50 Pumpkin Puree Recipes That Are Perfect for Fall Desserts, Baked Goods and Pasta

Pumpkin season is about to be in full swing, and don’t tell me you aren’t as excited as I am! I mean, pumpkin spice lattes will finally back, the grocery stores and farmers’ markets are going to be overflowing with gourds in every size and shape and we can finally indulge in all things pumpkin without feeling guilty. Bring on the PSLs!

Whenever fall comes around, I dream of pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread and all sorts of savory pumpkin recipes. But most importantly, my first task of the season is making homemade pumpkin puree.

Related: 50 Savory Pumpkin Recipes to Keep You Comforted All Season Long

Of course, you can always buy up cans of pumpkin puree in bulk for your fall baking and cooking needs, but trust me, with fresh pumpkins so abundant this time of the year, it just makes so much more sense to make a huge batch of your own pumpkin puree.

It’s way fresher, doesn’t have any preservatives and so much cheaper!

Related: 10 Delicious Ways to Use Pumpkin Puree This Fall

How to Make Pumpkin Puree

If you’ve never made a batch of pumpkin puree before, don’t worry. It’s really as simple as roasting the whole pumpkin in the oven (or cooking it in the microwave), then slicing into it, removing the pumpkin seeds and then mashing the soft flesh into puree with a potato ricer or the back of a fork.

For a smoother puree, you can always blend the cooked pumpkin flesh to get the desired consistency and texture (adding a bit of water as required).

How Long Does Pumpkin Puree Last in the Fridge?

Once you’ve got your pumpkin puree made, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for three to five days. Make sure you use homemade pumpkin puree within this period.

Commercially canned pumpkin puree will last five to seven days in the fridge once opened.

Related: 18 Amazing Pumpkin Pie Recipes You Must Make

Best Pumpkin Puree Recipes

Now that we’re stocked up on how to make pumpkin puree, it’s time to put it to good use!

Pumpkin puree can be used in pumpkin desserts such as pumpkin blondies, pumpkin coffee cake, pumpkin bars and of course, pumpkin pie.

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But if can also be used in savory recipes like pumpkin pasta sauce, pumpkin gnocchi, pumpkin bagels, pumpkin risotto and creamy pumpkin soup.

Here are 50 of the best pumpkin puree recipes to use up leftover puree—including healthy, gluten-free and vegan dishes too!