How to Lighten Up Pumpkin Pie

How to Lighten Up Pumpkin Pie

Nothing quite says Fall like a fresh pumpkin pie! This iconic fall classic is a must-have ending to Thanksgiving meals across America.

Although delicious, let’s face it… pies can be full of sugar and other not-so-good-for-you ingredients. With adjustments, everyone can enjoy this traditional dessert!

Here’s everything you need to know about how to make your pumpkin pie healthier using these simple alternatives: 

Choose Whole Grains

Add more fiber to your pie by replacing enriched bleached flour with whole wheat flour when making your pie crust. Whole wheat flour has not had the germ and bran stripped from it so it has a higher fiber content, which means it will take longer to digest and you won’t get that sugar spike after eating it.

Use Less Sugar

Cooking enhances the natural sweetness of the pumpkin, so you can cut the amount of added sugar in many fruit fillings by half. Stevia is a sugar substitute that you can also experiment with that contains zero calories. Additionally, Stevia will not immediately raise your blood sugar like real sugar does which is preferable for those with prediabetes or diabetes.

Light Whipped Cream

Opt for a light whipped cream instead of regular whipped cream to save calories and fat.

Use Pumpkin Puree

Opt for 100% pure pumpkin in your recipe rather than pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling is heavily sweetened so it’s packed with sugar and calories, making it a less healthy option than pumpkin puree which is unsweetened.

Dairy-Free Alternatives 

Condensed milk, which is basically regular milk that has had the water removed and often has sugar added to it, is used in many thick pie fillings to sweeten and give the pie texture. Instead,  opt for a dairy-free milk of your choice to reduce calories and added sugar.

Add Flavor! 

What is a pumpkin pie without pumpkin pie spice? If you have none on hand, use a combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg,and allspice for the best autumn flavors!

Before you make a pumpkin pie this season, be sure to review the tips above to customize and make this pumpkin pie your own!