You can make this easy Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree Recipe in 30 minutes and have fresh and healthy pumpkin puree for various dishes. You will never want to buy canned pumpkin puree again after trying this recipe.
Jump to:
- Why I Love This Recipe
- What is Pumpkin Puree?
- What is the difference between pumpkin puree, canned pumpkin, and pumpkin pie filling?
- How to Make Pumpkin Puree in the Instant Pot
- Recipe FAQs
- Expert Tips for This Recipe
- Don't throw out the pumpkin seeds!
- What to make with Pumpkin Puree?
- Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree Recipe
- Did you Make This Recipe?
Why I Love This Recipe
Making Easy Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree is a total game-changer for fall cooking! You can make things like my Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Icing or Homemade Pumpkin Pie Liqueur using fresh pumpkin puree. If you love all things pumpkin like me, you are going to want to make this recipe ASAP!
What is Pumpkin Puree?
Pumpkin puree, not to be mistaken with pumpkin pie filling, is made from cooked pumpkin that has been mashed or blended and often found in a can. Sometimes, the pumpkin puree you find in a can is made from a variety of squash, not just pumpkin so check the label. You can substitute homemade pumpkin puree for canned pumpkin in recipes, using the same volume.
What is the difference between pumpkin puree, canned pumpkin, and pumpkin pie filling?
Canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree are cooked pureed pumpkin, and nothing more. The only ingredient is pumpkin. However, as I mentioned, some brands use a variety of squash so check the label.
Pumpkin pie filling has added sweeteners and spices like clove, allspice, ginger, and cinnamon. It's an easy way to make pumpkin pie. If you make your own pumpkin puree, you can easily add your own spices and sugar to make pumpkin pie as well.
How to Make Pumpkin Puree in the Instant Pot
Wash the pumpkin and remove the stem. Place 1 cup of water in the Instant Pot and then place the pumpkin on a metal trivet at the bottom (you don't want the pumpkin directly on the metal bottom).
Cook the pumpkin on Pressure Cook HIGH for 12 minutes and then naturally release the steam for 12 minutes. Carefully release any more steam manually and allow the pumpkin to cool for a few minutes.
Remove the pumpkin from the Instant Pot and cut off the skin. It comes off easily now that it has been cooked.
Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds and stringy pulp. Cut into pieces and blend into a smooth puree.
Recipe FAQs
For the best flavor, you want to find a pie or sugar pumpkin (they are the same thing) at your local grocery store. You can also grow them in your garden! The pulp of a sugar pumpkin is less grainy and sweeter than a carving pumpkin. Pumpkins you see for sale during Halloween (carving pumpkins) and decoration are not meant for cooking and will not taste nearly as good. They have less flesh, which makes them easier to carve, but not so great for eating.
Pumpkin is a great source of potassium, beta-carotene, calcium, and magnesium, as well as vitamins E, C, and some B vitamins. Magnesium is important for energy creation, muscle relaxation, and nervous system regulation, so eating pumpkins after working out can help with recovery. Pumpkins also have potassium, which is necessary for muscle contraction, good digestion, water balance, and healthy blood pressure. Of course, always consult your doctor when making health choices.
If your pumpkin doesn't fit, you can cut it into pieces and then cook it as instructed in the Instant Pot. Below you can see I tried this method and got 2 pumpkins in the pot! You will want to remove the stringy pulp and seeds BEFORE cooking. After cooking, allow the pieces to cool and then remove the skin, blend, and store.
If you don't have an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, you can still cook your pumpkin in the oven and then puree it. Preheat your oven to 400º. Wash the pumpkin and remove the stem. Cut it in half and remove the seeds and stringy insides. Place each half on a baking sheet and bake for 30-45 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the pumpkin to cool before removing the skin. Puree as instructed.
Yes, you can freeze pumpkin puree. Ensure the puree has cooled completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze pumpkin puree for up to 6 months.
Expert Tips for This Recipe
- Choose the Right Pumpkin: Look for small sugar pumpkins (pie pumpkins) as they have sweeter and smoother flesh compared to larger carving pumpkins. Carving pumpkins are just for carving.
- Make it Fit: My 2 lb sugar pumpkin barely fit in my 6 qt. Instant Pot so I turned the metal trivet upside down. This ensured the pumpkin wasn't resting on the bottom directly and fit perfectly.
- Cut it up if needed: If your pumpkin is too big or you have more than one, you can cut it into pieces before cooking. I have also done it this way and it worked out great!
- Blend or Mash: You can use an immersion blender, a food processor, or a potato masher to puree the pumpkin. For a smoother texture, use a blender or food processor. For a chunkier puree, use a potato masher.
- How to Store Pumpkin Puree: To store the puree, allow the puree to cool completely. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 7 days. You can also freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 6 months.
Don't throw out the pumpkin seeds!
