Pumpkins are a classic fall ingredient that can be used to make a variety of delicious desserts. From rich pumpkin pie to lighter pumpkin bread, pumpkin desserts are a popular way to enjoy the flavors of autumn. But when it comes to the most popular pumpkin dessert, one treat rises above the rest – pumpkin pie.
Why is pumpkin pie the most popular pumpkin dessert?
Pumpkin pie has been a beloved American tradition for centuries. There are a few key reasons why it remains the most popular pumpkin dessert:
- It’s a classic – Pumpkin pie has graced Thanksgiving tables since the pilgrims first celebrated the holiday in 1621. The simplicity of pumpkin pie’s ingredients – pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg – have stood the test of time.
- Nostalgia – For many people, the aromatic spices and creamy pumpkin filling of pie evoke fond memories of holidays and traditions. It just doesn’t feel like fall without a slice of classic pumpkin pie.
- Availability – Pumpkin pie filling and pre-made pie crusts are readily available in grocery stores during the autumn months. This makes whipping up a pumpkin pie easy even for novice bakers.
- Crowd-pleaser – With its comforting flavors and creamy texture, pumpkin pie is a dessert that satisfies most palates. It’s a reliable recipe to please a crowd at potlucks, holiday meals, and other fall gatherings.
- Versatility – Though classic pumpkin pie usually features a crisp pastry crust, the sweet spiced pumpkin filling can also be baked into tarts, cheesecakes, cupcakes, and other creative desserts.
No other pumpkin dessert checks all these boxes quite like beloved pumpkin pie. The iconic treat is bound up with nostalgia for the fall and holiday season for many Americans, cementing its status as the most popular pumpkin dessert.
How much pumpkin pie is consumed in the United States each year?
Americans eat a whole lot of pumpkin pie. According to recent surveys and market research data, it’s estimated that around 50 million pumpkin pies are baked and consumed in the U.S. during the Thanksgiving holiday season alone.
That staggering number comes from Nestlé’s annual Thanksgiving survey. In 2022 they found that 75% of respondents said their Thanksgiving meal absolutely must include pumpkin pie. For the average pie size of 8 inches and 4 servings per pie, that would equate to about 50 million consumed pies at Thanksgiving dinners across the country.
The Libby’s pumpkin company also released a report that the average American consumes 1.5 pounds of pumpkin each fall. With around 330 million people in the U.S. that’s nearly 500 million pounds of pumpkin purée – enough to bake approximately 50 million 9-inch pies.
Beyond the millions of pies eaten at Thanksgiving, pumpkin pie is also popular at potlucks, parties, and family gatherings throughout the entire fall season. When accounting for all of these occasions, the total number of pumpkin pies consumed each year in America is likely above 50 million.
What are some other popular pumpkin desserts?
While pumpkin pie may be number one, some other pumpkin treats give it a run for its money in terms of popularity:
- Pumpkin bread – Pumpkin bread loaded with warm spices is a favorite fall baked good. Easy to make at home, these loaf cakes are often shared among friends and coworkers.
- Pumpkin cookies – Iconic pumpkin cookies with orange coloring and hints of cinnamon are popular Halloween treats. Pumpkin chocolate chip, pumpkin oatmeal, and pumpkin sugar cookies are delicious staples.
- Pumpkin cupcakes – Cupcakes are a fun, portable way to enjoy pumpkin desserts. Creative flavors like pumpkin maple, pumpkin cream cheese, and pumpkin cheesecakes make yummy individual-sized treats.
- Pumpkin cheesecake – Smooth and creamy pumpkin cheesecake is a decadent autumnal dessert. Spices, gingersnap crusts, or praline toppings provide delicious gourmet flair.
- Pumpkin ice cream – Cool, creamy pumpkin ice cream is hugely popular once autumn rolls around. Flavors like pumpkin pie ice cream and pumpkin cheesecake ice cream are frequently found in shops.
- Pumpkin bars – Layered pumpkin dessert bars with cream cheese frosting, fruit, nuts, or crumbly oat toppings make amazing fall bakery treats.
In creative flavors from whoopie pies to cream puffs, bakers love incorporating pumpkin into all types of delicious dessert recipes when fall arrives.
What are the most popular pumpkin pie recipes?
Within the broader category of pumpkin pie, there are a few specific recipes and variations that seem to be the most popular each holiday season:
| Pie Recipe | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Classic pumpkin pie | Smooth sweetened pumpkin filling spiced with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg baked in flaky pie pastry. This traditional version is found in most grocery stores and bakeries. |
| Bourbon pumpkin pie | The pumpkin filling is enriched with bourbon whiskey and a dash of brown sugar for added depth of flavor. |
| Pumpkin cheesecake pie | Blends creamy cheesecake with pumpkin pie filling. May feature a gingersnap cookie crust instead of pastry. |
| No-bake pumpkin pie | Combines condensed milk, pumpkin puree, spices and whipped cream for a quick no-bake pie. |
| Pumpkin cream pie | A creamycustard base is enriched with pumpkin for a lighter, fluffier filling than classic pumpkin pie. |
| Vegan pumpkin pie | Uses plant-based milk and vegan protein in place of condensed milk and eggs to make a dairy-free, egg-free version. |
The classic pumpkin pie recipe still can’t be beat for its simplicity, nostalgia, and old-fashioned pumpkin flavor. But bakers are increasingly experimenting with fun twists that incorporate liquor, spices, alternate crusts and dairy-free ingredients.
What major brands sell pumpkin pie?
