What Is the Best Pumpkin for Pie Filling? Revealed

Last Updated on September 16, 2024 by Shari Mason

On a warm, sunny day, I stumbled onto a huge field filled with pumpkins of every shape and size. My mission? Find the perfect one for my homemade pie.

Just like choosing the right ingredient for any dish, picking the ideal pumpkin for that luscious pie filling is a delightful quest. So what’s the best pumpkin for pie filling? Read on to find out.

Why Type Of Pumpkin Is Good In Pie Filling?

The best pumpkins for pie filling are Jarradale and sugar pumpkins, also known as pie pumpkins. Sugar pumpkins are smaller, rounder, and have a smoother texture than other varieties.

Their flesh is sweet and less fibrous, making them ideal for a creamy and rich pie filling. While larger pumpkins might be great for carving and decorations, their flesh tends to be more watery and less flavorful.

“I like sugar, be it candy, this season’s pumpkin chocolate chip bars, or wine. Sugar is bad for me. It just sits on my tummy, causing my middle child Esme to ask if we are having a fourth baby. Rude!”

– Alicia Coppola, American Actress

Not all pumpkins [1] are created equal; some are watery and bland, while others boast a rich, creamy consistency and a deep, sweet flavor. 

Opting for the suitable variety ensures your pie has a smooth, velvety filling with that quintessential pumpkin taste. It’s the difference between a good pie and an unforgettable one.

Read:

• Why Is Pumpkin Pie So Popular At Thanksgiving?
• Are Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkins Good For Pies?
• How Long Is Canned Pumpkin Good For Once Opened?
• What Kind Of Pumpkin Does Costco Use In Their Pies?
• How To Make Pumpkin Puree Without An Oven?

Are Larger Pumpkins Suitable For Pies?

While bigger pumpkins may seem tempting due to their abundant flesh, they are often not the best choice for pies.

These big pumpkins, typically used for jack-o’-lanterns, have a more diluted flavor and a watery texture. 

Their flesh tends to be grainy and less sweet, resulting in a pie that lacks the rich, creamy consistency and robust pumpkin flavor that pie enthusiasts cherish. Smaller, sugar, or pie pumpkins are ideal for the best pie.

Read: What To Do With Leftover Sweet Potato Pie Filling?

What Is A “Sugar Pumpkin” & Why Is It Recommended?

A “sugar pumpkin,” also commonly known as a “pie pumpkin,” is a smaller variety of pumpkin specifically cultivated for cooking and baking purposes, as opposed to the larger ones meant for carving and decoration. 

Sugar pumpkins stand out due to their dense, sweet flesh, which contains less water than their larger counterparts.

This means they produce a smoother, creamier puree when they’re cooked down, which is essential for achieving that ideal pumpkin pie texture. 

The sugar pumpkins’ flavor profile is richer and more concentrated, boasting a delightful sweetness and earthy undertones.

This distinct taste ensures that desserts, especially pies, have a pronounced pumpkin flavor that isn’t overshadowed by the spices or other ingredients. 

Given these attributes, it’s no wonder sugar pumpkins are highly recommended for culinary use. When a recipe calls for “pumpkin puree” [2] or mentions baking with pumpkin, this is the variety most chefs and seasoned home cooks have in mind.

Read: How Do You Make Patti Labelle Sweet Potatoes?

Are There Other Pumpkin Varieties To Consider For Pie?

1. Cinderella Pumpkin (Rouge Vif d’Etampes): A beautiful French heirloom variety with deep orange skin. It offers a rich flavor suitable for pies.
2. Fairytale Pumpkin (Musquee de Provence): This is a profoundly ribbed, large squash that tastes similar to the sugar pumpkin.
3. Baby Pam: A smaller sugar pumpkin, it has sweet flesh and is perfect for pie-making.
4. Winter Luxury: Noted for its netted skin and smooth texture, it makes for a velvety pie filling.
5. Blue Doll: Though it has blue skin, the flesh is bright orange and sweet, making it a unique and tasty choice for pies.
6. Kabocha Squash: While not technically a pumpkin, this Japanese squash has a sweet, rich flavor that makes it an excellent substitute for traditional pumpkin in pies.
7. Butternut Squash: Again, while not a pumpkin, butternut squash has a creamy texture and sweet taste, which can be a delicious twist for pumpkin pie recipes.

How Do I Ensure My Chosen Pumpkin Variety Results In The Best Pie Filling?

1. Start Fresh: Choose a fresh pumpkin that feels heavy for its size. A fresh pumpkin has firm skin and no soft spots or signs of mold.
2. Size Matters: Smaller pumpkins often yield sweeter and less fibrous flesh for pie filling. Sugar pumpkins, for instance, are a favorite for this reason.
3. Test for Ripeness: Thump the pumpkin lightly with your finger. A ripe pumpkin will produce a hollow sound.
4. Roast, Don’t Boil: Roasting your pumpkin brings out its natural sugars and gives a richer flavor to the pie filling. Boiling can water down the flavor and make the texture less consistent.
5. Strain Excess Water: After puréeing the roasted pumpkin, if the mixture seems too watery, strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. This will give your pie filling a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Season Appropriately: The right blend of spices can elevate the pumpkin flavor. Classic seasonings include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Adjust according to your taste and the specific pumpkin variety.
7. Taste Before Baking: Different pumpkin varieties have different sweetness levels. Taste your pie mix before baking and adjust the sugar or spices as needed.
8. Consider Blending Varieties: Sometimes, mixing the flesh of two different pumpkin or squash varieties can result in a richer, more complex flavor profile for your pie.
9. Store Pumpkin Properly: If you’re storing fresh pumpkin before making your pie, keep it in a cool, dark place. Once it’s cut open, wrap it in plastic and refrigerate it.

FAQs

In Conclusion

While various pumpkin varieties exist, the best for pie filling is the sugar pumpkin, prized for its sweet flavor and smooth texture.

While larger pumpkins can be used, they often lack the rich taste and consistency desired in a pie. 

Other varieties like the Cinderella and Fairy Tale pumpkins can also be considered, but the sugar pumpkin remains a top choice. 

Regardless of choice, ensuring the pumpkin is fresh and appropriately prepared will make all the difference in your pie’s final taste and texture.

References:

1. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-pumpkin
2. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/22935/pumpkin-puree/