How to Dehydrate Pumpkin: Treats & Pumpkin Spice Blend

Photo of Susan Gast
Susan Gast, Author and Food Preservation Enthusiast
Susan has been dehydrating and preserving foods for over a decade, sharing practical, tested methods that help readers make healthy, long-lasting meals at home.

Love pumpkin season? Don’t toss that extra gourd - dry it instead!

Dehydrating pumpkin gives you a shelf-stable ingredient perfect for soups, snacks, smoothies, and even homemade dog treats. It’s easy to do and full of flavor and fiber.

✅ Quick Answer: How do you dehydrate pumpkin?
1. Wash and peel the pumpkin
2. Slice thinly, place slices on dehydrator trays.
3. Set the temperature to 135°F and dry for 9–11 hours until brittle.

Store in airtight jars with oxygen absorbers in a cool, dark place.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to dry fresh pumpkin slices, store them properly, turn them into powder, make tasty treats for your pup, and avoid common mistakes - like trying to dehydrate carved Halloween pumpkins!

Smiling woman slicing fresh pumpkin on a cutting board with a food dehydrator nearby in a bright kitchen.

TAKE NOTE: I am NOT suggesting you dehydrate your old carved-out pumpkins after they've been "in use." No Siree Bob.

I'm talking about drying pumpkin that is FRESH, so consider picking up an extra one or two smaller pumpkins that are solely for dehydrating!

Pumpkin Nutrition Info.

VITAMINS: Vitamins A, B1, B6, and C, Copper, Fiber, Folate, and Manganese.

MINERALS: Calcium, Potassium, and Magnesium, which can help keep your heartbeat regular and your blood pressure low.

How to Choose the Best Pumpkin for Drying

Let's start with picking the right pumpkin. Ask the farmer to help you pick just the right one. The perfect pumpkin is generally one that feels solid and heavy for its size. Look for smooth, consistent coloring and no visible blemishes.

Buy a few smaller ones, too, for dehydrating. Tell the farmer you've learned how to dehydrate pumpkin on Easy Food Dehydrating! ;-)

Step-by-Step: How to Dehydrate Pumpkin Perfectly

Fresh orange pumpkins piled together with bold white text overlay that reads “how to dehydrate pumpkin.”

The dehydrating process for pumpkin is easy. Follow these four simple steps:

  1. Clean your pumpkin thoroughly.
  2. Cut it into thin slices. The thinner, the faster it will dehydrate.
  3. Arrange the slices on your dehydrator trays, making sure the pieces don't overlap.
  4. Set the temperature to 135°F on your dehydrator.

💡 Tip: Outside the U.S.? Most dehydrating temps here are listed in Fahrenheit - use our quick converter to see the Celsius equivalent for your machine.

  • Dehydrated pumpkin will be brittle when fully dried.
  • Drying time: between 9-11 hours.
  • Please remember to rotate your trays for even drying.

Storage Tips:

Store your dried pumpkin in an airtight container such as a glass Mason jar and put an oxygen absorber and a desiccant pack inside the jar before vacuuming and screwing on the lid.

If you prefer to store the pumpkin in vacuum-sealed bags, add the oxygen absorber to the bag before vacuuming out the air.

Keep all your dehydrated goodies in a cool, dark area of your home.

TIP: See how to make storage space "where there is none" right HERE.

Want More Flavor? Add These Spices Before Drying

Add spices to raw pumpkin before dehydrating it to add flavor. While you can dehydrate raw pumpkin "as is," adding a bit of seasoning enhances the flavor depending on the intended use, i.e. a "sweet" or "savory" outcome.

For a Sweet Treat:

  • Sprinkle with cinnamon or pumpkin spice before drying.

For a Savory Twist:

  • Lightly season with sea salt, smoked paprika, or chili powder.

IMPORTANT Note:
DO NOT add any spices to your raw pumpkin
if you're going to feed the dried pumpkin to your dog!

IMPORTANT Note:
DO NOT add any spices
to your raw pumpkin
if you're going to feed the
dried pumpkin to your dog!

How to Make Pumpkin Powder from Dried Slices

Once your pumpkin slices are completely dry, you can grind them into a fine powder using a blender or a spice grinder. Pumpkin powder adds a unique flavor to:

  • Soups and stews 🍲
  • Baked goods like muffins and bread 🍞
  • Protein shakes and smoothies 🥤
  • Spice rubs for meats 🍖

Did you know that pumpkin powder can even replace wheat flour in some baking recipes!

