Experts Agree: This is the Best Store-Bought Pumpkin Pie You Can Buy!

When it comes to Thanksgiving desserts, the debate between pumpkin and apple pie is settled with a clear winner: pumpkin pie. Embodying the essence of autumn, pumpkin delights our palates in everything from Pumpkin Spice Lattes and freshly baked goods to seasonal candles and skincare products.

While there’s an abundance of simple pumpkin pie recipes available, sometimes there’s just not enough time to make one from scratch. Though nothing can truly replace the taste of a homemade pie fresh out of grandma’s oven, there are store-bought options that come close, packed with rich pumpkin flavor, a hint of spice, and encased in a buttery crust.

Which store-bought brand should grace your Thanksgiving dinner table? I’ve consulted numerous baking experts and they all recommend the same one.

Expert Bakers and Culinary Creators Recommend

• Sarah Bond: (@liveeatlearn) Nutritionist and food scientist who shares simple vegetarian recipes on her blog, Live Eat Learn
• Meghan Splawn: (@meghan_splawn) Food editor with a specialization in baking and pastry sciences, who’s on a quest to bake a cake every week in 2024
• Rena Awada: (@healthyfitnessmeals) Recipe creator and blogger at Healthy Fitness Meals
• Helen Jaworski: My grandmother and a seasoned pie expert with over six decades of experience

Top-Rated Store-Bought Pumpkin Pie, According to Experts

Splawn comments, “I love making pumpkin pie at home, but when traveling over the holidays or in need of a quick option, Marie Callender’s Frozen Pumpkin Pie is my go-to choice. The texture and flavor are spot-on, and it’s simple to enhance with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of candied pecans.”

After preparing Thanksgiving feasts for more than six decades, my grandmother Helen initially hesitated to acknowledge using a store-bought pie. Yet, she eventually admitted that Marie Callender’s Frozen Pumpkin Pie rivals homemade quality. “Back in 1956, when I began my nursing career at the Royal Alec, they served fresh pie every Friday. If you bake Marie Callender’s pumpkin pie and whip up some fresh cream, it’s nearly indistinguishable from those we had back then!”

Awada agrees, “Marie Callender’s is definitely the best among store-bought pies. I’ve sampled numerous brands, and none compare. While I always advocate for cooking from scratch, our hectic schedules sometimes don’t allow for it.”

Bond noted that stocking up on these pies at Costco before the Thanksgiving crunch is a smart move, as it ensures you’re prepared for the holiday season.

To make the pie even more festive, Bond suggests a simple gourmet upgrade.

She explains, “You can transform it into a gourmet dessert no one would guess was from the freezer by adding a brûlée topping. Just sprinkle a thin layer of sugar (about two to three tablespoons) over the cooled pie and caramelize it with a kitchen torch until it forms a shiny, crackly top. Alternatively, broil it briefly but watch it closely to avoid burning.”

As the holiday approaches, make your life a bit easier by picking up a frozen pumpkin pie or two. With a taste that wins over even the most discerning family members, this pie offers a delicious and hassle-free addition to your holiday spread. Your secret is safe with us.

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