It’s pumpkin season again, and that means it’s time to bake all the pumpkin things! But what if you’re out of pumpkin puree?
There are plenty of substitutes for pumpkin puree that will help you keep your fall baking traditions alive.
In this article, we’ll list 8 substitutes for pumpkin puree and explain the differences and similarities between them.
We’ll also provide the ratios to use when substituting and give examples of how we’ve used these substitutes in our recipes.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Substitutes for Pumpkin Puree
- Acorn Squash
- Butternut Squash
- Carrot
- Sweet Potato
- Apple Sauce
- Zucchini
- Peanut Butter
- Banana
Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is an excellent option for a pumpkin substitute. It may be used in place of pumpkin puree in recipes, and it has several benefits.
You can use acorn squash in any recipe that calls for pumpkin puree, and it will add a lovely sweetness and richness to your dish.
For starters, acorn squash is loaded with nutrients. It’s a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium.
It also has a lower sugar content than pumpkin puree, making it a healthier option for certain recipes.
In terms of flavor, acorn squash is similar to pumpkin puree. It has a slightly sweet taste with a hint of nuttiness.
Simply bake the squash until it’s tender, then scoop out the flesh and puree it in a food processor.
Just be aware that acorn squash is slightly more watery than pumpkin, so you may need to use less of it to achieve the desired consistency.
When substituting acorn squash for pumpkin puree, you’ll need to use a 1:1 ratio.
If your recipe calls for 1 cup of pumpkin puree, you’ll need to use 1 cup of acorn squash puree instead.
Acorn squash is a versatile substitute that can be used in a variety of recipes.
So if you’re looking for an alternative to pumpkin puree, give acorn squash a try.
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is an excellent substitute for pumpkin puree. It has a similar texture and sweetness, making it ideal for baked goods and pies.
Plus, it’s easy to find and usually cheaper than pumpkin puree.
Additionally, butternut squash is packed with nutrients, including vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.
Use a 1:1 ratio of butternut squash to pumpkin puree when replacing it for pumpkin puree.
Keep in mind that the finished product may be slightly denser with butternut squash. But it is a perfect replacement that will give you great results every time.
Carrot
There are a few substitutes you can use in place of pumpkin puree, but in my opinion, carrot is the best option. Not only does it have a similar consistency, but it also has a sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients in most recipes.
Just make sure to use the same ratio of carrot to pumpkin puree – 1:1.
The flavor of carrots is fairly neutral, so it won’t drastically change the flavor profile of your dish.
The sweetness of carrots may be more pronounced than pumpkin, so keep that in mind when adding other sweetness to your recipe.
The disadvantage of carrot puree is that it may alter the color of your dish, depending on the recipe.
However, overall, I think carrot puree is a great substitute for pumpkin puree and can be used in most sweet and savory dishes.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is a great substitute for pumpkin puree. It can be used in baking, smoothies, soups, and pies.
Sweet potato has many benefits including being high in fiber, vitamins C and A, and potassium.
It is also a low-glycemic food, which means it won’t spike your blood sugar levels.
When substituting a sweet potato for pumpkin puree, use a 1:1 ratio.
Sweet potato puree is slightly sweeter than pumpkin puree and may add a slightly different flavor to your dish, but overall it should not make a significant difference.
So if you find yourself in a pinch, don’t hesitate to reach for sweet potatoes as a substitute for pumpkin puree.
Apple Sauce
Apple sauce can be used as a replacement for pumpkin puree in many cases. It has the same thick consistency and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
It is also a good source of nutrients, including fiber and vitamins A and C. In addition, apple sauce is lower in sugar than pumpkin puree, making it a healthier option for those watching their intake.
When substituting apple sauce for pumpkin puree, use a 1:1 ratio.
When choosing apple sauce as a substitute, it is important to keep in mind that it may change the color of the recipe slightly and may make the recipe sweeter than intended.
So make sure to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
Zucchini
Zucchini can be used as a substitute for pumpkin puree in many recipes like muffins, cakes, and quick bread.
This squash is a great choice because it has a similar texture and sweetness as a pumpkin.
Zucchini has a similar moisture content to pumpkin puree, so it will produce moist, flavorful quick bread and muffins.
In addition, zucchini is a good source of vitamins A and C, making it a healthy option.
When substituting zucchini for pumpkin, use a 1:1 ratio.
Keep in mind that zucchini may add a green tint to your recipe. If this is not desired, you can cook the zucchini before pureeing it to remove the green color.
Overall, zucchini is a delicious and nutritious substitute for pumpkin puree.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a great substitute for pumpkin puree because it has a similar consistency and is packed with nutrients.
The benefits of using peanut butter as a substitute include its ability to add moisture and richness to the recipe.
Peanut butter is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for those looking for a healthier alternative to pumpkin puree.
Peanut butter can be used in a variety of recipes, from pies, brownies, cookies, and cakes to soups and sauces.
When opting for peanut butter as a substitute, it is important to use a ratio of three parts peanut butter to one part of pumpkin puree.
This will ensure that the final product retains the same moist and dense texture as if made with pumpkin puree.
While peanut butter is not an exact replacement for pumpkin puree, it is a suitable alternative that can be used in many recipes.
Banana
Banana is a great substitute for pumpkin puree because it is high in potassium and fiber, which are both essential nutrients for a healthy diet.
This fruit can be used as a replacement for pumpkin puree in recipes for pies, pastries, and other desserts.
It is also widely available and typically less expensive than pumpkin puree.
When using bananas as a substitute for pumpkin puree, it is important to use the 1:3 ratio. For example, if a recipe calls for one cup of pumpkin puree, you would replace it with 3 pieces of mashed ripe bananas.
The only downside to using bananas as a substitute is that they may change the flavor of the dish slightly. However, this change is usually not noticeable when the dish is served with other flavored foods such as spices or chocolate.
Overall, banana is an excellent substitute for pumpkin puree and can be used in many different recipes.
Conclusion
Pumpkin puree is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different recipes. However, several substitutes can be used if pumpkin puree is not available.
When choosing a substitute for pumpkin puree, it is important to consider the flavor, texture, and nutrition of the final product.
Overall, there are many suitable substitutes for pumpkin puree that can be used in a variety of recipes.
So, what are you waiting for? Give one of these pumpkin puree substitutes a try in your next recipe! You might be surprised at the delicious results.