Copycat Costco Pumpkin Pie Recipe: Quick and Delicious Guide

Ah, Costco pumpkin pie – a classic treat enjoyed by many during the holiday season.

It's no secret that this delicious dessert has garnered a loyal following, and we can definitely understand why.

With its creamy, smooth custard filling and perfect flaky crust, it's hard not to fall in love with this irresistible pie.

But what if we told you that you could recreate this famous treat in the comfort of your own kitchen?

That's right!

Now it is time for your to master the art of making the perfect copycat Costco pumpkin pie at home.

Not only will you be able to impress your friends and family with your baking prowess, but you'll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you created this mouthwatering dessert yourself.

So without further ado, let's dive into this wonderful recipe for Costco pumpkin pie and start creating some scrumptious memories.

Ingredients for a creamy, smooth copycat Costco pumpkin pie

Pumpkin Types

We recommend using fresh pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin for your Costco pumpkin pie recipe.

Both types work well, but fresh pumpkin offers a richer flavor, while canned pumpkin brings convenience.

You can use sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins when making your own puree for the best results.

Spices Breakdown

Costco's pumpkin pie features a blend of warm spices that perfectly complement the pumpkin flavor.

The spices used in this recipe are cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Cinnamon provides a sweet and warm taste, while cloves add depth and a slightly bitter note. Ginger offers a zesty, fresh bite, rounding out the spice profile.

Cinnamon: Sweet and warm
Cloves: Deep and slightly bitter
Ginger: Zesty and fresh

Dairy Products

The dairy products used in this recipe contribute to the pie's rich, creamy texture. The Costco pumpkin pie is an egg-based custard, which means it uses eggs for structure and thorough binding.

In addition to whole eggs, the recipe includes egg yolks, which provide even more creaminess.

Additionally, heavy cream ensures the pie is smooth and decadent, while milk balances out the richness. Some variations may use half and half instead of heavy cream and milk.

Dairy Product	Purpose
Eggs	Structure and binding
Egg Yolks	Additional creaminess
Heavy Cream	Rich, smooth texture
Milk	Balances out the richness

Sweeteners

The Costco pumpkin pie recipe normally includes sugar as the primary sweetener, which enhances the natural sweetness of the pumpkin.

Some variations might use brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness, or you could experiment with other sweeteners, like maple syrup or honey.

The key is to balance the sweetness with the other ingredients, ensuring that the spices and pumpkin flavors shine through.

In summary, making a delicious Costco pumpkin pie involves selecting the right type of pumpkin, blending a warm mix of spices, incorporating rich dairy products, and balancing sweeteners for a perfect flavor.

Preparation of Pumpkin Pie Crust

All Butter Crust

2 ½ cups all purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
1 cup (8 ounces) unsalted butter, very cold, cut into ½ inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

Combination Butter and Shortening Crust

2 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
¾ cup (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, chilled, cut into ¼ inch cubes
½ cup vegetable shortening
8 tablespoons ice water

Egg Wash

1 tablespoon heavy cream, half and half, or milk
1 large egg yolk

Making the pie crust

Combine flour, salt, and cold butter in a bowl
Then use a pastry blender to cut the fat into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs¹. It's important to use cold butter to achieve that flaky texture.
After that, add cold water to the mixture, and mix until it forms a dough.
Once our dough is prepared, we can roll it out and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan as our base.

Pre-Baking the Crust

No matter if we're using a homemade pie crust or a store-bought crust, pre-baking the crust is essential for achieving a flaky and perfectly cooked crust.

Also known as "blind bake," this step involves partially baking the crust before adding our pumpkin filling.

This prevents the crust from becoming soggy due to the moisture of the custard filling².

To pre-bake our crust:

We'll first want to preheat the oven to 375°F.
Then, lightly grease the pie pan or apply parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Once the crust is properly fitted into the pan, prick the bottom and sides with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
Next, place a piece of parchment paper over the crust and add pie weights (or dried beans or rice) to keep the crust from puffing up while baking.
Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, until it's lightly golden in color.
After pre-baking, let the crust cool before adding the pumpkin filling.

Using a pre-baked pie crust ensures our pumpkin pie will have that delicious, flaky texture that makes any pie a crowd-pleaser.

Making the Pumpkin Pie Filling

1 large egg (50 grams)
3 egg yolks (50 grams)
1 cup heavy cream (227 grams)
½ cup whole milk (113 grams)
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
¾ cup sugar (150 grams)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon salt

For this, we'll need canned pumpkin, sugars, and a selection of spices, including ground cinnamon, cloves, and pumpkin pie spice.

We'll also be adding extra egg yolks for a custard-like consistency, and some vanilla extract to enhance the flavors.

In a large mixing bowl, add the canned pumpkin, brown sugar, and the spice mix.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Next, we should incorporate the eggs and yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Take care not to overmix the filling, as keeping it smooth and creamy is essential in achieving the classic silky texture of a Costco pumpkin pie.

