At Taste of Home, we love everything pumpkin: pumpkin pie, pumpkin bars—even savory pumpkin recipes. And while these recipes run the gamut of flavor, they all start with one staple ingredient: canned pumpkin.
Despite making all these amazing recipes, chances are you don’t think twice about what brand of pumpkin puree you grab at the store—I certainly don’t. But since many of these treats are so beloved at my house—particularly this chocolate chip pumpkin bread—I want to make sure they taste their best. In comes a Taste of Home taste test to save the day (and to make these cozy bakes and dishes even better).
How We Found the Best Canned Pumpkin Puree
To find the best canned pumpkin to add to all these amazing fall and winter treats, our Test Kitchen whipped up six pies using this classic pumpkin pie recipe without spices (we didn’t want to cover up the pumpkin flavor here). Each pie was filled with a different brand of solid-pack pumpkin filling, baked and served up to a panel of experts (read: Taste of Home‘s most enthusiastic pumpkin pie fanatics) all with these criteria in mind:
Appearance: How does the pie look? Does it have the deep pumpkin hue we all look for on the dessert table?
Texture: What’s the texture of the pie like? Is it smooth and silky? Pulpy? Gritty?
Flavor: Does the pie taste of real pumpkin? Do you pick up any additional tastes (like spice or other squashes)?
The brands were kept secret until all the scores were tallied. We take our pumpkin tasting very seriously!
The winner of the taste test came in first by a landslide and shocked many tasters (myself included!): Great Value. This Walmart-exclusive brand outranked five other options and scored significantly higher than even the closest contender.
What made Great Value canned pumpkin so special? First and foremost it was the texture of the pie. The Great Value pie was silky and smooth—not gritty or pulpy like a few other brands. It made for a really satisfying, custard-like pie filling. As one tester remarked, “This is what you want in a pumpkin pie.”
As for the flavor, even without spice, this canned pumpkin had us feeling those cozy, fall feelings. This canned pumpkin was rich and satisfying. It tasted of true pumpkin while some other contenders tasted more like butternut squash. And to top it all off, this pie was a perfect shade of autumnal orange. Testers were eager to slice into the pie (but wished we had some fresh whipped cream to top it all off).
This test had a clear winner. Great Value was highly ranked for its texture and flavor—plus it’s budget-friendly at only 78 cents per can. For me, that’s all I need to make the switch from my previous go-to brand. I’m already picturing satisfied smiles on Thanksgiving when I bake up this gingery pumpkin pie with streusel.
However, if you’re set on your preferred option (though, I recommend you give this tester-approved favorite a try), don’t be too discouraged by the results. The pies we tested were made without cinnamon, ginger and other warming spices that give our favorite pumpkin bakes their signature flavor.
Use Our Favorite Canned Pumpkin in These Recipes
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I always have a few special treats handy when the grandchildren visit. These cake doughnuts are one of their favorite snacks. —Beva Staum, Muscoda, Wisconsin
My mother-in-law gave me this recipe a while back and I just love it! I make it for my husband and his friends during hunting season and it's a big hit. —Lorelle Edgcomb, Granville, Illinois
My kids start begging me for these cakelike sandwich cookies as soon as autumn arrives. I haven't met a person yet who doesn't like these fun treats. —Deb Stuber, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Here's a charming use for pumpkin. Bursting with flavor and plenty of eye-catching appeal, these sweet and spicy filled cupcakes are bound to dazzle your family any time of the year. —Ali Johnson, Petersburg, Pennsylvania
No one will guess this showstopper dessert with luscious cinnamon frosting starts with a mix! It's a year-round favorite. —Linda Murray, Allenstown, New Hampshire
I’m a busy student, and this spicy-sweet pasta makes a perfect quick dinner. Even better, it works on a bigger scale to feed a bunch of friends. —Christine Yang, Syracuse, New York
Make this drink your own! You can add coffee or even alcohol if you want an extra kick. I’ve also chilled this mixture and blended it with vanilla ice cream to make it a pumpkin shake. —Andrea Heyart, Aubrey, Texas
I love making this bread in the fall. The aroma is mouthwatering, and the chocolate chips add so much to an all-time favorite. —Vicki Raboine, Kansasville, Wisconsin
I make sticky buns and cinnamon rolls quite often because my husband loves them. One day I had some fresh pumpkin on hand and decided to try pumpkin cinnamon buns. We loved the results! —Glenda Joseph, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Looking for something new to beat dinnertime doldrums? Try my pumpkin soup! A touch of curry powder lends an aromatic spiced appeal while whipping cream gives the soup its silky texture.—Debbie Flocco, Norristown, Pennsylvania
Instead of pumpkin pie, try this flavorful light holiday dessert. My husband’s aunt shared the recipe after she brought this treat to a family party. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
The nicely spiced streusel in the center of this cake is a marvelous surprise and complement to the cinnamony pumpkin cake. It's delicious for breakfast or dessert. —Elaine Holmberg, Norfolk, Nebraska
I added pumpkin and subtracted some of the coffee flavor in a tiramisu I developed for a special holiday dinner. A new Christmas tradition was born! —Heather Clary, Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Although it looks like you fussed, this pretty layered pie is easy to assemble with convenient canned pumpkin, store-bought candy bars and a prepared crust. "This make-ahead dessert is delicious any time of year," reports Suzanne McKinley of Lyons, Georgia.
