If you've ever found yourself with leftover pumpkin puree after making a recipe, you're not alone. Can you freeze canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, pumpkin puree freezes really well. Additionally, freezing it is a great way to reduce waste and ensure that none of that delicious pumpkin goes to waste, especially as we enter the holiday season filled with pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin desserts, and cozy dishes like pumpkin soup.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the best methods to freeze pumpkin puree, how to defrost it, and tips to keep the puree’s overall quality intact. Plus, I'll share a few of my favorite pumpkin recipes that only use part of a can—so you can try them out and freeze the rest for your next recipe.
Why Freeze Pumpkin Puree?
The biggest reason to freeze leftover canned pumpkin is to extend its shelf life. Once opened, a can of pumpkin only stays fresh in the refrigerator for a few days, but freezing it can give you extra days, even months, to use it in different dishes. Whether you’re saving a cup of pumpkin puree for pumpkin spice donuts, pumpkin cheesecake cookies, or a pumpkin bread recipe, freezing ensures you’ll have it ready when you need it.
The Easiest Way to Freeze Pumpkin Puree
The best way to freeze pumpkin puree is to portion it out into smaller amounts. This will allow you to easily thaw exactly what you need without defrosting the whole batch. Here are a few of my favorite ways to freeze pumpkin purée:
Ice Cube Trays or Silicone Molds

This is the best method if you want to freeze small amounts, like a few tablespoons. Simply spoon the puree into ice cube trays or silicone molds and freeze until solid. Once frozen, you can transfer the cubes to a sealed freezer bag or airtight container. This is a great way to avoid any freezer burn and preserve the puree's nutritional value and unique flavor.

These silicone ice cube molds are my favorite because they are pliable, allowing you to easily pop out the frozen pumpkin cubes. They are also BPA-free and have a convenient plastic cover that snaps on to protect the pumpkin puree while it's in the freezer. If you have the room, you can leave the pumpkin in the silicone tray.
Muffin Tin or Pan.
For larger portions, use a muffin tin or silicone muffin pan. Each cavity holds about ¼ to ½ cup of puree, making it ideal for recipes like pumpkin cookies or a pumpkin soup recipe. Once frozen, pop the puree out and store the frozen pumpkin blocks in a zip-top bag or another freezer-safe container. Don’t forget to squeeze out any excess air from the bags to prevent freezer burn.
Plastic Bags or Freezer Containers

If you’re in a bit of a time crunch, you can spoon the puree directly into a zip-top bag or freezer container. This is my favorite way to freeze it because it doesn't require a lot of space. Flatten the bag to remove excess air and freeze it flat. This is important because removing the excess air will prevent freezer burn. I always label the bags with the date and amount that is in the bag. This ensures freshness.
How Long Can You Freeze Pumpkin Purée?
For the best quality, frozen pumpkin puree should be used within three to six months. While it can last longer in the freezer, the texture and flavor may begin to degrade after this time.
How to Defrost Frozen Pumpkin Puree
When you're ready to use your frozen pumpkin puree, the best technique is to transfer the amount you need to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. If you’re in a bit of a time crunch, you can use your microwave’s defrost setting to speed things up. Either way, once defrosted, let it come to room temperature before using it in your recipe to avoid any drastic changes in texture.
If you're using it in a soup recipe or a smoothie, you don't have to defrost it.
Best Ways to Use Thawed Pumpkin Puree
Once thawed, frozen pumpkin puree can be used in a variety of recipes. It works well in most baked goods like muffins, breads, and cookies, too.
Try these recipes with thawed pumpkin puree:
If you’re using pumpkin puree from your freezer in baked goods like my baked pumpkin donuts or pumpkin cheesecake cookies, be sure to give it a quick stir before adding it to your batter. Sometimes freezing can cause a slight separation of liquid, but a quick mix will bring it back to its smooth, creamy consistency.
Can You Freeze Other Pumpkin Products?
Wondering if this method works for other pumpkin-based ingredients? You can also freeze pumpkin pie filling, but keep in mind that it has added sugars and spices that could affect how well it holds up in the freezer. Similarly, freezing pumpkin flesh from fresh pumpkins like sugar pie pumpkins or jack-o-lantern pumpkins works well, especially if you make your own homemade pumpkin puree.
Now that you know the best ways to freeze canned pumpkin puree, you can enjoy all your favorite pumpkin recipes without worrying about wasting the rest of that can of pumpkin. Whether you're saving puree for pumpkin bread, pumpkin desserts, or a cozy pumpkin soup recipe, freezing is a good option to make sure you always have some on hand. Plus, it’s a good use of this flavorful, nutrient-rich fruit for plenty of dishes during the holiday season.
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