Pumpkin pie time is nearly here and getting creative can allow you to enjoy it even more.
Fall is here and with it comes cooler weather as well as everything delicious, golden, orange, and spiced. Pumpkin pie is a traditional desert many people turn to around Thanksgiving to satisfy their sweet tooth. The famous pie’s related cousins such as pumpkin lattes, pumpkin flavored cookies, etc. are also a huge economic driver for brands like Starbucks and Walmart in the run-up to Christmas. Being able to tweak a traditional pumpkin pie recipe gives you the opportunity to delight in something new while still hanging onto that great taste you love. How can you best do it? Here are five variations on pumpkin pie the internet loves.
Easy Pumpkin Pie Bites
Sometimes life doesn’t leave room for a whole pie, (or even half a pie). When your days get busy, try just a bit. These delicious pie “bites” offer Thanksgiving taste in a smaller package. Complete with whipped cream on top, you can make a batch of these and freeze them (sans whipped cream) to be eaten one bite at a time later on. This dessert contains cream cheese for an added kick and it also calls for “pumpkin pie spice” to make your life easier. If you prefer a more robust dose of the flavor of fall spices, combine cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves individually in small amounts for the same effect.
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Turtle Pumpkin Pie
This recipe combines two holiday favorites: pumpkin pie and dessert turtles. A thick layer of caramel ice cream adorns the top. Traditional pumpkin pie filling and the usual spices plus vanilla instant pudding inhabit the bottom. With chopped pecans and caramel layered in, this pie satisfies any and every sweet tooth. One of the best things about this dessert, in addition to its decadent nature, is that it doesn’t require any baking. Simply combine the ingredients and refrigerate for about an hour and you’re done.
Pumpkin Pie Parfait
Any way you deliver them, whether on a plate or in a jar, the flavors of fall are irresistible. This recipe layers pumpkin pie filling, whipped cream, pudding, and cookies in a portable jar that’s perfect for sharing. Take your creations to the backyard, bring them to the neighborhood barbecue and enjoy. Your friends and family will thank you
Chocolate Pumpkin Pie
Who said great tastes need to stay separate? This delicious pie pulls pumpkin together with chocolate, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a festive dish you’ll love. The results look more chocolatey than pumpkiny so be sure to inform your guests before they dive in. Make your own crust or buy the premade stuff for a faster fix. You’ll also need a double boiler for this recipe in order to melt the chocolate and butter together. If you have chocolate shavings on hand to garnish the top, all the better.
Fall is the perfect time to indulge your sweet tooth and delight in traditional tastes that have been around for centuries. Pass the pie and dig in!
photo credits: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com
