Pumpkin Puree Substitutes

Out of pumpkin puree? These are the swaps that actually work, with conversion ratios for any recipe size and notes on how each one changes the result.

Need to convert pumpkin puree between cups, grams, or ounces first? Open the pumpkin puree converter.

What to use instead of pumpkin puree

  • Applesauce

    Ingredient swap

    1 cup pumpkin puree = 1 cup applesauce

    Applesauce swaps 1:1 by volume for pumpkin puree and shares its weight (250 g per cup), keeping bakes moist. It is fruitier and lighter in flavour with a paler colour, so use it when you want a neutral result rather than pumpkin's earthy, autumnal taste.

    See applesauce substitutes →

  • Mashed Banana

    Ingredient swap

    1 cup pumpkin puree = 1 cup mashed banana

    Mashed banana swaps 1:1 for pumpkin puree and is lighter per cup (230 g vs 250 g). It brings sweetness and a clear banana flavour plus a softer crumb, so pick it for sweet bakes; pumpkin suits savoury or spiced ones where you want body without sweetness.

    See mashed banana substitutes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?
There are 2 workable substitutes for pumpkin puree, depending on what you have on hand and which property of pumpkin puree matters most for your recipe. The closest swap is usually 1 cup pumpkin puree = 1 cup applesauce. Each option below lists the conversion ratio for any recipe size, plus notes on how the swap changes the texture, flavour, rise, or browning.
Will substituting pumpkin puree change how my recipe turns out?
Yes, every swap trades one property for another: fat content, moisture, acidity, or protein. The notes on each substitute describe what changes in texture, flavour, rise, or browning, so you can choose the swap that matters least for your recipe. Open the pumpkin puree converter
How do I measure pumpkin puree accurately?
Weighing in grams is more reliable than scooping cups, especially when a substitute has a different density from what the recipe expects. The pumpkin puree converter on this site converts between cups, grams, ounces, tablespoons, and teaspoons, so you can scale a recipe up or down without losing the ratio. Open the pumpkin puree converter

Other ingredient and produce substitutes

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