70+ Pumpkin Puree Recipes {How To Store & Use a Can of Pumpkin} (2024)

FAQs

Can you use canned pumpkin for pumpkin puree? ›

Canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree are the same thing, and you'll often see the terms used interchangeably in recipes and cookbooks. Unlike pumpkin pie mix, canned pumpkin does not have any spices, sugars, or other additives. In many cases, the only ingredient is pumpkin.

Stash the leftovers in an airtight freezer bag, or, if you'd like to pre-portion it, ladle ½ cup scoops into a muffin tin or 1 tablespoon mounds into an ice cube tray. Smooth out the portions, freeze them, pop them out when they're solid and transfer them to an airtight freezer bag.

Keep leftover pumpkin puree and canned pumpkin in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It'll keep there for a week. If you don't think you can use up your pumpkin within that time, you can freeze it for up to a year. Seal it up in a zip-top freezer bag (be sure to label it) and toss it into the freezer.

If you have already opened the can of pumpkin puree, it will last three to four days in the refrigerator, per the USDA's guidelines. Before refrigerating any leftover pumpkin puree, transfer it to an airtight container. You can also freeze the pumpkin puree if you're looking to use it later.

There isn't much of a difference between canned pumpkin and fresh pumpkin puree, and looking at the list of ingredients on the back of the can will tell you that.

The claim is that these pumpkins have been grown specifically for pumpkin puree in cooking and baking, so the result is a sweeter and creamier product. Interesting. Of course, anything that's been canned will likely taste different than the fresh product.

Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling). Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the 'best by' date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor.

Pumpkin puree is made by steaming and pureeing squash so there are no added ingredients. Is canned pumpkin cooked? Yes, it's already been cooked via steaming. It's safe to eat canned pumpkin straight from the can, but it's infinitely better baked into a pan of pumpkin bars.

Fresh and opened canned pumpkin purée only lasts for a week stored in the fridge, but stored in the freezer it will last for months. Freezing pumpkin purée in the increments you use most makes it easier to store, thaw, and eventually use.

The easiest is to spread your puree out on a cookie sheet and blot it with a paper towel. If you have a little more time on your hands, you can put your pumpkin puree either on the stove or in the oven to cook off a bit of moisture.

How long is homemade pumpkin puree good for? ›

Make-ahead: Store homemade pumpkin puree in food-safe containers in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Before cutting in half, if the pumpkin doesn't sit steady, slice a small bit away from the bottom so that it does. Nutrition facts: The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.

You can freeze any kind of pumpkin, but small, pie-type pumpkins yield the most flesh per inch. Pie pumpkins are typically small—6 to 8 inches in diameter—and usually yield two to three cups of pumpkin puree. Choose pumpkins that feel solid and weighty for their size. There shouldn't be any bruises or soft spots.

The easiest way to know if a pumpkin is rotten is that it is soft, but that is usually the last warning sign. Before that happens, you may notice leaking at the bottom of the pumpkin. Some mold or mildew might start to develop in this area, which is easily missed since it's underneath.

Pumpkin purée (unsweetened), plain canned or freshly baked pumpkin are all fine for your dog to eat. We recommend avoiding raw though as without cooking, it is a bit harder for dogs to digest.

Should you push the best-by date of your pumpkin purée to day eight, be sure to examine the purée for any signs of mold and give it a deep sniff before proceeding to use or toss. To extend the life of your pumpkin purée, move it to the freezer where it will stay fresh for up to three months.

Roasting these pieces in the oven will make the flesh soft and sweet. Puree this roasted flesh in a food processor or blender and you have pumpkin essence which serves as a base for dozens of amazing fall recipes. The puree can be used to make pumpkin bread muffins pancakes and waffles.

Is Pumpkin Puree the Same as Pure Pumpkin? Yes, canned pumpkin can be labeled as 100% pure pumpkin or just as pumpkin puree. They are the same product. Both canned pumpkin puree and pie filling are useful, shelf-stable ingredients that can help speed up your kitchen prep time.

Although they both come in cans and the packaging looks almost identical, they can't be used interchangeably. Pumpkin puree doesn't have anything added to it, but pumpkin pie filling comes with pumpkin spice and sugar already mixed in.