Also, waste not, want not - save your pumpkin seeds and dehydrate (and roast them) - learn how on my how to dehydrate nuts and seeds here.

How Much Powder Do You Get from Fresh Pumpkin?

If you’re wondering about yield, here’s a useful benchmark: starting with 5 pounds of raw pumpkin flesh can produce about 7 ounces (by weight) of dried pumpkin powder. Depending on how finely you grind it, that works out to roughly 1½–2 cups by volume.

According to a kitchen trial from The Provident Homemaker, this was the result they recorded after dehydrating and grinding down fresh pumpkin.

From Fresh to Powder: Your Pumpkin Shrink Chart

Approximate yields; actual results vary by variety, slice thickness, and dryness.
Raw Pumpkin (flesh) Approx. Dried Weight Approx. Volume (powder)
1 lb ~1.4 oz ~⅓–½ cup
3 lbs ~4 oz ~1–1¼ cups
5 lbs ~7 oz ~1½–2 cups

Pumpkin Drying Problems? Here’s How to Fix Them

Even when you follow the steps, dehydrating pumpkin can be a little tricky. Here are a few quick fixes if things don’t go as planned:

  • Sticky slices? → Dry longer and rotate trays halfway through. Thinner slices help, too.
  • Pumpkin sweating in jars? → That means hidden moisture. Re-dry the slices and then “condition” them for 5–7 days (store loosely in a jar, shake daily so moisture evens out).
  • Case-hardening (outside dry, inside soft)? → Lower the temperature and slice thinner so the inside dries evenly.
  • Flavor fading over time? → Store in airtight jars, add oxygen absorbers, and keep in a cool, dark place to lock in flavor.
  • Pro Tip: Your results may also vary by pumpkin variety, slice thickness, and how thoroughly you dry it—so treat yield numbers as a ballpark, not an exact science.

Make Your Own
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Blend

Want to make your own pumpkin spice blend? Here’s a simple recipe:

Bowl filled with homemade pumpkin spice blend powder on a wooden table.

Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

How to Make Pumpkin Spice:

  1. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients.
  2. Stir until well mixed.
  3. Store the blend in an airtight container.
  4. Use this spice blend in your favorite fall dishes and desserts for that extra hint of warmth and coziness!

Did you know this? While dried ground pumpkin adds an interesting twist, traditional pumpkin spice blend does not contain any pumpkin. It's made with the simple ingredients above.


Rehydrating Pumpkin: The Exact Ratio You Need

Ready to use your dried pumpkin powder? Here’s the easy formula:

  • Start with 1 tablespoon of pumpkin powder
  • Add 3 tablespoons of water
  • Stir well and let it rest for 5–10 minutes so the water absorbs fully
  • Adjust with a little more water if you prefer a thinner puree

That’s it! You’ll have pumpkin puree ready to add to soups, smoothies, baked goods - or even your pup’s treats. 🐾

Is Dehydrated Pumpkin Safe for Dogs?

Many dog owners have asked, "Is pumpkin safe for my dog to eat?"

Yes! Pumpkin is beneficial not only for us humans - but for our four-legged friends too. So, while you and your kids are carving out pumpkin faces, Sheba can watch and drool while she waits for her treats made from fresh pumpkin pieces!

Here’s my tasty healthy recipe for pumpkin dog treats:


Easy Recipe: Homemade
Pumpkin Dog Treats

Large carved pumpkin featuring an intricate design of a dog surrounded by animals, with smaller pumpkins and autumn decorations at the base.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of fresh pumpkin purée*
  • 1 and a half cups of whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup of dry oats
  • 1/4 cup of cornmeal
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1/2 cup of water

*To make fresh pumpkin purée: Cut a small pumpkin in half, remove the seeds, and bake in the oven cut-side-down on a baking sheet for 45-50 minutes at 375°F or until the pumpkin is soft and the skin can be easily pricked with a fork.

💡 Tip: Outside the U.S.? Most dehydrating temps here are listed in Fahrenheit - use our quick converter to see the Celsius equivalent for your machine.

Scoop out the pumpkin and blend until smooth. Measure out 1 cup for this recipe and save the rest for another use.

How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Dog Treats!

