This Instant Pot pumpkin method makes it easy to cook a whole pumpkin or cut pumpkin pieces with almost no prep. The pressure cooker softens the pumpkin perfectly in minutes, perfect for making smooth, homemade pumpkin purée for fall baking, soups, and more. It’s a simple, hands-off technique you’ll use all autumn long.
Pressure makes perfect
Hello friend! Pumpkin season is upon us, and if you're planning to make any number of healthy pumpkin recipes, you may find yourself reaching for a can of pumpkin purée.
Let me show you how incredibly easy it is to make a batch of Instant Pot Pumpkin Purée instead! Essentially, we're steaming the pumpkin under pressure, which makes quick work of the job. If you're wondering why you should make Instant Pot Pumpkin:
- It's fast
- It's easy
- There's minimal mess
- The pumpkin is super fresh
- And, it's delicious!
Depending on the size of your pumpkin (and the size of your Instant Pot!), you may be able to fit a whole pumpkin in there. (I do this with butternut squash as well; cooking a whole butternut squash in the Instant Pot is a total game-changer.)
If my pumpkin is on the bigger side, I cut it into quarters instead. I extensively tested different cooking times so that no matter the size, you get perfectly cooked, tender pumpkin every time.
Let's make Instant Pot Pumpkin together!
You'll find detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post. By all means, use the "jump" button to skip right to it, or join me for a bit of a scroll, and we'll walk through it step-by-step.
Step 1: prepare your pumpkin
I've heard many people say that sugar pumpkins are the best for making into pumpkin purée, but I'll be honest with you - I'll purée pretty much any kind of pumpkin I can get my hands on!
If your pumpkin is too big to fit whole in your Instant Pot, you'll need to chop it into halves or quarters. All you need to do is use a sharp knife to remove the stem, scoop out the seeds, chop your pumpkin into pieces that fit in your pressure cooker, and you're in business!
Step 2: snuggle it into your Instant Pot
To make your Instant Pot Pumpkin, place the trivet in the Instant Pot insert. Pour 1.5 cups of water into the Instant Pot, and then place your whole pumpkin or pumpkin pieces onto the trivet.
Step 3: pressure cook!
For a whole pumpkin set on Manual / High Pressure for 20 minutes. For pumpkin halves or quarters, set on Manual / High Pressure for 8 minutes.
When the pressure-cook cycle is complete, flip the valve to "venting" and quick-release the pressure.
Step 4: process the pumpkin for purée
Once your pumpkin has cooled sufficiently so that you can handle it, peel the skin off of the flesh. The skin should come off quite easily.
Transfer the roasted pumpkin flesh into a food processor and blend until smooth. You may have to do this in batches, depending on the size of your pumpkin.
Note! In order for your roasted pumpkin purée to have the same consistency as canned pumpkin would, you need to let it drain for a few hours.
Line a colander with cheesecloth, set it over a large bowl, and let it drain for 2-3 hours. You'll be amazed at how much liquid comes out!
Instant Pot Pumpkin (Whole or Cut Pumpkin)
Instructions
Instant Pot Pumpkin
- Start by placing the trivet into your Instant Pot insert.
- Pour 1.5 cups of water into the Instant Pot, and then place your whole pumpkin or pumpkin pieces onto the trivet.1.5 cups water, 1 medium pumpkin
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the vent is set to "sealing."For a whole pumpkin set on Manual / High Pressure for 20 minutes. For pumpkin halves or quarters, set on Manual / High Pressure for 8 minutes.
- When the cooking cycle is done, flip the vent to "venting" and quick-release the pressure.
Puréeing Pumpkin
- Once your pumpkin has cooled sufficiently so that you can handle it, peel the skin off of the flesh. The skin should come off quite easily.
- Transfer the roasted pumpkin flesh into a food processor and puree until smooth. You may have to do this in batches, depending on the size of your pumpkin.
Nancy says
Very quick and easy! The pumpkin purée turned out perfect!
Katie Trant says
Woohoo! So happy to hear that.
Tara says
You said that using large pumpkins for puree will be less sweet than using a sugar pumpkin. To use them for a pie, do I need to add more sugar/spices than normal to get the same flavor?
Katie Trant says
I never add extra sugar or spices and my pies always turn out great!