Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree (Easy & Quick)

Making Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree is one of the easiest ways to enjoy fresh pumpkin flavor at home.

Made with just a sugar pumpkin and water, you can create a smooth, naturally sweet puree that is perfect for pies, breads, muffins, soups, and more.

Why you will like this recipe.

The pressure cooker does most of the work, transforming fresh pumpkin into a versatile ingredient in a fraction of the time it takes to roast it in the oven.

Here is what else you will like about this recipe.

• Only 2 ingredients needed—just a sugar pumpkin and water.
• Naturally sweet and flavorful from fresh pumpkin, making it perfect for fall baking and cooking, including pies, breads, muffins, and soups.
• This pumpkin puree is freezer-friendly, has no preservatives or additives (that may found in some canned varieties) and is versatile for both sweet and savory dishes.
• Once you have tried homemade Instant Pot pumpkin puree, you may never go back to canned pumpkin again!

Have you tried my recipe for 3 Ingredient Instant Pot Tomato Sauce?

Made with fresh roma tomatoes, that tomato sauce is perfect for canning or for using in your next pasta meal. Both this homemade pumpkin puree and that tomato sauce are easy recipes for staple foods that can be made in a pressure cooker, saving you time and money!

To make this pumpkin puree you will need a metal trivet for your pot. You can find Instant Pot Metal Trivets here.

Ingredient Needed.

• Sugar Pumpkin. AKA 'pie pumpkin', use a small pumpkin that is about 2.5 to 3 lbs.
• Water. Tap water should work. There may be no need to use filtered, distilled, or bottled water unless that is what you normally prefer to use in cooking.

How to Make Instant Pot pumpkin puree.

• Prep Time 5 minutes .
• Cook Time 40 minutes (including cooling and natural release) .
• Servings About 3 cups of pumpkin purée (from a 2.5–3 lb pumpkin) .
• How to use : In your favorite pumpkin recipes such as pumpkin pie or dip.
• Notes: You will need a large mason-type jar for refrigerator storage or freezer-safe container for freezing.

1. Prepare. You can prepare your pumpkin by washing it, removing any debris or stickers, and the drying it off. Also, place your metal trivet into your Instant Pot.
2. Ingredients. Pour a cup of water into your Instant Pot. Then place the whole pumpkin into the pot on top of the trivet that your placed in there in the last step.
3. Cook. Lock the lid on your pressure cooker and set the valve to Sealing.
   Then Pressure Cook on High (20 minutes for smaller pumpkins (2–2.5 lbs) or 25 minutes for larger ones (closer to 3 lbs)).
4. Release Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
5. Remove. Using tongs or oven mitts, carefully remove the pumpkin and let it cool for 10–15 minutes. Once the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, carefully cut it open. Use a cookie scoop or similar item to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the pumpkin. Then scoop out the flesh and transfer it into a bowl.
6. Purée Use a food processor or strong blender to purée flesh until it is smooth.

Tips for making the best homemade pumpkin puree

Also known as a pie pumpkin, a sugar pumpkin is smaller, sweeter, and less stringy than the large carving pumpkins commonly used for Halloween. Its smooth texture and rich flavor make it ideal for homemade pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie, breads, muffins, soups, and other fall recipes. Look for a firm pumpkin with deep orange skin and no soft spots or blemishes.

More helpful tips for you.

1. The water is added to the Instant Pot to create the steam needed for pressure cooking. As the pumpkin cooks, it becomes tender and easy to puree into a smooth, creamy consistency. Be sure to add the water to the bottom of the Instant Pot before cooking.
2. If your pumpkin is too tall to fit into your pressure cooker you can tipstrim the stem slightly or switch to the halved method. Cut the pumpkin into manageable pieces. Smaller sections fit more easily in the Instant Pot and cook more evenly.
3. Drain off any excess liquid if needed before processing/blending. Some pumpkins contain more moisture than others. If your puree seems watery, you can let it drain in a fine-mesh sieve before using. Also, blend the pumpkin until smooth.

FAQ

• Can I use a carving pumpkin?
  No. Carving pumpkins are watery and slightly bland and they have less meat! Use sugar or pie pumpkins for the best texture and flavor.
• Do I need to peel the pumpkin first?
  No. The skin will come right off after cooking—no peeling required.
• How much purée does this yield?
  A 2.5–3 lb pumpkin yields approximately 3 cups of purée.
• Can I use this for baby food?
  Yes, this method is ideal for smooth, additive-free pumpkin for babies.
• What if my pumpkin is too large?
  Trim the stem, or cut the pumpkin in half and place it cut-side down on the trivet. Adjust cook time as needed.

Serving Ideas

1. Stir into oatmeal or porridge with cinnamon
2. Use in pumpkin pie, muffins, or quick bread
3. Mix into pancake or waffle batter
4. Fold into mac and cheese
5. Add to soups
6. Combine with applesauce or yogurt for a toddler snack
7. Freeze in portions for smoothies or sauces

Variations.

• For Cinnamon-Spiced Pumpkin Puree, blend a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice into the puree for extra fall flavor. This variation is especially delicious in oatmeal, yogurt, and desserts.
• After pressure cooking, roast the pumpkin flesh in the oven for a few minutes before blending to develop a deeper, richer pumpkin flavor.
• For a Freezer-Friendly Pumpkin Puree, you can portion the puree into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays before freezing. This makes it easy to thaw exactly what you need for recipes.

How to store fresh pumpkin puree.

Once it has fully cooled, homemade pumpkin puree should be stored in an airtight container. When properly stored, it should keep for up to five days when refrigerated or up to three months when frozen. I like to freeze the puree in freezer-safe zip-top freezer bags. For easy meal prep, portion the puree into 1-cup servings before freezing. Label each container or bag with the date and amount of puree so you can quickly grab the right quantity for recipes.

When you are ready to use your puree, thaw frozen pumpkin puree overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before adding it to your favorite baked goods, soups, sauces, and other dishes.

You may also be interested in these recipes.

• Crockpot Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal
• Instant Pot Pumpkin Chili (meatless)
• Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Apple Fries
• Creamy Baked Apple Pie Dip
• Easy Slow Cooker Apple Cider
• How to Make Homemade Apple Pie Filling