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. In a large glass bowl, mix the pumpkin purée, eggs, and honey. Then give your arm a rest (or use a mixer!)
  3. In another bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, oats, and cornmeal. (Not as hard as the pumpkin mixin'!)
  4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture. Stir until it's all combined. If the dough is too dry, add water gradually until it reaches a workable doughy consistency.
  5. Roll out the dough on a well-floured board or countertop to about a 1/4-inch thickness.
  6. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Check out the bone-shaped cutters below! Transfer the cut-out dough pieces to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
  7. Bake them for 35-40 minutes or until the treats are hard and dry. Allow them to cool before serving to your pup!
    I bet you try one too... and that's OK, just don't let your dogs catch you stealing their treats!
Dog Bone Cookie Cutters

Bone Shaped Cookie Cutters!

Here are some handy bone-shaped doggie treat cutters!

Yep, they're on Amazon.

Everything's on Amazon.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.

Book cover featuring a happy dog licking its lips with a bowl of homemade dog food and the title “Make Your Own Dog Food” by Susan Gast.

Don't forget - it's like a pet food party to your pooch, so introduce new nibbles gradually, and keep your eagle eyes open for any funky reactions.

Remember, your best bet is to have a quick chat with your vet to make sure that these new treats are a good match for your dog's specific health profile.

Enjoy cooking for your pup! 

Learn how to make your own dog food here or click the image.

Best Ways to Store Dehydrated Pumpkin (and Keep It Fresh!)

Ball Regular Mouth Quart Jars

Mason Jars Regular Mouth Quart Jars

  • Ball brand regular mouth Glass Mason Jars. Quart size (32oz)
  • Package of 12
Ball Mason Pint Jars 12-Pk

Mason Jars Wide Mouth Pint Jars

  • Ball brand wide mouth Glass Mason Jars. Pint size (16oz)
  • Package of 12
Jarden Kerr Half-Pint Jars

Mason Jars Wide Mouth Half Pint Jars

  • Ball brand wide mouth Glass Mason Jars. Half-Pint (8oz)
  • Package of 12
Kerr Wide Mouth Half-Pint Mason Jars

Kerr Wide Mouth Half-Pint Mason Jars

  • Kerr brand wide mouth Mason jars with lids and bands
  • Half pint (8oz)
  • Package of 12

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — this does not affect the price you pay. Read full disclosure.

Why You Should Buy an Extra Pumpkin Just to Dehydrate

Make dehydrating pumpkin into a new routine that you can look forward to every year!

Getting the most out of Halloween pumpkins never tasted so good!

Three glowing Jack-o’-lantern pumpkins with carved faces, surrounded by small decorative pumpkins on a wooden surface.

You’ll not only create a scary lantern or two, but you'll also have delicious snacks for you and your dog - and have fun doing it! (Reminder, we're not dehydrating the old pumpkin carcasses - just fresh pumpkin!)

Go grab your pumpkin-cutting tools (or "treat" yourself to some new ones below - no "tricks" allowed), and then I'll show you how to dehydrate pumpkin for dog treats!

Pumpkin Carving Kit

CHRYZTAL Pumpkin Carving Kit

Pumpkin Carving Kit

For Halloween pumpkin carving, you'll want this kit of carving tools for making intricate designs. Look for sturdy tools that won't bend easily.

Sharp Chef's Knife (by Cutluxe)

Cutluxe Chef Knife

Cutluxe Chef Knife

A sharp and sturdy knife is essential for cutting the pumpkin (and anything else!) into smaller, manageable pieces. Here is a chef's knife with a full tang (that means the handle and blade "are one" so they can't come apart when we're slicin' and a dicin').

Non-Slip Cutting Board

Thirteen Chefs cutting board

Thirteen Chefs Cutting Board Non-Slip Surface

Use a cutting board with a non-slip bottom. Pumpkins can be quite slippery, and a secure cutting board can prevent spills, slips... and accidents.

Vegetable Peeler

OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler]

Vegetable Peeler by OXO

A good vegetable peeler helps to remove the pumpkin's skin more efficiently than a knife. I'm an "OXO"-brand fan. Just keep your fingers out of the way...

Melon Baller / Scooper

OXO Melon Baller

Melon Baller/Scooper

Obviously, this is useful for easily scooping, scraping, and removing the seeds and pulp from the pumpkin.

