Pumpkin Pie is Out This Year!

Move over, pumpkin pie—there’s a new batch of desserts vying for our attention this holiday season! After decades of reigning as the undisputed king of fall treats, the classic pumpkin pie is finally losing its grip on Thanksgiving tables and holiday feasts. Whether it’s because of an oversaturation of “pumpkin spice everything” or a growing appetite for more innovative, Instagram-worthy sweets, pumpkin pie is facing some stiff competition this year.

From cooks to home bakers, many are stepping away from the orange-hued dessert that once defined the season. And it’s not just a random rebellion—there are some solid reasons behind this shift. So, what’s pushing pumpkin pie to the back of the dessert line-up in 2024? Let’s dig in.

The Rise and Fall of Pumpkin Pie: A Brief History

Pumpkin pie wasn’t always the autumn staple that it is—or was. The tradition of baking pumpkins into a pie form started in the 1600s when early American settlers combined Native American cooking methods with European pie-making skills. Fast forward to the 20th century, and pumpkin pie became a Thanksgiving must-have, especially with the help of Libby’s canned pumpkin, which streamlined the baking process for busy home cooks.

However, like all good things, the pumpkin pie craze started to show signs of wear and tear. The explosion of “pumpkin spice” as a marketing phenomenon led to everything from lattes to potato chips being pumpkin-flavored, causing some to tire of the flavor altogether. Cooks like Christina Tosi, founder of Milk Bar, began innovating with unique desserts that challenged traditional flavors. Suddenly, pumpkin pie seemed, well… a little boring.

Alternative Pies Stealing the Spotlight in 2024

If you’ve been following food trends this year, you’ve probably noticed a few desserts that are making waves. Enter ube pie, with its striking purple hue and subtly sweet flavor. It’s not just a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes, making it a popular choice on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Food influencer Molly Yeh has raved about ube’s versatility, calling it the “new pumpkin spice” for those looking to mix things up.

Then there’s the salted honey pie—rich, sweet, and with just the right amount of salty to cut through the sugar. Thanks to its rise in popularity at artisanal pie shops like Brooklyn’s Four & Twenty Blackbirds, this pie has made its way onto Thanksgiving tables nationwide. Professional cooks like Claire Saffitz have been promoting it as a must-try alternative for those wanting to impress their guests with something new.

From Trend to Tradition: What Went Wrong with Pumpkin Pie?

So, why exactly is pumpkin pie losing its crown? For one, many argue that it’s become a victim of its own success. The abundance of pumpkin-spiced everything has numbed people’s palates, leading to an inevitable “pumpkin burnout.” Even Starbucks, the pioneer of the Pumpkin Spice Latte, saw a dip in sales in recent years and is now heavily promoting other flavors like pistachio and apple crisp.

Another factor is the evolving tastes of food enthusiasts and cooks. They’re becoming more adventurous, leaning into flavors like cardamom, yuzu, and black sesame—ingredients that bring a global flair to traditional desserts. It’s like we’ve outgrown the comfort of pumpkin pie and are now looking for a more sophisticated (and colorful) alternative.

Top Cook-Approved Desserts to Replace Pumpkin Pie

For those ready to turn the page on pumpkin pie, some cook-approved alternatives are ready to take its place. The pecan pie, for example, is enjoying a renaissance, particularly when infused with bourbon or topped with a salted caramel drizzle. Celebrity cook Bobby Flay’s twist on pecan pie, which involves adding a layer of dark chocolate ganache, has become a hit in recent holiday seasons.

If you’re looking for something a bit more exotic, consider a miso caramel apple pie. Combining the salty, umami flavor of miso with the classic sweetness of caramel and apple creates a dynamic dish that surprises and delights. This fusion twist has been championed by acclaimed pastry cook Joanne Chang of Flour Bakery, adding an innovative spin on a fall classic.

Fun and Unique Dessert Ideas for the Holidays

Still not sure what to make? How about trying a cranberry-orange galette? It’s a rustic, French-inspired dessert that’s easier to make than pie but just as delicious. Or go with a chocolate hazelnut tart—a decadent, crowd-pleaser that brings a Nutella-like richness to your holiday spread.

For the adventurous bakers out there, why not attempt a savory pie? A butternut squash and goat cheese pie brings a touch of sophistication to the table, blending sweet and savory elements that can complement any main course. This dish has been a favorite at high-end restaurants like San Francisco’s Tartine, where pie meets gourmet cuisine.

The End of an Era or Just a Seasonal Break?

So, is pumpkin pie gone forever? Probably not. It’s more likely taking a seasonal break while our taste buds explore other horizons. While it may be off the main stage this year, pumpkin pie has cemented its place in the pantheon of holiday classics and will likely make a comeback. But for now, it’s time to embrace the new, experiment with flavors, and give those creative desserts the spotlight they deserve.

Whether you’re a food enthusiast looking to impress at a Friendsgiving or a professional cook wanting to wow your patrons, stepping away from pumpkin pie might just be the refreshing change you need. So, here’s to a holiday season filled with unique pies, unexpected flavors, and a little less orange on our plates!