It's that time of year—the pumpkin spice lattes are flowing, and it's just about time to break out the pumpkin pie recipes for your Thanksgiving feast. While it's pumpkin spice that draws us to fall's favorite pie, it's the main ingredient that may need some clarification when you're browsing cans in the grocery store: pumpkin puree. But what is pumpkin puree, exactly? Knowing what it is might just help you bake a better pie.
What Is Pumpkin Puree?
Pumpkin puree is, in theory, just mashed pumpkin. But it's not the kind of pumpkin you're probably imagining. The majority of canned pumpkin puree produced today is made from Dickinson pumpkins, also known as Dickinson squash. These pumpkins are tan, with uniform, smooth skin, and are much larger than the average field pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), which is the kind of pumpkin we carve into jack-o'-lanterns for Halloween. Dickinson pumpkins are also better-tasting than field pumpkins, whose flesh is watery and stringy.
Oftentimes, there is confusion about what canned pumpkin is, and that is in part due to the Food and Drug Administration's 1957 definition of canned pumpkin: "Canned pumpkin and canned squash is the canned product prepared from clean, sound, properly matured, golden fleshed, firm shelled, sweet varieties of either pumpkins or squashes by washing, stemming, cutting, steaming and reducing to pulp."
Basically, the line between what you can call a pumpkin and what you can call a squash is blurry. What the FDA considers "pumpkin" is a list of types of winter squash that are all very similar in flavor and texture to pumpkin. The squash used as pumpkin puree is less watery and stringy than Halloween pumpkins, so adding other winter squash makes the puree smoother and improves the taste and texture.
So yes, that can of pumpkin you are buying could technically be a mix of pumpkin and squash, but by the FDA's definition they're one and the same. And if the label on the can says 100% pumpkin, it is 100% true.
Pumpkin Puree (Canned Pumpkin) vs. Pumpkin Pie Filling
There is a big difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling (also called "pumpkin pie mix"). 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. It makes getting pie on the Thanksgiving table easy and convenient, but you wouldn't want to stir it into a savory pumpkin soup or fill pumpkin ravioli with it.
If you're the type to get your hands dirty in the kitchen (and you want 100% pure, actual pumpkin), you might want to make pumpkin puree using fresh pumpkin. All you need is your oven, a baking sheet and a pie pumpkin.
Bottom Line
There may be some squash in that can of pumpkin puree in your pantry, even if it's labeled "100% pumpkin," and that's just fine. And remember, canned pumpkin puree and canned pumpkin pie filling cannot be used interchangeably because the filling contains pumpkin spice and sugar. Armed with this information, try one of our delicious recipes that use pumpkin puree—you'll be healthier for it.
FAQs
Pumpkin puree is made from the cooked insides of the squash—the good, soft, sweet parts—that can be used in a wide range of recipes, sweet, savory, baked, boiled, and more.
Is canned pumpkin and canned pumpkin puree the same thing? ›
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.
What is pumpkin puree made of? ›
Pumpkin purée is simply cooked and mashed pumpkin.
Canned pumpkin purée that says “100% pumpkin” on the label may also contain one or more types of winter squash, like butternut, Hubbard, Boston Marrow, and Golden Delicious.
Is pumpkin puree 100% pumpkin? ›
Pumpkin puree can be labeled as 100% pure pumpkin, pumpkin puree, solid pack pumpkin, or simply "pumpkin." Regardless of what it's called, one thing pumpkin puree won't contain is any sort of seasonings or sugar—it's just cooked and mashed squash.
Is pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie mix? ›
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.
What can I use as a substitute for pumpkin puree? ›
Butternut Squash and Sweet Potatoes
These ingredients, in these amounts, are interchangeable in most recipes to achieve the same texture and most similar flavor. For 1 cup canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree, substitute 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato or butternut squash.
What can I use instead of pumpkin puree? ›
3 Substitutes for Canned Pumpkin Purée
- Frozen Butternut Squash. You can substitute almost any roasted and puréed squash for canned pumpkin. ...
- Sweet Potatoes. Whether you keep the raw tubers or canned cubes on hand, sweet potatoes are one of the best alternatives to canned pumpkin you can keep stocked. ...
- Roasted Acorn Squash.
Libby's, the quintessential canned pumpkin brand, uses a proprietary strain of the Dickinson pumpkin variety in their product, which is also often called a Dickinson squash. On Libby's website, it states that their product is 100 percent pumpkin.
Can I use pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree? ›
Pumpkin puree is also simply pumpkin, nothing else. Some stores use the term pumpkin puree but this just means it's better for baking. Pumpkin puree saves you time when you want to bake, so you don't have to scoop your own pumpkin.
What happens if I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree? ›
Don't use pumpkin pie filling in place of pumpkin purée.
Not exactly! Every can of pumpkin pie filling has a different amount of sugar and spices and if you add it to a bread or muffin recipe you might get a very sweet and not-spiced-enough loaf. Try this instead: Buy pumpkin purée!
You can eat pumpkin raw and add it to salads and smoothies, but thoroughly wash it before eating it to remove bacteria that may make you sick.
Is pumpkin puree healthy? ›
The Bottom Line. Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, pumpkin is incredibly healthy. What's more, its low calorie content makes it a weight-loss-friendly food. Its nutrients and antioxidants may boost your immune system, protect your eyesight, lower your risk of certain cancers and promote heart and skin health ...
Does pumpkin puree need to be cooked? ›
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.
Does pumpkin puree have a flavor? ›
Pumpkin puree is basically a fall pantry staple at this point. We love this versatile squash for it's subtle nutty flavor and sweetness that works well in baked goods, pies, soups, curries, and more.
What is pumpkin puree good for? ›
Like all fruits, pumpkin is a good source of fiber. Canned pumpkin contains 7 grams of fiber per one-cup serving. Fiber is beneficial for removing cholesterol from the body, keeping blood sugars from spiking and helping regulate bowel habits. In addition, fiber also helps us to feel fuller longer.
How much pumpkin puree equals a can? ›
How Many Cups in a Can of Pumpkin, Really? Fifteen ounces of canned pumpkin is just shy of 2 cups (16 ounces would be 2 cups). By comparison, a 3-pound pie pumpkin will likely give you enough puree for a recipe that calls for a can of pumpkin.
What is the difference between pure canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree? ›
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.
Is Libby's canned pumpkin pumpkin puree? ›
Libby's 100% Pure Pumpkin has been a favorite for pumpkin pies, rolls, and baked goods for more than 75 years. But why stop there? Our bulk canned pumpkin purée adds powerful nutrition and great taste to everyday recipes and plant-based dishes that today's diners crave.
Can you use any pumpkin for pumpkin puree? ›
You want to use small baking pumpkins when making pumpkin puree. Look for signs that say “sugar pumpkin” or “pie pumpkin.” They just taste better than anything larger (especially your Jack-O-Lantern varieties. Leave those to the decorating). If you are at a farmer's market, ask the farmer which pumpkin to get.