Check out this page on Dehydrating Nuts and Seeds (and how to roast pumpkin seeds).

Mandoline Slicer or Food Processor

PL8 Professional Mandoline

Mandoline Slicer

Once you have your pumpkin pieces, a mandoline slicer - or a food processor-type gadget that has a slicing blade - make slices of pumpkin that are the same thickness. (Wear gloves if you're accident-prone).

Slice thickness matters. Why? Because we need to dehydrate pieces that are of a uniform thickness so the slices dehydrate at the same rate.

Try this awesome slicer I just had to get:

SupMaKin Upgrade Safe Mandoline Slicer

SUPMAKIN Slicer + Dicer Mandoline ~ OnceForAll Brand

French fry cutter, vegetable chopper, vegetable slicer cutter, potato slicer, chopper for kitchen meal prep.

Here's my review of this multi-function mandoline that I just couldn't resist getting!

Safety Gloves

NoCry Cut Resistant Gloves

NoCry Premium Cut Resistant Gloves - Food-Grade

To protect your hands while cutting or peeling the pumpkin, consider purchasing a pair of these cut-resistant gloves. Safety is always be a priority in the kitchen.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — this does not affect the price you pay. Read full disclosure.

Remember, always handle these pumpkin-cutting tools with care, especially when children are nearby (and are watching you closely and learning from you).

Got Questions? Let’s Answer Your Pumpkin Dehydrating FAQs

How long does pumpkin take in a dehydrator?

Pumpkin slices usually take 9 to 11 hours to fully dehydrate at 135°F. Thin slices dry faster—thick ones may need a bit more time.

Do you have to cook pumpkin before you dehydrate it?

No cooking needed! Just peel, slice evenly, and place in your dehydrator. Cooking first is optional but not required.

Do I need to blanch pumpkin before dehydrating?

Not required for pumpkin; unlike green beans/carrots, you can go raw.

What’s the best pumpkin variety for dehydrating?

Smaller, sweet “sugar pie” or “pie pumpkins” dry better than large carving pumpkins.

Can I dehydrate canned pumpkin puree?

Yes - but with some caveats. Because canned pumpkin puree tends to be thicker and denser, it dries more slowly and unevenly if left in a thick layer.

The trick is to treat it like a pumpkin leather: spread it very thinly (1/8"–¼") on fruit leather or nonstick sheets, dry until it’s brittle (no moisture spots), then break or grind into powder. If it’s left too thick, moisture pockets may remain and result in sticky or under-dried spots.

Can I dehydrate pumpkin in the oven instead of a dehydrator?

Yes, at lowest setting (around 150°F) with the door cracked for airflow, but it takes longer and isn’t as efficient.

Why is my dehydrated pumpkin sticky?

Usually under-dried; slice thinner, rotate trays, or dry longer.

How long does dehydrated pumpkin last?

Up to a year+ in cool, dark, airtight storage with oxygen absorbers.

How do you dry pumpkin seeds?

Rinse the seeds, pat dry, then spread in a single layer on a lined dehydrator tray. Dry at 120–130°F for 12–24 hours, rotating trays occasionally. For crispier seeds, lightly salt and return for 2 more hours. Store airtight for up to 3 months.

Can my dog eat pumpkin?

Yes! Pumpkin is great for dogs and can support digestion. Just be sure it’s plain—no spices or salt. Try my homemade pumpkin dog treat recipe for a healthy snack Check out my homemade recipe: Fresh Pumpkin Dog Treats!

Now that you know how easy it is to dehydrate pumpkin—from slices to powder to dog treats—you’re all set to make the most of this fall favorite year-round.

And hey, while you’re here, don’t forget to download my free 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love PDF (below). It includes cozy carrot soup, hearty minestrone, zesty split pea, spicy beef jerky, and even banana cinnamon rolls—perfect for pairing with your freshly dried pumpkin stash!

Get 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love

5 Easy Dried Food Recipes free PDF

Here's where you can get your copy of our all new
5 Dried Food Recipes (That Actually Taste Great)
They're my all-time favorite easy dried food meals!

Get it here right now.

For Free!

You Might Like These

You Might Like These


Before You Go...

If you enjoyed this page, tap the ❤️ in the lower right-hand corner.
It saves this page to your Grow bookmarks so you can find it again later.

You’ll also see quick share buttons to copy the link, post to Facebook,
or save it straight to Pinterest.