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Learn how to make Pumpkin Puree in the slow cooker in just a couple simple steps! With all the fall recipes coming up, you want to have a supply of pumpkin puree for all your baking needs. No preservatives or added ingredients, just 100% PURE PUMPKIN.
This post was originally published in October 2017. It has been updated for photos and content.
This Pumpkin Puree recipe is extremely easy to make right in your slow cooker. It comes out amazingly buttery and delicious, and you know exactly what went into it - PUMPKIN!
100% pure pumpkin. No preservatives or any of that other crap. Just pure pumpkin flavor.
And it's as easy as turning your slow cooker on.
It's still pretty warm at my house this time of year, so I love the slow cooker option. However, if you're in a cooler climate and don't mind turning your oven on, you can try this Roasted Pumpkin Puree from Oh She Glows.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Using a slow cooker means minimal hands-on time PLUS it doesn't heat up your whole house;
- Having your own fresh made pumpkin puree is indispensable for making all the Fall goodies!
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Step By step Instructions
The best pumpkins to use for pumpkin puree are sugar pumpkins, also commonly referred to as baking pumpkins or pie pumpkins. However, any kind of pumpkin can be used.
Let's get started by cutting the top of the pumpkin and removing all the seeds. Use the seeds to make these super yummy and healthy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.
Then we're going to cut it in pieces small enough to fit in your slow cooker. I can't usually fit an entire pumpkin in the slow cooker, so either do a second batch, or dice the remaining pumpkin up and roast it.
Cook the pumpkin on low for 4 hours. Remove the cooked pumpkin from the slow cooker and scoop out the flesh. You'll want to let it cool first so your blender lid doesn't come popping off from the heat.
I recommend pureeing in batches to make it easier on your blender. Place the pumpkin puree in a seal-able container and refrigerate for up to a week.
You can also put it in a freezer safe container or bag and freeze it for up to one year.
Serving Options
- This Curry Pumpkin Soup is one of my favorite soups ever;
- Pumpkin Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust;
- Pumpkin Souffle when you want to get a little fancy;
- Pumpkin Scones for a special breakfast (or any time of day) treat;
- Homemade Pumpkin Alfredo....it's incredible!
- In ANY recipe calling for pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin.
Expert Tips
- The best pumpkins to use for pumpkin puree are sugar pumpkins, also commonly referred to as baking pumpkins or pie pumpkins. However, any kind of pumpkin can be used.
- Any kind of winter squash can be used in this recipe. Use butternut squash to make this Butternut Squash Soup.
- Homemade pumpkin puree tends to be less thick (more watery) than canned. Be sure to take this into consideration when using it for baking;
- If your pumpkin is too thick to puree, add just a touch of water to thin it. Be careful not to add too much otherwise it will be too watery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree the same thing? Technically, the ingredients are the same - pumpkin. However, canned pumpkin usually has preservatives and can have added ingredients. It also tends to be a little thicker than homemade pumpkin puree.
- How long does pumpkin puree last? The puree should last for about a week when refrigerated in a covered container.
- What kind of pumpkins are best for pumpkin puree? The best pumpkins to use for pumpkin puree are sugar pumpkins, also commonly referred to as baking pumpkins or pie pumpkins.
- How to tell if a pumpkin is ripe? If the pumpkin is fully orange, and sounds a bit hollow when you thump it, it is likely ripe. The skin should also be hard - your fingernail should dent it, but not break the skin.
- Can you freeze pumpkin puree? Pumpkin puree can be frozen in airtight containers and will keep for up to a year. I recommend freezing in 1 cup portions for ease of use.
More Homemade Ingredients
Did you make this pumpkin puree recipe? Rate the recipe and leave a comment below to let me know what you think!
Recipe
Pumpkin Puree Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Pumpkin (baking pumpkin recommended)
- water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the pumpkin on low for 4 hours.
- Remove the cooked pumpkin from the slow cooker and scoop out the flesh. You'll want to let it cool first so your blender lid doesn't come popping off from the heat.
- I recommend pureeing in batches to make it easier on your blender. If your pumpkin is too thick, add a little bit of water until it is just thin enough to puree. **Don't add too much water!!
- Place the pumpkin puree in a seal-able container and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also put it in a freezer safe container or bag and freeze it for a few months.
