Pumpkin purée is a creamy pumpkin paste that you can make by baking or steaming a pumpkin and then blending it until it becomes smooth, stringy, and pulpy. You can use pumpkin purée as an ingredient in popular dishes like homemade pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread. Puréeing is a cooking technique that mashes or liquifies food into a smooth, thick paste. Try making purées with a blender, food processor, potato masher, strainer, fork or, if you want to get messy, by hand.
Many easy [pumpkin recipes](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pumpkins-dishes) incorporate pumpkin purée. The ingredient can also take the place of heavy cream or cheese in certain dishes. Pumpkin purée is a popular gluten-free ingredient that is low in carbohydrates and is a great source of vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, calcium, and potassium. Here are five easy recipes that use pumpkin purée:

1. __Pumpkin butter__: Pumpkin butter is a sweet spread with a jam-like consistency. Cook down the fresh pumpkin purée with a little sugar and pumpkin pie spices for about two hours, until it’s thick and glossy. Spread [pumpkin butter](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-homemade-pumpkin-butter) on toast or use it as a dip for apple slices. Store the spread in an airtight container before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
2. __Pumpkin kibbeh__: Kibbeh is a Middle Eastern appetizer consisting of a spiced meatball bound together with bulgur or rice and stuffed with a savory filling. Follow this [pumpkin kibbeh recipe](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pumpkin-kibbeh-recipe) to replace the ground meat with pumpkin purée for a hearty vegan appetizer.
3. __Pumpkin pie__: A popular autumnal recipe, pumpkin pie is one of the most common pumpkin desserts. The dish consists of a creamy pumpkin custard containing pumpkin purée, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, cream, and sugar or maple syrup. Make a traditional flaky pie crust or try a pumpkin pie recipe that uses a graham cracker or gingersnap crust. Serve the [pumpkin pie](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/perfect-homemade-pumpkin-pie-recipe) with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. 
4. __Pumpkin risotto__: This sweet and savory dish includes creamy <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-arborio-rice-basic-arborio-rice-risotto-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-arborio-rice-basic-arborio-rice-risotto-recipe","linkCopy":"arborio rice","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>arborio rice</a>, roasted pumpkin purée, and Parmesan cheese. You can substitute another winter squash, such as butternut squash, acorn squash, or sugar pumpkins. Try making [pumpkin risotto](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-massimo-botturas-pumpkin-risotto-recipe) on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. 
5. __Pumpkin soup__: To make a creamy pumpkin soup, cook down fresh pumpkin or another winter squash—such as kabocha, butternut squash, or even sweet potatoes—with vegetable stock, milk or coconut milk, and spices. Then purée all the ingredients in a food processor for a creamy soup. Garnish your [pumpkin soup](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pumpkin-soup-recipe) with pumpkin seeds or croutons and a dollop of <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-sour-cream' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-sour-cream","linkCopy":"sour cream","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>sour cream</a>.
You can purchase canned pumpkin purée in most grocery stores or farmers’ markets, but the best pumpkin purée is the kind you make at home. You can make homemade pumpkin purée using a simple technique and kitchen tools like a blender or food processor. Use the homemade pumpkin purée in your favorite pumpkin recipes, or incorporate it into weeknight meals. This type of pumpkin purée recipe has very little prep time and cook time.

1. __Prepare your pumpkin__. Get a pumpkin ready for baking by scooping out the pumpkin seeds and then chopping the pumpkin into chunks. 
2. __Soften the pumpkin by baking__. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake your pumpkin on a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper until it is fork-tender. You could also boil the pumpkin or steam it to soften the pumpkin flesh.
3. __Blend the softened pumpkin__. Place the chopped and baked pumpkin in a blender or food processor and add liquid to cover the pumpkin. Secure the lid and purée the pumpkin chunks until they’re smooth and homogenous. If the mixture is too dry, try adding liquid by the tablespoon and continue to blend until it reaches the desired consistency.
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You can learn how to make a creamy and smooth pumpkin purée using baked or boiled pumpkin and a blender or food processor.

You can learn how to make a creamy and smooth pumpkin purée using baked or boiled pumpkin and a blender or food processor.

How to Make Pumpkin Purée at Home

Pumpkin purée is a creamy pumpkin paste that you can make by baking or steaming a pumpkin and then blending it until it becomes smooth, stringy, and pulpy. You can use pumpkin purée as an ingredient in popular dishes like homemade pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread. Puréeing is a cooking technique that mashes or liquifies food into a smooth, thick paste. Try making purées with a blender, food processor, potato masher, strainer, fork or, if you want to get messy, by hand.