My husband says this granola with pumpkin and spices tastes like a bite of real pumpkin pie, and it’s a whole lot quicker to make. —Sarah Ozimek, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
A delicious crumb filling becomes the center of attention inside these yummy confections that taste like pumpkin bread. —Donna Gish, Blue Springs, Missouri
Good morning, indeed! These tender, moist pumpkin pancakes will make everyone wake up early. The cinnamon butter makes a flavor combo that is out of this world! —Courtney Shay, Gaithersburg, Maryland
I love to serve this pumpkin hummus with sliced apples, pears and pita chips. Top it with toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of pumpkin oil and even fried sage leaves. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
My mother always made these tasty muffins whenever our family got together at her house. Now they’re a family favorite at my house, and my in-laws love them, too! —Carolyn Riley, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Our three children grew pumpkins to sell. During harvest, it was time to make these scrumptious doughnuts. The orange frosting is super. —Connie Simon, Reed City, Michigan
A party favorite of ours is gingersnaps and pumpkin dip. I combined those flavors for a wonderful cross between gingerbread bar cookies and cheesecake. —Kathleen Rhodebeck, Penacook, New Hampshire
Hearty and comforting pumpkin soup is the perfect starter to a holiday meal or the star performer of an autumn luncheon. The addition of the toasted pecans and pumpkin seeds creates a wonderful depth of flavor. This soup can be served immediately or made a day in advance and then reheated. —Lauri Knox, Pine, Colorado
I always keep fat-free frozen yogurt on hand. By combining it with just four other ingredients, I can quickly whip up this great-tasting treat.—Anne Smithson, Cary, North Carolina
Our family adores autumn and anything to do with pumpkins! This warm, comforting recipe is so easy to put together on a cool fall weeknight. When I have time, I make homemade ravioli and tortellini using this same filling. It also works well in stuffed shells. —Mandy Howison, Renfrew, Pennsylvania
My son loved this festive milkshake growing up—it's nicely spiced and tastes like pumpkin pie. I like cutting off both ends of a licorice twist and serving it as a straw.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Tart, juicy cranberries enhance the delicate pumpkin flavor of these muffins. Sometimes I dust the tops with powdered sugar to add a little sweetness. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona
I keep my freezer stocked for our harvest crew with home-baked goodies like this deliciously spicy, easy pumpkin bread recipe. —Joyce Jackson, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia
Savor your favorite fall flavors with this scrumptious bread pudding, served warm with a sweet vanilla sauce. Yum! —Judith Bucciarelli, Johnson, New York
Enjoy this holiday dessert without worrying about calories. Plus it is so luscious that no one will guess that it is light! —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin
These pumpkin pancakes are also delicious served with butter or whipped topping and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Freeze any extras in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then store in a freezer bag. They're great fresh out of the toaster! —Mindy Bauknecht, Two Rivers, Wisconsin
I came up with this rich, creamy pumpkin dip when I had a small amount of canned pumpkin left in the fridge after my holiday baking. It's also great served with sliced pears and apples, or as a spread on zucchini bread. —Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas
These delightful scones are perfect on a cold winter day with a steaming hot cup of coffee. They also make a wonderful hostess gift arranged in a basket. —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona
Pumpkin pie does not have to be difficult to make. This easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe has a wonderful taste and will be a hit at your holiday meal. —Marty Rummel, Trout Lake, Washington
I developed this bread to celebrate our two favorite holidays, Thanksgiving and Hanukkah. Try it with flavored butters, and use leftovers for French toast or sandwiches. —Sara Mellas, Hartford, Connecticut
With its golden, crunchy topping and gooey, cheesy interior, this comforting spin on a classic side dish is brimming with robust flavors. Horseradish and nutmeg add that extra-special touch.—Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
