Pumpkin Pie Question

[maslex]

My nephew is coming home for Christmas (stationed in CA) and I asked him what he would like for dessert. He said pumpkin pie. Well, I've never made one before and I was wondering if there was a big difference in using the pumpkin in the can (the one where I would have to add the spices) and using the pumpkin pie mix in a can (the one where spices are included)? I was thinking of using the pumpkin pie mix one since I don't normally have those spices in my house, so I would have to go out and buy those as well. And I already have a frozen pie crust in my freezer that I would use but does that need to be bake first then put the filling in? Thanks!!!

 

[pampam]

Many people do just what you are planning to do. There is nothing wrong with your ideas. On the other hand, is your nephew a connoisseur of pumpkin pies? If he is expecting something better, he might be dissapointed, but if his tastes are not fancy, he likely will be happy with it and the effort you are taking to please him. Since you don't have all the ingredients, I would do what you are planning, but perhaps top it up with whipped cream.

 

[maslex]

Many people do just what you are planning to do. There is nothing wrong with your ideas. On the other hand, is your nephew a connoisseur of pumpkin pies? If he is expecting something better, he might be dissapointed, but if his tastes are not fancy, he likely will be happy with it and the effort you are taking to please him. Since you don't have all the ingredients, I would do what you are planning, but perhaps top it up with whipped cream.

Thanks. No, he's no pumpkin pie snob. I'm sure using the stuff out of the can will be just fine for him. Think he's just missing food from home, ya know? Do you know if I would bake the pie shell first? Or using from frozen would be fine? And yes, I will be picking up some whipped cream to top it off with. Just have to find out if he likes the stuff out of a can, cool whip or homemade.

 

[Paradise18]

I love the pumpkin pies from Costco. Especially good with real whipped cream.

I've never been happy with the pies I have made with canned pumpkin.

 

[Christine]

My opinion--I would use the canned pumpkin and buy the spices. It's really easy. I like to add a little bit of extra spice and prefer what they call a "hearty" pumpkin pie. The other kind seems a bit bland to me (but still fine).

I would also get a Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust and pre-bake it in the pie dish for about 10 minutes and then put in your filling and bake. It will seem very homemade at that point. The other tip is that pumpkin pie bakes for awhile and the crust often browns up too much for me before the pie is done (especially if you are using one of those frozen pie shells). Just keep an eye on it and if it seems to be getting way too dark and you still have a good amount of time left on your pie, pull it out and put some foil around the edges.

Oh, and I have also heard that the Costco pumpkin pies are good but I've never tried one yet.

 

[pampam]

The recipes I looked at online said to pour the filling in the unbaked shell and bake it all together. I noticed that the Libbey's pumpkin pie filling didn't have spices in it. It was pure pumpkin, so if you don't want to add spices, make sure what you buy has the seasonings in it already.

 

[pampam]

I'm sure the label on the can will tell you how to cook it,and suggest what you might want to add.

 

[wishesuponastar]

Another vote for Costco pumpkin pie if you can get it. Tastes wonderful and feeds a crowd that's how big it is.

But if you have to make one, I would get the pumpkin can that has the spices. I think the frozen pie crusts instruct you to pre-bake it before you fill it .

 

[Meriweather]

vote for Costco also, if you can do it. So good and so easy and no buying spices, which can be expensive

 

[Sugardimples]

Just buy a pie.

 

[firecracker725]

I love the pumpkin pies from Costco. Especially good with real whipped cream.

I've never been happy with the pies I have made with canned pumpkin.

Yep, I am a very good baker, but I have never been able to make a pumpkin pie any better than the Sam's Club carries already baked for me, so I save that energy for the rest of the baking and take some help where I can get it.

 

[betsywdw]

Another vote for Costco pumpkin pie! It's really good!

 

[shoney]

Another vote for Costco. It is one of the best pumpkin pies I've ever had. My mom used to make it from scratch until she tasted Costco's. It was just as good without the work.

(One year someone brought one from BJ's....no where near as good!)

 

[mamacatnv]

Another Costco pumpkin pie supporter
I've never used the already spiced mix, before I discovered Costco I bought the unseasoned pumpkin and added the spices myself.
However, if Costco was not an option and your pantry doesn't have the spices, I'd buy the seasoned pumpkin and a frozen pie shell.

 

[ronandannette]

The recipes I looked at online said to pour the filling in the unbaked shell and bake it all together. I noticed that the Libbey's pumpkin pie filling didn't have spices in it. It was pure pumpkin, so if you don't want to add spices, make sure what you buy has the seasonings in it already.

Look carefully at the can and understand what you're buying. If it is "pure pumpkin" it is NOT pumpkin pie filling. In addition to spices you'll need sugar, milk/cream and eggs. What's in the can alone will not bake up into anything like what you'd be expecting. Also, regarding the crust - do not pre-bake for a pumpkin pie. The wet filling will absorb into the crust if it's already baked and will not re-crisp. You'll end up with a soggy mess.

OP - pumpkin pie is one of the easiest kinds to make but if you're not confident just go ahead and buy one.

 

[dotfurio]

I've made pumpkin pie from canned pumpkin (not filling) and from real pumpkins and I still like Costco pumpkin pie as much as if not more than the ones I've made. I just save myself the trouble now and buy theirs.

 

[Pooh2]

I used the Borden Condensed Milk recipe (on the inside of the can) NOT evaporated milk.
This recipe is quick and easy and turns out well everytime.

 

[usnuzuloose]

I use real sugar pumpkins. Can't make crust worth beans lol. It takes a little work to scrape them out and then roast them for 1 1/2 hours and use a pie recipe and bake. I usually turn down the oven a little lower to cook the middle. I cover the crust with tin foil around the edge so it won't burn. Then I use heavy whipping in mixer.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My nephew is coming home for Christmas (stationed in CA) and I asked him what he would like for dessert. He said pumpkin pie. Well, I've never made one before and I was wondering if there was a big difference in using the pumpkin in the can (the one where I would have to add the spices) and using the pumpkin pie mix in a can (the one where spices are included)? I was thinking of using the pumpkin pie mix one since I don't normally have those spices in my house, so I would have to go out and buy those as well. And I already have a frozen pie crust in my freezer that I would use but does that need to be bake first then put the filling in? Thanks!!!

Not a fan of the Costco pie here. It is too "custardy" for me. I think they use the condensed milk rather than evap. milk, which I prefer.

Make your own, it is the simplest, easiest dessert ever.

I also use a frozen pie shell.

You need a heavy duty jelly roll pan or baking sheet to bake it on. Just follow the Libby's Label on the canned pumpkin.

The hardest part of making a pumpkin pie is getting it into the oven without spilling it over the sides of the pie.

 

[Christine]

Not a fan of the Costco pie here. It is too "custardy" for me. I think they use the condensed milk rather than evap. milk, which I prefer.

Make your own, it is the simplest, easiest dessert ever.

I also use a frozen pie shell.

You need a heavy duty jelly roll pan or baking sheet to bake it on. Just follow the Libby's Label on the canned pumpkin.

The hardest part of making a pumpkin pie is getting it into the oven without spilling it over the sides of the pie.

Oh that's really good to know about the Costco pie, but I may still try it. I've made pumpkin pie with the condensed milk and it was a little bit sweeter than I like and I consistency was a tad off. I guess I'm an evaporated milk fan too!