Many major food brands now produce pumpkin pies to meet consumer demand during the fall season. Here are some of the top national brands making this iconic dessert:
Grocery Store Brands
- Sara Lee
- Marie Callender’s
- Edwards
- Trader Joe’s
- Whole Foods 365
- Publix
- Fresh Market
- Wegmans
Fast Food and Restaurant Chains
- Costco
- Starbucks
- McDonald’s
- Burger King
- Woolworths
- Village Inn
- Bakers Square
- Bob Evans
- Cracker Barrel
Specialty Bakery Brands
- Whole Foods Bakery
- Pepperidge Farm
- Trader Joe’s Bakery
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
Consumers can easily purchase fresh-baked or frozen pumpkin pies from their neighborhood supermarket during the holiday season. National pizza chains like Dominos and fast food restaurants also sometimes offer pumpkin pie on their dessert menus in the fall.
How do major brand pumpkin pies compare in terms of price, size, and taste?
| Brand | Price Range | Size | Taste Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sara Lee | $3.99 – $9.99 | 9-inch | Classic pumpkin pie filling with bold spices and hint of lemon |
| Marie Callender’s | $7.99 – $12.99 | 9 to 10-inch | Thick, custardy filling and flaky crust |
| Trader Joe’s | $3.99 – $7.99 | 9-inch | Smooth pumpkin filling with pronounced nutmeg and ginger |
| Fresh Market | $12.99 – $16.99 | 9 to 10-inch | Homemade taste with crunchy streusel topping |
| Whole Foods | $8.99 – $15.99 | 9 to 10-inch | Organic ingredients with balanced natural spices |
Price, size, crust type, spice blend, and overall flavor profile varies widely between supermarket and specialty bakery pumpkin pie brands. Many buyers prefer pies at the higher end for quality ingredients and from-scratch taste.
What are the healthiest ways to enjoy pumpkin pie?
Pumpkin pie is typically made using ingredients like refined flour, butter, and sugar, which can spike blood sugar. But there are some simple ways to enjoy this fall treat in a healthier way:
Choose Recipes with Less Sugar
Many pumpkin pie recipes call for a full cup of sugar or more. Opting for a version reduced to 3/4 cup or only 1/2 cup sugar cuts back on empty calories. Sugar substitutes like maple syrup, honey, or stevia can also be used.
Prioritize Whole Ingredients
When possible, pick pumpkin pies made with whole wheat pastry flour, pure pumpkin, and ingredients like nuts and oats for fiber. This increases nutritional value compared to highly processed versions.
Portion Control
One slice of pumpkin pie can pack up to 30g total sugar. Stick to reasonable portions of 1 small slice, or 3/4 cup pumpkin pie filling to satisfy your craving without overindulging in calories and carbs.
Add Protein and Healthy Fats
Boost nutrition by enjoying pie with nuts, low-fat Greek yogurt, or a glass of milk for satiating protein and nutrients. Pairing it with whipped cream adds satisfying healthy fats.
Bake at Home
Making your own pie allows you to control the quality of ingredients. You can sneak in extra eggs, swap butter for heart-healthy oil, and experiment with less sugar.
With mindful ingredients and reasonable portions, pumpkin pie can be worked into a healthy diet – even during the holidays! It provides vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants from fresh pumpkin.
What are the best substitutes for common pumpkin pie ingredients?
Pumpkin pie is delicious, but some people need easy ingredient swaps to work around food allergies, diets, or availability:
| Common Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Canned pumpkin | Substitute an equal amount of cooked, fresh pumpkin puree or butternut squash puree. |
| Sweetened condensed milk | Replace with equal parts half-and-half and vanilla extract plus sugar or sweetener to taste. |
| Dairy milk | For non-dairy, substitute almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or soy milk. |
| Eggs | Swap each egg for 1/4 cup yogurt, tofu, pumpkin puree, vinegar + baking soda, or commercial egg replacer. |
| All-purpose flour | Substitute whole wheat flour, almond flour, or oat flour for more nutrition. |
| Butter | Instead use avocado oil, coconut oil, or heart-healthy olive oil. |
With so many ingredient alternatives, pumpkin pie can be adapted for gluten-free, paleo, or vegan diets. Get creative to whip up the perfect pumpkin dessert for your needs!
What are some creative variations and twists on pumpkin pie?
Classic pumpkin pie is beloved just as it is. But bakers are continuously developing creative flavor twists and recipe hacks to put new spins on this iconic dessert:
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Turn homemade or store-bought pie filling into luscious layered pumpkin dessert bars.
Pumpkin Pie Cannoli
Fill cannoli shells with spiced pumpkin cream cheese ricotta for an autumn Italian twist.
Pumpkin Pie Tacos
Fold pie filling into taco-shaped shells along with fun toppings like whipped cream, caramel, and pecans.
Pumpkin Pie Shooters
Layer pie filling, crust crumbs, and whipped topping in shot glasses for handheld desserts.
Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
Blend rich vanilla ice cream with pumpkin pie spices and filling for a chilled treat.
Pumpkin Pie Cake Pops
Mix shredded bits of cake with pie filling and coat in chocolate or cream cheese frosting.
Pumpkin Pie Frozen Yogurt
Stir pumpkin puree and spices into tangy froyo for a lighter, refreshing dessert.
Pumpkin Pie Cookie Cups
Use hollowed-out pumpkin spice cookies as edible vessels for holding pie filling and whipped cream.
Pumpkin pie is so versatile! With unique vessels, creative mix-ins and unexpected textures, bakers can Reinvent this fall favorite in endless ways.
Conclusion
Pumpkin pie has earned its place as the most iconic and beloved pumpkin dessert thanks to its nostalgic fall flavors and role in holiday traditions. Americans consume around 50 million pumpkin pies every Thanksgiving season, sticking with classic recipes as well as trying new twists. With substitutes for common allergens and a focus on portion size and quality ingredients, pumpkin pie can even be a wholesome treat. This signature spiced dessert will continue dominating autumn dessert spread for generations to come.