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

Felicia Lim

Mon, October 14, 2024 at 1:33 PM UTC

11 min read

Fall is the season for all things pumpkin, from lattes to pies, and homemade pumpkin puree is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the flavor.
Pumpkin puree can be stored in the fridge for three to five days, while commercially canned pumpkin puree lasts five to seven days once opened.
Pumpkin puree can be used in a variety of sweet and savory recipes, including pumpkin pasta sauce, pumpkin gnocchi, and pumpkin cheesecake, making it a versatile ingredient for fall cooking.

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 . Or, as the great Ina Garten puts it, store-bought canned pumpkin is fine.

How to Make Pumpkin Puree

If you want to take a stab at making homemade pumpkin puree, go for it! 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 or you've cracked open a fresh can, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for three to five days. Make sure you use pumpkin puree within this period. Commercially canned pumpkin puree from the grocery store will last five to seven days in the fridge once opened.

Best Pumpkin Purée 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.

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 recipesto use up leftover puree—including healthy, gluten-free and vegan dishes too!

<p>Alice Knisley Mattias</p><p>Kick off your fall baking season with this easy-to-make recipe for homemade pumpkin puree. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <em><a href= — Alice Knisley Mattias

Kick off your fall baking season with this easy-to-make recipe for homemade pumpkin puree.

Get the recipe: *Make Your Own Pumpkin Puree*

<p>Pam Beth</p><p>This creamy, delicious, super simple pumpkin cheesecake dip is a snap to make using only five ingredients. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <em><a href= — Pam Beth

This creamy, delicious, super simple pumpkin cheesecake dip is a snap to make using only five ingredients.

Get the recipe: *Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip*

<p>Nicole Nared-Washington</p><p>These pecan pumpkin pie bars combine the best of both worlds of pecan pie and pumpkin pie. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <em><a href= — Nicole Nared-Washington

These pecan pumpkin pie bars combine the best of both worlds of pecan pie and pumpkin pie.

Get the recipe: *Pecan Pumpkin Pie Bars*

<p>Gourmet</p><p>Impress your guests with this creamy, dreamy bourbon pumpkin cheesecake that's literally one of the best desserts you'll make this fall. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <em><a href= — Gourmet

Impress your guests with this creamy, dreamy bourbon pumpkin cheesecake that's literally one of the best desserts you'll make this fall.

Get the recipe: *Bourbon Pumpkin Cheesecake*

(Gourmet)

<p>Andi Gleeson</p><p>Need a quick and easy dessert to get your pumpkin fix? This pumpkin rum cake is it! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <em><a href= — Andi Gleeson

Need a quick and easy dessert to get your pumpkin fix? This pumpkin rum cake is it!

Get the recipe: *Spiced Pumpkin Rum Cake*

<p>Ryland Peters and Small</p><p>These pumpkin pie pops are a fun Halloween dessert to make with family or friends.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <em><a href= — Ryland Peters and Small

These pumpkin pie pops are a fun Halloween dessert to make with family or friends.

Get the recipe: *Pumpkin Pie Pops*

<p>Gayle Covner</p><p>Spreading cream cheese on this leftover pumpkin pie spice bread adds a decadent touch. The loaf is also perfect for storing in the freezer and gifting later. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <em><a href= — Gayle Covner

Spreading cream cheese on this leftover pumpkin pie spice bread adds a decadent touch. The loaf is also perfect for storing in the freezer and gifting later.

Get the recipe: *Leftover Pumpkin Pie Spice Bread*

<p>Community Table</p><p>It turns out among so much else, a slow cooker can make pumpkin bread! And not just any pumpkin bread, but super-dense, super-moist, super-soft pumpkin bread. Yum. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <em><a href= — Community Table

It turns out among so much else, a slow cooker can make pumpkin bread! And not just any pumpkin bread, but super-dense, super-moist, super-soft pumpkin bread. Yum.

Get the recipe: *Slow Cooker Pumpkin Bread*

Pumpkin Cranberry Cornbread Muffins

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Lori Lange

These pumpkin cranberry cornbread muffins are slightly sweetened, they have the texture of cornbread, and the pumpkin and cranberry add an interesting flavor profile to the recipe.

Get the recipe: Pumpkin Cranberry Cornbread Muffins