Pumpkin Puree vs. Pumpkin Pie Filling: What's the Difference?

One of the flavors most emblematic of crisp autumn days, pumpkin pie remains a beloved holiday favorite. If you've ever had a recipe call for the use of pumpkin puree or pumpkin pie filling, you might be surprised to learn that there is a difference between the two.

We caught up with culinary professionals to learn more about which item pie makers should reach for in the grocery store.

Pumpkin Puree vs. Pumpkin Pie Filling

If you're a bona fide member of Team Pumpkin (as opposed to, say, Team Apple), then you've likely pored over the labels of pumpkin-centric canned goods pondering which one works wonders for pumpkin pie. "The primary distinction between the two lies in their simplicity and intended use," says Matt Alexander, executive chef of Cingari Family Markets, a supermarket chain across southwestern Connecticut.

Pumpkin Puree

This product has just one core ingredient. "Pumpkin puree is exactly that—100 percent pure pumpkin, cooked and blended to a silky, smooth texture without any added ingredients," says Alexander.

Libby's, a heritage brand renowned for its pumpkin products, labels its puree as Libby's 100% Pure Pumpkin. "It's made from the Dickinson pumpkin variety of Libby's Special Seed (a pumpkin proprietary to Libby's) with nothing added—no added salt, sugar, artificial flavorings, colorings, or preservatives," says Aaron Fleisch, senior chef of culinary innovation for Libby's.

• How it tastes: As you might suspect, given that pumpkin is a winter squash with relations to acorn, butternut, and kabocha squash, pumpkin puree has an earthy flavor with a subtle sweetness. Alexander likens it to a mild, unseasoned sweet potato,
• Best for: "It's ready-to-use for all cooking and baking purposes," says Fleisch.

Pumpkin Pie Filling

Whatever the brand, this product always includes a bit extra, beyond the pumpkin. "Pumpkin pie filling has that classic fall flavor," says Alexander.

"For some cooks, pumpkin pie filling is a useful base onto which they may add their own spices and sweeteners: up the cinnamon, add orange zest," says Ronna Welsh, author of The Nimble Cook and chef/owner of Purple Kale Kitchenworks, a cooking school in Brooklyn, NY. 

• Ingredients and taste: Different brands include slightly different variations of ingredients. Libby's take on pumpkin pie filling, called Libby's Easy Pumpkin Pie Mix, contains pure pumpkin with notes of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and sugar, says Fleisch. While pumpkin pie filling is sweet, it's not overwhelming. "It won't taste like candy—it's more balanced," adds Alexander.
• Pie-ready: The pumpkin, Fleisch points out, is perfectly steamed and pureed, lending a creamy, thick, and smooth texture, resulting in a velvety pie filling.

When Should You Use Pumpkin Pie Filling vs. Pumpkin Puree?

You can't go wrong with either product—it depends on the recipe you are using and whether you prefer to make your pie filling from scratch—or if you need more of a helping hand.

Baking With Pumpkin Pie Filling

With pumpkin pie filling, your dreamy pie comes together in no time. Fleisch suggests combining pumpkin pie filling with 2/3 cup evaporated milk and two eggs for a 9-inch, (4-cup) pie.

Baking With Pumpkin Puree

If you prefer to mix up your pumpkin pie from scratch, try one of these pie recipes that call for pumpkin puree. Simply follow the steps outlined in Libby's Famous Pumpkin Pie recipe, which has been featured on the brand's label since 1950, or try our Pumpkin Crunch Pie, or Deep-Dish Pumpkin Meringue Pie.

While you can finesse pumpkin pie filling, our experts agree that pumpkin puree provides a wider berth for creativity. "Since there are many ways to season pumpkin pie, a can of plain pumpkin puree lets you tweak the pie exactly to your taste," says Welsh. “Like cloves, but not nutmeg? Prefer honey to cane sugar?" Such options are entirely up to the home baker. Pumpkin puree offers the perfect foundation for the ingredients of your choice, confirms Fleisch.

Pumpkin pie filling, on the other hand, can impose roadblocks. "While the common spices—nutmeg, cinnamon, mace, cloves—are great mates for pumpkin (and most squash, in general), they may not be what you want in, say, a savory pumpkin soup," explains Welsh.

Can You Substitute Pumpkin Pie Filling for Pumpkin Puree?

If you accidentally buy the wrong product, don't panic, says Alexander. "You can definitely use them interchangeably—it's just a matter of adjusting your seasoning," he says.

• Puree fix: If you're making pumpkin pie and you bought pumpkin puree, you'll need to add sugar, spices, and possibly milk or eggs to attain that traditional pie-filling taste, he says.
• Filling fix: “On the flip side, if you accidentally buy pumpkin pie filling, you can dial back on the spices and sweetener called for in a pie recipe, or balance out the sweetness and spice to make it work for a savory dish by adding some salt, pepper, or acid like lemon juice," Alexander says.

Ways to Use Pumpkin Beyond Pie

While pie often remains the star of any fall feast, there are so many delicious ways to use pumpkin puree or filling in your cooking. "I love using pumpkin puree or pie filling in pasta sauces, ravioli fillings, risotto, even bread pudding or smoothies," says Alexander. Pumpkin puree is also a multi-tasker. “Pumpkin can be used as a substitute for ingredients like eggs, oil, and butter," says Fleisch. Try it in the following drinks and dishes:

• Pumpkin baked goods: Pumpkin donuts, pumpkin bread—the list goes on.
• Pumpkin pancakes: Leftover pumpkin puree adds richness to a classic pancake batter.
• Pumpkin smoothies: Pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and plenty of seasonal spices equal autumnal bliss.
• Pumpkin soups: Creamy pumpkin puree takes on coconut milk and curry powder for a satisfying soup.
• Pasta: Pumpkin puree combined with Parmesan, milk, white wine, rosemary, and sage elevates weekday pasta nights.
• Pumpkin spice lattes: Whisk together cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree, and flavorings like vanilla extract and maple syrup into your morning joe.