Making pumpkin puree in a slow cooker is one of the easiest ways to enjoy fresh pumpkin without standing over a hot stove or spending time roasting it in the oven.
Just wash your pumpkin, add a little water, and let your slow cooker do all the work!
Of course, if you prefer to oven-roast your pumpkin in the oven you can try my Oven Roasted Fresh Pumpkin Puree method.
I use the puree to make Pumpkin Cake Roll, and Amaretto Pumpkin Cheesecake, and of course, my mom's recipe for Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie, even for my young grandchildren as baby food; there are so many uses.
This simple method is perfect for busy days or overnight cooking. Once the pumpkin is tender and cooled, you can scoop out the delicious, naturally sweet flesh and use it in all your favorite pumpkin recipes.
From homemade pumpkin pies and muffins to breads, cakes, soups, and even creamy pumpkin lattes, the possibilities are endless.
Another wonderful bonus is that you can save the pumpkin seeds to roast for a delicious homemade snack!
Nothing goes to waste, and you have fresh pumpkin puree ready whenever inspiration strikes.
The pumpkin will soften easily enough to scoop out the seeds, and you can even make salted roasted homemade pumpkin seeds for a snack with them!
Whether you're preparing for Thanksgiving baking, stocking your freezer for fall, or simply looking for an easy way to make homemade pumpkin puree, this slow cooker method is practically effortless. Once you try it, you may never want to buy canned pumpkin again!
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Puree
- Easy preparation: Just wash the pumpkin, add water, and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Hands-off cooking: Perfect for cooking overnight or while you're busy during the day.
- Fresh homemade flavor: Enjoy pumpkin puree made right in your own kitchen.
- Great for meal prep: Make a batch and freeze portions for future recipes.
- Use the seeds, too: Save them for roasting into a crunchy snack.
Great Baby Food
Baby food is so expensive, but this is the perfect method to make pumpkin puree that's healthy for a baby or any adult who loves pumpkin ( I do add a little brown sugar, butter and cinnamon for the adult version).
You can use this puree in my Pumpkin Biscotti cookies, a fresh Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Frappes, side dishes, Pumpkin Rice Pudding, cakes, savory Pumpkin Scones, for Pumpkin Lattes, instead of Butternut Squash use Pumpkin in soups and so much more.
Tips for Making Homemade Pumpkin Puree
- Choose a pumpkin that fits your slow cooker without forcing the lid closed. If the pumpkin is too large, cut it into large pieces so it fits.
- Allow the pumpkin to cool completely before scooping out the flesh.
- If your puree seems watery, drain it in a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Freeze the puree in measured portions so it's easy to use in recipes later.
- This puree is perfect for making a delicious fall beverage pumpkin latte!
Other Pumpkin Recipes
Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Latte
Pumpkin Turnovers
Italian Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Puree Pin for later
Questions and Answers for Pumpkin Puree
- Can I cook the pumpkin overnight in a slow cooker? Yes! This method is convenient for overnight cooking. Follow the LOW or HIGH cooking times in your recipe card and make sure your slow cooker is in good working condition and used according to its manufacturer's instructions.
- Do I need to peel the pumpkin before cooking? No. You can cook the pumpkin with the skin on and scoop out the tender flesh after it has cooled.
- Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned pumpkin? Yes! Homemade pumpkin puree can be used in many recipes that call for canned pumpkin. If yours is particularly watery, drain it first so it has a consistency closer to canned pumpkin.
- Can I save the pumpkin seeds? Absolutely! Rinse the seeds, remove the stringy pulp, and roast them with your favorite seasonings for a crunchy snack.
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Puree
Yield: 4
Prep time: 4 MinCook time: 6 HourTotal time: 6 H & 4 M
These are instructions and a video on how to make pumpkin puree in a slow cooker that comes out perfect!
Ingredients
- 1 or 2 Sugar Pie Pumpkin around 2 to 3 pounds ( use very small to fit the slow cooker you have you can use a regular pumpkin but you will have to cut it to fit in the cooker.)
- 1/2 cup of water
- Note: This can be done with butternut squash or acorn squash also.
- Tools you will need:
- slotted spoon
- colander
- 7-quart slow cooker or instant pot
Instructions
- Wash the outside of the pumpkin and remove any dirt particles
- Slice off the stem (if necessary) to fit the cover on the slow cooker
- Add the water.
- Place on low for 6 to 8 hours or cook overnight.
- Also if you would like it sooner, place it on high for 4 to 6 hours.
- Cool completely first.
- If the pumpkin has hardened on the outside it will easily cut in half.
- Sometimes the pumpkin outside will be very soft depending on the kind of squash you are using ( if soft you will just scoop out the flesh after taking out the seeds).
- remove the seeds using a slotted spoon with the stringy parts.
- Scoop the pureed flesh into a container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use
- The inside smooth as silk puree is formed after removing the seeds place them in a colander and rinse for making a snack with the pumpkin seeds.
- So soft no need to puree it's perfect just fluff with a fork.
- Add to zip lock bags, label, and freeze if you're saving for later.
- I have roasted pumpkin in the oven for many years or boiled it, then frozen the puree.
- Note: if you add two pumpkins to the pot add an additional 1/4 cup of water to the bottom.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
138.13Fat (grams)
3.36Sat. Fat (grams)
0.69Carbs (grams)
26.53Fiber (grams)
4.49Net carbs
22.04Sugar (grams)
9.38Protein (grams)
2.33Sodium (milligrams)
87.14Cholesterol (grams)
8.64
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Puree Pin for later
More Pumpkin Recipes
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Pumpkin Savory Scones
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Disclosure: This recipe was originally shared in 2015. It was edited and re-published in 2020.