Now, it's time to add the dairy component.

Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, which will not only lend a velvety quality to the pie's custard filling but also contribute to its distinct rich taste.
Once the cream is fully integrated, add a splash of vanilla extract to tie all the flavors together.

At this point, our pumpkin pie filling is complete and almost ready to be poured into our pre-prepared pie crust.

Before we do, let's take a quick taste test and see if any additional spices or sweetness are needed.

Once we've attained the perfect balance, we can proceed to the next step – filling the crust and baking the pie!

Baking the Copycat Costco Pumpkin Pie

After the pie crust has been pre-baked, pour the pumpkin filling into it.

To get that perfect custard texture, bake the pie at 325°F for about 50 minutes.
An instant-read thermometer will help us avoid over-baking the pie.
When the center reaches 175°F, it's time to take the pie out of the oven.

The pie should still jiggle a bit when removed from the oven, and it will continue to set as it cools.

As part of the finishing process, let's brush our crust with some egg wash.

This step adds a beautiful golden shine to our pie and makes it look extra inviting. Don't forget to let the pie cool completely before slicing.

Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for a couple of hours to let it set, giving it the perfect creamy consistency we love.

Enjoy our delightful Costco pumpkin pie with family and friends this season.

Finishing Steps and Serving Tips

Allowing the Pie to Cool

After baking our delicious pumpkin pie, it's essential to let it cool down for a creamy texture. We recommend placing it on a cooling rack for a proper air circulation.

If you want to speed up the cooling process, you may cover the pie with a sheet of aluminum foil. However, make sure not to wrap the foil too tightly, as it may cause the pie to become soggy.

Serve with Recommended Sides

Once our pie has reached room temperature, it's time to serve! We love to pair it with popular side options such as whipped cream or ice cream.

Feel free to get creative and add your own touch with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon. This will not only elevate the presentation, but also make for a tasty and satisfying dessert.

Remember, the key to achieving that perfect Costco pumpkin pie flavor is following the steps closely and allowing the pie to cool down correctly.

So, gather your friends and family, and enjoy this delicious treat together!

Recipe for Costco pumpkin pie: Unique Versions and Modifications

Dairy-Free Version

If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative to the classic Costco pumpkin pie, we've got you covered.

Simply replace the cream and half-and-half in the original recipe with a dairy-free milk alternative such as almond or coconut milk.

To get that creamy texture, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the dairy-free milk. The result should still be an enjoyable and delicious pumpkin pie – without the dairy!

Apple Pumpkin Hybrid Pie

For those wanting to combine the flavors of apple and pumpkin, this hybrid pie is a perfect choice.

Begin by preparing a traditional apple pie filling, starting with about four cups of sliced apples tossed in a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and a little lemon juice. Prepare the pumpkin pie custard as usual.

To assemble the pie, line the bottom of a pre-baked crust with the apple slices, creating an even layer.

Then, gently pour the pumpkin custard over the apples. Bake the pie at 325 degrees for about 50-60 minutes, or until the pumpkin custard is set.

The result is a delightful combination of apple and pumpkin flavors that's perfect for any fall gathering.

Chocolate Pecan Pumpkin Pie

Why not elevate your Costco pumpkin pie by adding some chocolate and pecans? This version is sure to please everyone at the table. Start by toasting 1 cup of chopped pecans and setting them aside.

Then, prepare the pumpkin pie custard as usual, but this time, melt 4 oz of bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate and mix it into the pumpkin mixture.

Next, spread the pecans evenly in the bottom of a pre-baked crust and pour the chocolate pumpkin custard on top.

Bake the pie at 325 degrees for 50-60 minutes, or until the custard is set. Once cooled, you'll have a decadent chocolate pecan pumpkin pie with a delicious twist on the Costco classic.

Presenting your Copycat Costco Pumpkin Pie

Now that our Costco copycat pumpkin pie has been prepared, it's time to think about presentation. If you're having friends or family over for a holiday gathering, displaying the pie can make a difference in the overall experience.

One creative idea for visual appeal is to garnish our pie with festive decorations. For example, we can prepare additional dough and use leaf cookie cutters to create fall-inspired shapes to place on top of the pie.

Once baked, these decorative additions will not only taste delicious, but also give the pie an extra touch of charm.

Another way to enhance the pie's presentation is by creating a braided crust. It's a simple upgrade from the traditional crust and adds a touch of sophistication to the overall look.

To achieve this, we can roll out three thin strips of pie dough and carefully braid them together. Then, we'll replace the original crust edge with our braided dough, pressing gently to secure it.

The braided crust will bake along with the pie and offer a delectable contrast to the creamy pumpkin filling.

Adding a holiday-themed touch to our presentation is definitely something worth considering. For instance, we could place cinnamon sticks, small pumpkins, or even an arrangement of autumn-colored leaves around the pie to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Preparing for Special Occasions

As the holiday season approaches, we want to share some tips on how to prepare our favorite autumn dessert - the Costco pumpkin pie. This delicious treat is perfect for Thanksgiving and other festive gatherings.