What Is Pumpkin Purée?

Many easy <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pumpkins-dishes' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pumpkins-dishes","linkCopy":"pumpkin recipes","category":null}'>pumpkin recipes</a> incorporate pumpkin purée. The ingredient can also take the place of heavy cream or cheese in certain dishes. Pumpkin purée is a popular gluten-free ingredient that is low in carbohydrates and is a great source of vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, calcium, and potassium. Here are five easy recipes that use pumpkin purée:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Pumpkin butter: Pumpkin butter is a sweet spread with a jam-like consistency. Cook down the fresh pumpkin purée with a little sugar and pumpkin pie spices for about two hours, until it’s thick and glossy. Spread <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-homemade-pumpkin-butter' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-homemade-pumpkin-butter","linkCopy":"pumpkin butter","category":null}'>pumpkin butter</a> on toast or use it as a dip for apple slices. Store the spread in an airtight container before refrigerating to maintain freshness. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Pumpkin kibbeh: Kibbeh is a Middle Eastern appetizer consisting of a spiced meatball bound together with bulgur or rice and stuffed with a savory filling. Follow this <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pumpkin-kibbeh-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pumpkin-kibbeh-recipe","linkCopy":"pumpkin kibbeh recipe","category":null}'>pumpkin kibbeh recipe</a> to replace the ground meat with pumpkin purée for a hearty vegan appetizer. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Pumpkin pie: A popular autumnal recipe, pumpkin pie is one of the most common pumpkin desserts. The dish consists of a creamy pumpkin custard containing pumpkin purée, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, cream, and sugar or maple syrup. Make a traditional flaky pie crust or try a pumpkin pie recipe that uses a graham cracker or gingersnap crust. Serve the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/perfect-homemade-pumpkin-pie-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/perfect-homemade-pumpkin-pie-recipe","linkCopy":"pumpkin pie","category":null}'>pumpkin pie</a> with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Pumpkin risotto: This sweet and savory dish includes creamy <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-arborio-rice-basic-arborio-rice-risotto-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-arborio-rice-basic-arborio-rice-risotto-recipe","linkCopy":"arborio rice","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>arborio rice</a>, roasted pumpkin purée, and Parmesan cheese. You can substitute another winter squash, such as butternut squash, acorn squash, or sugar pumpkins. Try making <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-massimo-botturas-pumpkin-risotto-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-massimo-botturas-pumpkin-risotto-recipe","linkCopy":"pumpkin risotto","category":null}'>pumpkin risotto</a> on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Pumpkin soup: To make a creamy pumpkin soup, cook down fresh pumpkin or another winter squash—such as kabocha, butternut squash, or even sweet potatoes—with vegetable stock, milk or coconut milk, and spices. Then purée all the ingredients in a food processor for a creamy soup. Garnish your <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pumpkin-soup-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pumpkin-soup-recipe","linkCopy":"pumpkin soup","category":null}'>pumpkin soup</a> with pumpkin seeds or croutons and a dollop of <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-sour-cream' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-sour-cream","linkCopy":"sour cream","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>sour cream</a>. </li></ol>

5 Ways to Use Pumpkin Purée

You can purchase canned pumpkin purée in most grocery stores or farmers’ markets, but the best pumpkin purée is the kind you make at home. You can make homemade pumpkin purée using a simple technique and kitchen tools like a blender or food processor. Use the homemade pumpkin purée in your favorite pumpkin recipes, or incorporate it into weeknight meals. This type of pumpkin purée recipe has very little prep time and cook time.<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Prepare your pumpkin. Get a pumpkin ready for baking by scooping out the pumpkin seeds and then chopping the pumpkin into chunks. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Soften the pumpkin by baking. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake your pumpkin on a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper until it is fork-tender. You could also boil the pumpkin or steam it to soften the pumpkin flesh. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Blend the softened pumpkin. Place the chopped and baked pumpkin in a blender or food processor and add liquid to cover the pumpkin. Secure the lid and purée the pumpkin chunks until they’re smooth and homogenous. If the mixture is too dry, try adding liquid by the tablespoon and continue to blend until it reaches the desired consistency. </li></ol>

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Purée

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Want to Learn More About Cooking?

You can learn how to make a creamy and smooth pumpkin purée using baked or boiled pumpkin and a blender or food processor.

You can learn how to make a creamy and smooth pumpkin purée using baked or boiled pumpkin and a blender or food processor.
