How to Carve a Pumpkin

Prep: 35

Total Time: 35

Yield: 1 pumpkin

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Calories: 354kcal

Author: Jessica Gavin

Learn how to carve a pumpkin for this year’s spooky Halloween decorations. Follow this easy step-by-step guide for jack-o’-lantern success.

Ingredients

▢ 1 large pumpkin

Special Equipment

Instructions

Set up a workspace - Find a sturdy table or counter, then place a cutting board on top. Or you cover the surface with paper or plastic trash bags, especially if working outdoors. Gather carving tools, a kitchen towel for cleaning, a bowl for the pumpkin seeds, and a trash can.
Cut the pumpkin lid - Use a carving saw to cut the bottom at a 45-degree angle in a circle. Make the lid large enough to fit the scoop and your fist. Keep the lid, or discard it, depending on how you plan to light up the pumpkin.
Remove the seeds and guts - Use a scraper, scoop, or large spoon to scrape the inside walls in a spiral motion. Remove the goop with a spoon or your hands. Use the spoon to scrape and clean the walls further. Wipe the outside with a kitchen towel to clean and dry the surface.
Transfer the design - Tape the design on the flattest part of the pumpkin. Use a tool with a needle tip or pushpin to pierce holes through the paper, about ⅛-inches apart. Remove the paper and use a marker to connect the dots. You can also use a paring knife to make a shallow cut to trace the design.
Don’t forget to save the design for reference. Alternatively, cut the design in the paper to make a stencil and then draw the image on. You can also tape the picture onto the pumpkin, then tightly wrap plastic around it to secure the image.
Cut out the design - Use a fine-tooth saw to cut out the shapes, making straight cuts into the flesh, then discard those pieces. Start at the top of the design, with the smallest cuts first, then move down to the bigger designs. This keeps the shell sturdy until the final cuts.
You can etch, removing just the dark orange skin for contrast in colors and textures, or sculpt the flesh for intricate details. Refine the design with a paring knife, X-ACTO knife, or clean-up tools in your kit.
Light up the pumpkin - If using a candle, place it in a votive, light it, then place the pumpkin on top. Alternatively, add battery-operated votive candles, tea lights, or small LED string lights. Make sure to blow out the candle or turn off the lights at the end of the night.

Notes

When to Carve: For the freshest look, carve the pumpkin 3 days before Halloween. Although it can last about 5 to 10 days, it will break down over time, especially in warmer weather.
Preserving the Carved Pumpkin: Rub petroleum jelly on the cut areas. Or lightly spray with a bleach-based cleaning solution, then let it dry for 5 minutes before wiping the outer surface. Cover the pumpkin with plastic over the cut areas, then refrigerate it until you display it in the evening.

Nutrition

Recipe Link