Save the seeds for roasting! They make the perfect snack, or soup and salad topping. Rinse the seeds and remove all of the pulp. Dry the seeds as much as you can.
Toss in olive oil and seasoning, bake at 300º for 20-30 minutes and they are done. Roasted pumpkin seeds are so easy and so delicious!
What to make with Pumpkin Puree?
Here are some of my favorite recipes that use pumpkin puree including savory ideas, healthy ideas, and, of course, dessert ideas!
- Pumpkin Curry Recipe
- Pumpkin Molasses Cupcakes
- Pumpkin Pie Liqueur
- Pumpkin Banana Muffins
- Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Icing
Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree Recipe
Equipment
- metal trivet
- blender, food processor or hand blender
Ingredients
- 1 2 pounds sugar pumpkin
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Clean the outside of the pumpkin and remove the stem. Add the metal trivet to the bottom of the instant pot, place the pumpkin on top, and then pour in 1 cup of water.
- Close the lid and the steam vent and cook on Pressure Cook HIGH for 12 minutes. After the pressure cooking process has finished, allow the steam to naturally release for 12 minutes and then carefully release the rest manually.
- Allow the pumpkin to cool enough to handle. Remove it from the Instant Pot and place it on a cutting board. Remove all of the skin with a knife. The skin will fall off with a little prompting from a knife (I used a butter knife and a regular knife and they both worked).
- Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds and stringy pulp with a spoon (save the seeds for roasted pumpkin seeds if desired). Cut the pumpkin into smaller pieces.
- Place the pumpkin pieces in a blender or food processor (you can also use a hand blender in the instant Pot insert if you own one). Blend the cooked pumpkin pieces until nice and smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin puree into a sealable container like a mason jar or plastic tub. The pumpkin puree will last in the fridge for up to 7 days or in the freezer for 6 months.
Notes
- Choose the Right Pumpkin: Look for small sugar pumpkins (pie pumpkins) as they have sweeter and smoother flesh compared to larger carving pumpkins. Carving pumpkins are just for carving.
- Make it Fit: My 2 lb sugar pumpkin barely fit in my 6 qt. Instant Pot so I turned the metal trivet upside down. This ensured the pumpkin wasn't resting on the bottom directly and fit perfectly.
- Cut it up if needed: If your pumpkin is too big or you have more than one, you can cut it into pieces before cooking. I have also done it this way and it worked out great!
- Blend or Mash: You can use an immersion blender, a food processor, or a potato masher to puree the pumpkin. For a smoother texture, use a blender or food processor. For a chunkier puree, use a potato masher.
- How to Store Pumpkin Puree: To store the puree, allow the puree to cool completely. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 7 days. You can also freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 6 months.
- Always read the instruction manual that came with your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker and follow all safety guidelines.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Did you Make This Recipe?
If you get a chance to make this Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree Recipe, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and tell me all about it! Not only would I love to see your puree, but I'd also love to hear what you did with it.
I will be making a few cocktails with mine, some pumpkin spice syrup for coffee, and a pumpkin cake for a birthday in my family!
Terri says
These all look amazing! If I knew I could cook a whole pumpkin like this in the instant pat I would have bought one a long time ago! Thanks for sharing my pumpkin soup!
Emily says
Thanks, Terri! I hope you get a chance to try the puree in the Instant Pot and I can't wait to eat your soup all fall long!!
Robyn says
Homemade pumpkin puree is so much healthier than bought, and I love the idea of roasting the seeds too!
Emily says
Yes, pumpkin is so healthy and so yummy!!
Amanda Marie Boyle says
So easy, and I love being able to use this instead of the canned stuff.
Emily says
Amanda, I totally agree. Homemade has more flavor than the canned and will save you money in the long run!
Judy Heikkinen says
Great recipe! I'm going to try making the pumpkin puree!
Emily says
You will be so happy you made this puree and you can freeze or can it for later!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
It looks delicious. I wish this were in front of me right now.
Emily says
It's so delicious...we should have pumpkin year-round, not just fall. Thanks, Maggie!
Capri says
Such a great recipe! And so easy to make
Emily says
Thank you, Capri! I love all things easy in the kitchen.
Amy says
Love this! I don't have an instant pot but I do have a pressure cooker so that'll work.
Emily says
It will work great and you will be so happy with the results!
Alexandra says
Homemade pumpkin puree is so superior to canned!
Emily says
Yes, yes, yes!
Jakab & Haley says
Love this!! Gets me in the fall spirit 🙂
Emily says
Jakab, I totally agree. Nothing says fall like pumpkins!
Kasy Allen says
Great step by step guide! We love doing this with out pumpkins, but I've never thought about canning it for later. Great idea!
Emily says
Thanks, Kasy! You can freeze or water can if you really wanted to. My pumpkin puree doesn't last that long in my house so the fridge and freezer work perfectly!