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pumpkin puree on a spoon.
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How to Freeze Pumpkin Puree (Canned or Homemade)

Freezing pumpkin purée is my most favorite way to preserve this seasonal ingredient, so it saves me time and money in the long run! 
Whether you're wanting to freeze a fresh batch of homemade pumpkin puree or freezing leftovers from a can of pumpkin puree, I will walk you through the best methods to freeze it effectively.
Prep Time5 minutes
Freezing Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: how to, pumpkin puree, pumpkin recipes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: freezing pumpkin puree, gluten free pumpkin recipes, how to freeze canned pumpkin puree, how to freeze homemade pumpkin puree, how to freeze pumpkin puree, pumpkin puree recipes, ways to freeze leftover pumpin puree
Yield: 2 quarts
Author: www.melissaraecarr.com
Cost: 5

Equipment

  • Jelly Roll Pan or Baking sheet with sides if baking
  • Instant Pot if steaming
  • Blender or Food Processor
  • Freezer Safe Bags or Containers
  • Ice cube trays or Muffin Tins if freezing in small portions

Materials

  • 1 Large Pumpkin

Instructions

Ice Cube Trays:

  • Pour the pumpkin purée into the ice cube tray that is supported by a baking sheet, filling each compartment to the top.
  • Place the trays in the freezer for a few hours or overnight until solid. Once frozen, pop the frozen pumpkin puree cubes out and store them in a zip-top bag or an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Try to push out any excess air from your sealed freezer bag.

Muffin Tin or Silicone Mold:

  • Scoop the pumpkin purée into each muffin well. Place in the freezer until the purée is solid. Remove the frozen pumpkin circles and store them in a freezer-safe container or airtight bag.

Freezer Bags:

  • Pour pumpkin purée into the bag, flattening it to remove any excess air. Seal the bag and label it with the date for reference. Lay the bag flat in the freezer; once frozen, you can store it upright or stack multiple bags.

Notes

  • Before freezing, ensure the pumpkin purée is at room temperature to avoid condensation on the frozen squash causing freezer burn.
  • When you’re ready to use the pumpkin, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you're in a bit of a time crunch. Hit the defrost button then 3 minutes. Check until it is fully defrosted. Defrosted puree will work just the same as fresh.
  • Use frozen pumpkin within 3-6 months for the best quality and flavor.
  • If you do not have any containers to freeze the puree in, you can always place scoops of the canned puree onto a parchment lined pan. Once frozen, place scoops in a freezer bag.
How long does frozen pumpkin purée last? Frozen pumpkin purée maintains its quality for about 3-6 months. It will still be safe to eat after this period but may lose flavor and texture.
Will freezing change the texture of pumpkin purée? Freezing may slightly alter the texture only by releasing extra water from the puree. You can easily drain this extra frozen liquid by placing a wet cloth inside of sieve, then pouring the puree into it. Let it drain until it is the consistency you need. For recipes like soups or smoothies, any texture changes will go unnoticed.