Pumpkin puree is a pantry staple in the fall, when fall baking is in full force. For a super fresh pumpkin flavor, consider making your own pumpkin puree to add to recipes. Make it in your Instant Pot for an even more delicious ingredient!
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 it to make anything from pumpkin bread or cookies or even soup. I recently began experimenting with making my own puree because homemade is always better than canned and it ALWAYS tastes better.
I was not wrong! 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 YOUR OWN PUMPKIN PUREE AT HOME!
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE PUMPKIN PUREE IN AN INSTANT POT
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.
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.
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 TIPS
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!
Best Pumpkin Bars -These bars make the perfect fall dessert. They are moist, irresistible and full of yummy pumpkin flavor. Great for your next fall gathering.
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. They are just as delicious as pie but without the extra work.
Throw it into your next batch of oatmeal!
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 – 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. The Cream Cheese Frosting complements them absolutely perfectly. This is the perfect easy dessert to bring to any fall gathering!
Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree
Ingredients
- 1 pie pumpkin sometimes referred to as "sugar pumpkin"
- 1-3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
Instructions
- Cut a circle around the stem of the pumpkin using a serrated knife. Discard the stem and use a spoon to scoop out the guts and seeds, just like you would do on a jack-o-lantern. Discard those as well.
- 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 IP around 12 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 pumpkin should be fork tender. If it’s not, cook on high pressure for an additional 5 minutes.
- 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.
- Add sugar and spices and mix.
- Pour strained pumpkin into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Pour into jars.
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