Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving classic for a reason—creamy, and full of those warm spices that make your kitchen smell amazing. But sometimes, even the classics deserve a little upgrade. With just a few tweaks, you can take your pumpkin pie from “Basic” to “BOLD”

Here are 7 easy (and seriously delicious) ways to level up your next HOMEMADE pumpkin pie…. and 5 more to kick your STORE-BOUGHT pie up a notch too… So make sure you read all the way to the end!

🍁1. Add a Splash of Something Special

A touch of Amaretto, bourbon, or dark rum adds warmth and depth to the filling. Even a teaspoon or two makes a difference.

🥥2. Swap the Dairy

Try using coconut milk instead of evaporated milk for an extra-smooth, rich texture. Coconut milk gives it a tropical hint that’s surprisingly good.

Pumpkin Pie Topped with Chocolate Ganache

🍫3. Add a Chocolate Layer

Pour a thin layer of chocolate ganache over the baked and cooled pie and spread with the back of a spoon. It sets as it chills and turns your pie into a chocolate-pumpkin dream.

🍊4. Brighten It Up

Add a little orange zest to your filling—it balances the sweetness and wakes up the spices.

🌰5. Mix Up the Spices

Go beyond pumpkin pie spice! Try adding a pinch of cardamom, black pepper, or Chinese five spice for a more complex flavor.

🍯6. Sweeten Smartly

Replace some of the sugar with maple syrup, molasses, or brown sugar for a deeper, more flavorful sweetness.

🥧7. Upgrade Your Crust

A gingersnap cookie crust or a pecan crust adds flavor and crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.

✨ Try One of These Favorite Pie Recipes Next

If you’re ready to take your pumpkin pie obsession to the next level, check out a few of my fall favorites from the Bake145 Recipe Shop:

Amaretto Pie – smooth almond flavor with a rich, creamy texture.
🍁 Maple Walnut Brûléed Pumpkin Pie – a twist on tradition with maple syrup and a crunchy brûléed top.
🍫 Chocolate Pecan Pie – rich, nutty, and impossible to resist.

🎃Upgrade Your Store-Bought Pie

Sometimes you just don’t have time to bake a pumpkin pie from scratch — and that’s totally fine. A store-bought pie can be transformed into something special with just a few simple upgrades. These ideas take almost no time, require very little effort, and make your pie look (and taste) like you spent all day in the kitchen.

Here are 5 easy, delicious upgrades to make your store-bought pumpkin pie the star of the dessert table.

🍁1. Add Maple Whipped Cream

Whip heavy cream with a splash of maple syrup and vanilla. Pipe it around the edges or serve a big dollop on each slice.

🔥2. Brûlée the Top

Dust the top lightly with sugar and use a kitchen torch to caramelize it. You’ll get that crispy, glassy crack just like crème brûlée.

🍫3. Add a Dulce Layer

Spread a layer of dulce de leche over the top of the pie, or drizzle a some over the pieces and the whipped cream before serving. Sprinkle on a few toasted pecans too!

🧈4. Brush the Top with Brown Butter

Warm a spoonful of brown butter and lightly brush it over the cooled pie. It adds a nutty, caramelized depth that instantly upgrades the flavor.

🍨5. Serve Each Slice with Ice Cream

Try pairing your pumpkin pie with:

Vanilla bean
Butter pecan
Maple walnut
Salted caramel
Cinnamon ice cream

A scoop on warm pie = perfection.

🥧Take Pumpkin Pie Up a Notch