I was really craving a hot delicious soup—something filling and healthy. I looked around my kitchen for a few ingredients, then created this recipe. Pumpkin adds creamy richness and body. —Amy Blom, Marietta, Georgia
Yummy things come in these little pudding-rich "packages." The puffs can be made and frozen in advance, then filled before serving for a time-saving dessert. —Michelle Smith, Running Springs, California
My family loves this spiral pasta in a tasty pumpkin sauce. Make it for Halloween and call it Creepy-Crawly Noodles! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
I was determined to make a healthier version of this pumpkin- and spice-laden cake. Judging by the compliments, it worked. Even a picky 4-year-old eater asked for more.—Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon
This is truly a dish that combines international flavors with homespun comfort. The sweet curry aroma alone will warm hearts on gray-sky days. For more veggie goodness, add roasted cauliflower. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Pumpkin swirls not only turn this fall cheesecake into a showstopper, but they also seem to make it more delicious! —Jami Geittmann, Greendale, Wisconsin
Recipes that don't tie me to the kitchen—that’s what I’m all about. I make this luscious dish the night before breakfast or brunch with guests. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Sometimes I like to hollow out a pumpkin and serve this creamy, hearty polenta inside it. The salted pumpkin seeds add a fun crunch. —Debi George, Mansfield, Texas
My husband and two kids are sure to eat the first dozen of these cookies, warm from the oven, before the next tray is even done. A co-worker gave me the recipe for the pumpkin dip, which everyone loves with the cookies. —Kelly McNeal, Derby, Kansas
I love to play around with different fillings in homemade cannoli. I've used pumpkin pie pudding (when it's in season at the store) in this recipe, but you can also make it with canned pumpkin and vanilla pudding. —Barbara Carlucci, Orange Park, Florida
Enjoy these lovely, light parfaits as an unforgettable finale to your holiday feast. The spiced rum adds a fun new flavor to the mix. —Lorri Hazen, Twin Falls, Idaho
My family and I always try new desserts during the holidays. This one was a clear winner, so we now make it for all occasions! —Patricia Ness, La Mesa, California
My husband is a lifelong veggie hater, but he tried these deep-fried pumpkin bites and fell in love. Serve them with chipotle mayo or ranch dressing. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Homemade pralines, big poufs of whipped cream and spiced cake make this torte decadent to the last bite. It's perfect for an autumn day. —Esther Sinn, Princeton, Illinois
I've been serving this dish for years and always receive compliments on it. If you don't have day-old bread in your pantry, simply slice fresh bread and bake it at 300° for 10 minutes. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
I love pumpkin and decided to add it to a traditional recipe for flan. It's an interesting change of pace from the usual holiday pie. —Alisha Rodrigues, Tetonia, Idaho
These rolls are the lightest, most delicious ones I've ever tasted...and everyone else seems to agree. The pumpkin gives them mild flavor, moist texture and a pretty golden color. At our house, it wouldn't be the holidays without them. —Dianna Shimizu Issaquah, Washington
I wanted pumpkin pie for breakfast but without the effort. This smoothie delivers that wonderful pumpkin-cinnamon combo. Dress it up with a little whipped cream and a sprinkle of granola on top. —Alisa Christensen, Rancho Santa Margarita, California
Nothing beats these quick muffins for irresistible, homemade pumpkin pie flavor. Serve them with any meal or as a satisfying snack. —Michel Karkula, Chandler, Arizona
I make this fruity cake many times between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The dense cake has wonderful pumpkin flavor and is flecked with pecans, dates, raisins and cherries. —Janet Hradsky, Three Rivers, Michigan
Serve these spicy-sweet pumpkin rolls for dinner—or at any time of day–and get ready to hear a chorus of yums in your kitchen! —Linnea Rein, Topeka, Kansas
This blind taste test was performed by our staff and was not part of a sponsorship. All opinions shared are our own and have not been influenced by advertisers.
