Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree Recipe

Pumpkin puree is a pantry staple in the fall when fall baking is in full force. For a super fresh pumpkin flavor, consider making Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree!

I know I’m not the only one who stocks up on pumpkin puree this time of year. You do, too, right? I feel like I am constantly reaching into my pantry for a can of puree to make pumpkin bread or cookies or soup.

Recently we began experimenting with our own puree because homemade is always better than canned and it ALWAYS tastes better.

Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree is the best puree I’ve ever made. It will add bold, delicious flavor to your next recipe that calls for the ingredient. And it takes less than 30 minutes to cook in your pressure cooker!

WATCH THIS VIDEO TO SEE HOW EASY IT IS TO MAKE INSTANT POT PUMPKIN PUREE!

HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT PUMPKIN PUREE

STEP 1

You’ll want to pick out one of those cute little pumpkins you see at the grocery store that are usually labeled as “pie pumpkins.” They are also sometimes called “sugar pumpkins.” The small pumpkins typically weight between 3 and 4 pounds.

Cut a circle around the stem using a serrated knife. Discard the stem and use a spoon to remove the seeds, just like you would do on a jack-o-lantern. Discard those, as well.

STEP 2

Pour 1 1/2 cups of water into your Instant Pot. Place pumpkin with the opening facing up on a trivet and lower it into the pot. Place the cover on the pot and set timer to 15 minutes on high pressure (use the pressure cook setting). It will take the pot around 13 minutes to build up pressure before it begins cooking.

When the cook time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes then do a quick release and allow the silver float valve to drop.

Poke a fork into the pumpkin to see if it is done cooking. The tines of the fork should puncture both the pumpkin flesh and skin. If it’s not, cook on high pressure for an additional 5 minutes.

STEP 3

When the pumpkin is done cooking, carefully pull the trivet out of the pot and place the pumpkin onto a cutting board. Cut it in half lengthwise and separate the flesh from the outer skin and place the flesh in a fine mesh strainer. Allow the moisture to drain for up to 1 hour.

Pour the pumpkin puree into a blender or food processor and puree until it is smooth. Pour into a mason jar and refrigerate until you are ready to add it into your next recipe. One 3-pound pumpkin makes approximately 1 cup of puree.

RECIPE NOTES: INSTANT POT PUMPKIN

• If you plan to use the puree for baked goods, you will want to add a few tablespoons of sugar and a handful of spices. I like to add 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon and allspice and 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
• If you plan to use the puree for a savory dish, you may want to forego adding sugar and spices.
• This recipe is easy to double. Be sure to cut the pumpkins in half lengthwise after removing the stems and seeds.
• Before you cut the stem off the pumpkin, make sure it is going to fit inside your pot!

SUBSTITUTE FOR PUMPKIN PUREE

Equal parts of cooked, mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash is a great substitution and you might not even be able to tell the difference!

IS CANNED PUMPKIN AND PUMPKIN PUREE THE SAME THING

Canned pumpkin is straight-up pumpkin that has been put into a can. Some pumpkin puree contains other ingredients that flavors it, making it pumpkin-pie ready. Read your labels to see what you’re getting in your next can of pumpkin!

IS PUMPKIN GOOD FOR YOU

You’re in luck! Pumpkin, while it may seem like a vegetable but is actually a fruit, has a lot of good health benefits for you. It has Vitamin C, and is high in fiber and potassium.This antioxidant filled food is one you should definitely enjoy in various forms!

WHAT TO MAKE WITH PUMPKIN PUREE

This fall ingredient tastes great in so many different types of recipes. Here are a few to get you started!

Pumpkin Pie Bars – If you want a Pumpkin Pie without the hassle, make your pumpkin pie into bars instead! Each buttery bite of the tasty shortbread crust is perfect with the creamy pumpkin.

Pumpkin Banana Bread – Pumpkin AND bananas join forces in this tasty bread! Pumpkin Banana Bread is a great fall treat and your house will never smell so good.

Pumpkin Truffles – Enjoy pumpkin pie in a single bite, covered by delicious dark chocolate. These Pumpkin Truffles are the perfect fall treat!

Pumpkin Spice Layer Cake is the perfect festive dessert to bring to your next Halloween or fall-themed party and as a Thanksgiving dessert. The cream cheese frosting complements it perfectly and looks beautiful with a rustic ombre look.

Hand Pies – Pumpkin pie made EASY! These Pumpkin Hand Pies are a dream come true if you are looking to simplify the pie-making process. They are portable, easy to make and and they scream fall baking!

Pumpkiny Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting – Introducing the only Pumpkin Cookie recipe you’ll ever need in your life. These cookies are DELICIOUS and so soft, pillowy, light and fluffy.