(Photo: Trader Joe's)Fall is the season for pumpkin pie baking, and we've got more than 100 pumpkin pie recipes in the Epicurious database (although if we editors had our way, pumpkin pie would be a year-round treat, not just a fall favorite).
But if you're not a baker, or if the pre-Thanksgiving whirlwind leaves you without the time to bake a pumpkin pie from scratch, the frozen variety is a convenient option. We tasted five widely available frozen pumpkin pies in a blind taste test, and found one, just one, that tasted almost homemade, and four others that are worth a try.
Methodology: In a blind taste test, judges compared the flavor, consistency, and appearance of five brands of frozen pumpkin pie. All were baked at 375 degrees F for the suggested time (approximately 60-70 minutes). The winner was scored according to the Epicurious four-fork rating system (four being best). Prices and availability subject to change.
Best Overall
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Pros: "I'd buy this" is the phrase that came out of all the editors' mouths. They appreciated the smooth and lightly spiced filling and the not overly sweet flaky crust.
Cons: Not the prettiest pie of them all.
Forks: 3.5
(Photo: Marie Callender's)First Runner-Up: Marie Callender's Pumpkin Pie ($8.99)Pros: Tasters loved this pick for its creaminess and the flaky crust that actually cooked through, not to mention its very cinnamon-y flavor.
Cons: A little too sweet for some.
Forks: 3
(Photo: Wholly Wholesome)Second Runner-Up: Wholly Wholesome Pumpkin Pie ($7.99)Pros: Tasters appreciated the fact that this pie was free of artificial flavors and conventionally refined sugars and sweeteners. They also appreciated its smoothness and nutmeg-rich flavor.
Cons: Not ideal for people who don't like whole-wheat crust.
Forks: 2.5
(Photo: Sara Lee)Third Runner-Up: Sara Lee Pumpkin Pie ($8.69)Pros: This pick was aesthetically pleasing and looked incredibly flavorful.
Cons: Gelatinous.
Forks: 2
(Photo: Mrs. Smith's)Honorable Mention: Mrs. Smith’s ($4.99)Pros: This pie looked particularly homemade. Tasters said they would recommend eating this one with a nice dollop of whipped cream.
Cons: A slightly bitter aftertaste and small in size.
Forks: 1.5
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