How Long Does Homemade Pumpkin Puree Last?

Given that homemade puree doesn't come with all the additives and preservatives that canned pumpkin brings, it will certainly not last indefinitely. If you don't plan to use the puree immediately, make sure to store it in an airtight container and it will keep for up to 4 to 6 days in the refrigerator.

Can Homemade Pumpkin Puree be Frozen?

If you plan to make a huge lot of puree (to keep on hand for using later on), you can freeze the homemade puree for up to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure to store the puree in freezer-proof containers , or freezer bags - preferably in individual portions so that you can thaw and use only the quantity required. Alternatively, you can also freeze the puree in an ice cube tray so you can use just the amount you need! Also, remember to write down the date you made the puree so you don't forget!

Is Pumpkin Puree Gluten-Free?

Fresh pumpkin puree is made up of just cooked pumpkin, and is naturally gluten-free and hence safe for those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerances. Most canned pumpkin puree should also be free of gluten, but if you are Celiac or gluten-intolerant, make sure to check the labels just in case.

How to Make Pumpkin Puree (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Description

If you’ve got fresh pumpkins on hand, it’s time to learn how to make pumpkin puree. It’s completely natural, tastes better, is cheaper than store-bought, and also free of additives or preservatives! Use this homeamde pumpkin puree to make our favorite pumpkin bread, soft pumpkin scones, or savory pumpkin soup! Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 small pumpkin, or 1/2 a large pumpkin (approximately 4–6 pounds)
1/4 cup water, or more as needed

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400F.
Rinse, Dry and Cut Pumpkin: Rinse and pat dry your pumpkin, before cutting it into half (from stem to end) with a big sharp knife.
Scoop Out Seeds: Scoop out the seeds with a spoon, and then place the pumpkin cut-side-down on a baking sheet.
Roast Until Flesh is Tender: Roast the pumpkin for 45 to 60 minutes, until the flesh can be easily pierced with a fork. Let the pumpkin cool before using a fork or spoon to scoop out the flesh.
Blend Pumpkin to Puree: Transfer the pumpkin flesh to a high-speed blender or food processor, add the water, and blend until you get a smooth puree. Depending on the size of your blender or food processor, you may need to process the pumpkin in 2-3 batches. For a smoother puree, you can add more water 1 tablespoon at a time.
Store/Freeze: Transfer the pumpkin puree to sterilized glass jars or an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 days, or freeze in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Notes

What Type of Pumpkins to Use: Ideally, pie pumpkins or sugar pumpkins will yield the sweetest pumpkin puree (perfect for baked goods and sweet treats such as pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin scones, or pumpkin cheesecake). Larger pumpkins can definitely also be used to make puree, but the puree made from them will be less sweet (which makes it perfect for savory recipes such as pumpkin soup, pumpkin risotto, or pumpkin gnocchi).

How to Store/Freeze Homemade Pumpkin Puree: Homemade pumpkin puree does not have all the nasty additives and preservatives that make canned pumpkin puree shelf-stable and last forever, so make sure to store it properly. Homemade pumpkin puree will keep for 4 to 6 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To freeze, put the puree in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags in individual portions to make it easier to defrost only the amount necessary, and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Cook the Pumpkin in a Microwave: If you don’t own an oven, you can definitely use the microwave instead. Simply place the cut pumpkin on a plate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 5-minute intervals, until the flesh is easily pierced with a fork.

Mashing the Pumpkin into Puree: While you can technically use a potato masher or a fork to mash the pumpkin flesh into puree, I personally find it way easier to use a high-speed blender or a food processor. Alternatively, you may also place the pumpkin flesh in a large bowl and blend it with an immersion blender.

This recipe was originally published in August 2020, but has since been updated to include step-by-step photos and clearer instructions.

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 60
Category: Basics
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American