Expert Tips:
- Any kind of winter squash can be used in this recipe. Use butternut squash to make this Butternut Squash Soup.
- Homemade pumpkin puree tends to be less thick (more watery) than canned. Be sure to take this into consideration when using it for baking;
- If your pumpkin is too thick to puree, add just a touch of water to thin it. Be careful not to add too much otherwise it will be too watery.
- The best pumpkins to use for pumpkin puree are sugar pumpkins, also commonly referred to as baking pumpkins or pie pumpkins. However, any kind of pumpkin can be used.
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
I love making pumpkin puree! I love all things pumpkin at this time of year so will definitely be making this.
Danielle
Hope you like it Bintu!
Dannii
I never thought to make it in the slow cooker.
Danielle
Makes it so easy 🙂
Alexandra
I love an excuse to bring out the slow-cooker, and this is no exception!
Delicious 🙂 Thanks for the tips!
Danielle
Right? The slow cooker is just awesome!
Brian Jones
I make pumpkin puree all of the time but I'd never thought of doing it in the slow cooker... I usually roast, this is genius and so simple!
Danielle
It makes it soooo easy!
Farah
Such a useful recipe! I have so many pumpkin recipes I want to to make and canned pumpkin is not always easy to find in Bahrain. Thanks for this!
Danielle
You're welcome Farah!
Veena Azmanov
Homemade awesome. Thanks for all your detailed information.
Danielle
You're welcome Veena!
Dawn Conklin
I have been trying to get away from canned stuff more and more. I remember years ago (not saying how many since it will really reveal my age haha) I struggled with cutting and cooking down a pumpkin. This was before the Internet was a big thing too so I was trying to figure it out and got kind of frustrated. I tried peeling it first and everything - imagine the struggles. From then on I just thought it was not in the cards for me to use fresh pumpkin!
You made my life easier! I cook with pumpkin a lot so this definitely helps me out 🙂
Danielle
So glad this could help Dawn! I can't even imagine trying to peel it! I would get frustrated too 🙂
Sonia
Nothing beats homemade and this is so easy too! Thanks for sharing it with us 🙂
Danielle
You're welcome Sonia!
Lathiya
This is the season where you need Laos’s of pumpkin purée to make various dishes and this recipe comes in perfect time.
Danielle
Totally!!
Tayler Ross
I use so much pumpkin puree this time of year, I'm glad to have a recipe to make my own!
Danielle
I think the flavor is so much better than canned.
Beth Neels
Homemade is always better! i have done pumpkin in the crockpot though! How easy! I'm totally giving this a go! I have a pumpkin on my counter!
Danielle
It's totally easy and I love the taste better than the canned!
Claudia Lamascolo
I love doing all my squash in the slow cooker and pumpkin puree is the best way and easiest yours looks perfect
Danielle
Thanks Claudia!
Danielle
I've always just bought pumpkin puree from the store, never even considered making it myself! You make it look easy!
Danielle
It's a great way to use pumpkins if you have them!
Danielle
We try to make our own as often as possible - there is just so much that can be done with it.
Danielle
Right? It's just so versatile!
Ellen
So much better than store bought. The slow cooker makes it easy, I'm sure.
Danielle
I always prefer fresh to store bought, when it's convenient!
Claudia Lamascolo
I love pumpkin made like this its so easy and frees me up all day to do other things! Love it!
Danielle
Totally! Thanks Claudia!
kim
Love the idea of making my own pumpkin puree! Thanks for making this look so easy and doable. Will be trying for sure!
Danielle
Thanks Kim!
kathy
Love that I can make my own!
Thao @ In Good Flavor
This is great! I have never made my own pumpkin puree, and I never would have thought to make pumpkin puree in a slow cooker. What a great idea!
Danielle@wenthere8this
Thanks! It's so easy and I like the idea of making fresh pumpkin, especially if you already have them on hand! Plus, it makes a pretty good sized batch so I can get a lot of uses out of it.
Lisa
Excellent! I love easy cooking, where I can cook and go for a walk 🙂
I believe I can do the same with butternut pumpkin 😀
Danielle@wenthere8this
Yes! You could do the same thing with butternut squash. It makes it so much easier 🙂