cut the stem off and place it cut side down on the cutting board. This helps secure the pumpkin from rolling over the board. Cut the pumpkin in half lengthwise.
  • Place the pumpkin on a baking sheet or dish, cut side up.
  • Roast the pumpkin for 55-60 minutes, or until fork-tender. Transfer the pumpkin to a plate. Using a spoon, remove the seeds and scoop out the pumpkin pulp.
    Note: Save the seeds for later use.

Method 3: Microwave The Pumpkin

  • On a microwave-safe plate, place the pumpkin halves, and cut side up. Add 3-4 tablespoons of water to the plate.
  • Cover the pumpkin with a microwave-safe dish.
    Note: I like to use this Microwave Splatter Cover, to cover the pumpkin.
  • Cook the pumpkin for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender. Carefully, remove the plate from the microwave. Using a spoon, remove the seeds and scoop out the pumpkin pulp.
    Note: Save the seeds for later use.

Method 4: Using Slow Cooker

  • Add ½ cup of water to the slow cooker.
  • Place the pumpkin halves, and cut side up.
  • Cook the pumpkin for 3 hours, or until fork-tender. Transfer the pumpkin to a plate. Using a spoon, remove the seeds and scoop out the pumpkin pulp.
    Note: Save the seeds for later use.

Step 3: Puree The Cooked Pumpkin

  • Place the pumpkin pulp into a food processor or a blender. Carefully blend it into a fine puree.

Notes

Please refer to the post for the following:
  1. Tips For Delicious Pumpkin Puree
  2. Frequently Asked Questions
  3. How to use pumpkin puree?
  4. Storage