Making for Large Crowds

When it comes to serving large crowds, pumpkin pies are definitely a go-to option.

To make sure everyone gets a piece, you might want to consider doubling or even tripling the recipe.

What's great is that the basic ingredients like flour, salt, pumpkin puree, and common pumpkin pie spice can be easily found in your local grocery store.

Plus, you can prepare multiple pies in advance and freeze them, so you're not hustling on the day of the gathering.

To make preparation even easier, use an assembly line method. One person can take care of the pie crust, another can mix the filling, and a third can be in charge of assembling and baking.

Clear communication and organization are key to ensure a smooth process.

Thanksgiving Preparation Tips

During Thanksgiving, there are generally lots of dishes being prepared simultaneously. To avoid stress and perfect your pumpkin pie, follow these helpful tips:

Plan ahead: Make a list of all the ingredients and ensure you have enough on hand. Also, make sure you have enough oven space for everything you plan to cook.
Homemade or store-bought crust: If you're short on time, opt for a store-bought crust; however, if you want that authentic homemade taste, go for a homemade crust.
Spices: The key to great pumpkin pie is using the right blend of pumpkin pie spice. You can make your own or buy pre-made pumpkin pie spice.
Bake in advance: Bake pies a day or two before and refrigerate or freeze them. This way, you can focus on other dishes on the big day.

By following these tips, we're confident that your pumpkin pie will be a hit at your Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy the holiday season and the delicious flavors of autumn!

Comparison with Other Pies

Costco Vs Homemade Pumpkin Pie

When it comes to homemade pumpkin pie versus Costco's pumpkin pie, there are a few factors to consider. For instance, the Costco pumpkin pie recipe is well known for its smooth, delicious custard filling, and the convenience it brings at an affordable price of $5.99. It's also quite large, offering more servings compared to the average homemade pie.

On the other hand, making a homemade pumpkin pie gives you control over the ingredients, and allows you to customize the recipe to your taste preferences. Additionally, making a copycat Costco pumpkin pie at home might give you the satisfaction of creating a dessert that's close to the original, but with your own twist.

When it comes to taste, it can be subjective, and some might find the custard pie made at home to be more flavorful. In the end, the choice between Costco's pumpkin pie and a homemade version may come down to personal taste, budget, and time constraints.

Similar Costco Desserts

Aside from their famous pumpkin pie, Costco offers a variety of pumpkin-inspired desserts that might interest you. One option is the Panera pumpkin muffin which is a moist, delicious treat perfect for the fall season. Though not from Costco, it's an alternative for those looking for pumpkin-flavored goodies.

Costco also uses Dickinson pumpkins for their pies, and you'll find numerous pumpkin recipes using this specific variety of pumpkin which is known for its smooth and creamy texture.

In conclusion, whether you opt for a Costco pumpkin pie or a homemade version, you're in for a delicious, pumpkin-filled treat! And if you're a pumpkin lover, don't hesitate to explore some of the other pumpkin desserts available at Costco.

History of Costco Pumpkin Pie

We'd like to share the fascinating history behind Costco's famous pumpkin pie.

Developed by Sue McConnaha, Costco's VP of Bakery Operations, the recipe quickly became a fan-favorite across the country.

With her experience in commercial bakeries and a collection of recipes gathered throughout her career, Sue meticulously crafted the perfect pumpkin pie for members of the popular warehouse store to enjoy source.

When the pumpkin pie first hit the shelves in 1987, it generated quite the buzz. At that time, the pies were 10 inches in diameter.

However, as popularity soared and large crowds became increasingly eager about the dessert, Costco decided to make their pies even larger.

Now, these scrumptious pumpkin pies measure 12 inches, making it easier for families to enjoy a delightful piece of the pastry source.

As with all great recipes, the Costco pumpkin pie has its own special ingredients that set it apart.

Among those is a mysterious dry spice blend — its specifics remain a well-guarded secret of the company.

The enigmatic blend undoubtedly contributes to the pie's irresistible flavor profile, keeping customers coming back for more every year.

Copycat Pumpkin Pie Recipe: Wrapping it Up!

We hope you've enjoyed learning about the beloved recipe for Costco pumpkin pie!

It's an easy-to-make dessert that has been a hit among many Costco customers for over 31 years, thanks to its consistent, classic taste.

Remember, a perfect pumpkin pie has a creamy, smooth texture, achieved by the egg-based custard that requires low heat and gentle cooking. Following these tips will help you create a delicious homemade pumpkin pie reminiscent of the legendary Costco pumpkin pie.

We encourage you to give this classic dessert a try and enjoy the taste of Costco's pumpkin pie in the comfort of your own home using this copycat pumpkin pie recipe.

Happy baking!

Copycat Costco Pumpkin Pie Recipe: Quick and Delicious Guide