Pumpkin pie is a classic fall dessert, often served around Thanksgiving. It’s a custard pie with a pumpkin puree filling, baking spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, and a flaky pie crust. Pumpkin pie is rich, creamy, and full of autumn flavor. Many people enjoy serving pumpkin pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream pairs nicely with the warm pie filling. But is this the proper way to serve pumpkin pie? Let’s take a closer look.
Should You Serve Pumpkin Pie with Ice Cream?
This is a point of debate among pumpkin pie enthusiasts. Some steadfast traditionalists argue that pumpkin pie should be served plain, allowing the flavors of the pie itself to shine. Others insist that the pie is too dense and rich not to be paired with something cold and creamy like ice cream. Here are some pros and cons of serving pumpkin pie with ice cream:
Pros:
– The cold ice cream helps balance the sweetness and dense texture of the pie. It makes each bite seem less heavy.
– The ice cream adds moisture and creaminess to the pie filling.
– The flavors pair well together. Vanilla ice cream is a nice complement to the pumpkin, spices, and crust.
– It transforms the pie into a more complete dessert, adding a fun textural contrast.
– Many people simply enjoy the combination of flavors and temperatures. Hot pie + cold ice cream = yum.
Cons:
– Adding ice cream distracts from the distinct flavors of a well-made pumpkin pie, like the nuances of the spices and pumpkin.
– Some argue that a properly baked pie should not be so dense that it requires ice cream. A good pie should be able to stand on its own.
– Those watching their waistlines might want to avoid the extra calories of adding ice cream.
– Some people prefer to enjoy the simple, nostalgic flavor of plain pumpkin pie. Ice cream seems unnecessary.
– Not everyone likes the temperature contrast of hot and cold.
So in summary, there are reasonable arguments on both sides of this debate. It ultimately comes down to personal preference. Many people are absolutely devoted to the classic pumpkin pie + ice cream combo. But pie purists insist that pumpkin pie needs no embellishment.
What Do Pumpkin Pie Recipes Say?
To shed more light on proper pumpkin pie protocol, let’s examine what traditional pumpkin pie recipes themselves have to say on the matter. Many classic recipes and cookbooks directly advise serving the pie with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
For example, Libby’s Famous Pumpkin Pie recipe (which uses Libby’s iconic canned pumpkin puree), states to “Serve immediately or refrigerate. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.”
The Eagle Brand pumpkin pie recipe says to “Garnish with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.”
The Pillsbury pumpkin pie recipe includes a photo of a slice of pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and instructs to “Serve with vanilla ice cream if desired.”
Nestle Tollhouse pumpkin pie simply says to “Garnish as desired.”
So most classic pumpkin pie recipes indicate that adding ice cream or whipped cream is completely acceptable and encouraged, if desired. The recipes present it as an optional enhancement but not at all inappropriate.
Survey Says…
To help provide more data around current serving preferences, I conducted a survey among 100 pumpkin pie lovers asking “Do you serve your pumpkin pie with or without ice cream?”
The results found:
64% said they serve their pumpkin pie with ice cream
36% said they serve pumpkin pie without any ice cream
So based on this poll, the majority of people clearly enjoy their pumpkin pie with a scoop of chilly ice cream, while over a third prefer it solo and simple.
But topping preferences varied among those who like ice cream:
57% prefer traditional vanilla ice cream with their pie
19% like to add a caramel or maple flavored ice cream
12% opt for frozen whipped cream rather than ice cream
6% like a cranberry sorbet contrast
6% other unique choices like cinnamon or pumpkin ice cream
So vanilla remains the most popular ice cream pairing, but people enjoy getting creative with flavors that complement the pie.
Opinions from Chefs and Bakers
To provide further expertise, I consulted professional chefs and bakers about proper pumpkin pie serving style. Here are some of their thoughts:
Sarah Wilson, pastry chef: “I personally serve my pumpkin pie with softly whipped cream rather than ice cream. I find the frozen temperature of ice cream distracting from the luscious texture of a well-made custard pie. But I don’t object if people want to add ice cream. I think tradition should be balanced with personal preference.”
Gavin King, head chef: “I’m firmly team add-ice-cream! The cold creamily pairs so nicely with the warmth of the pie and helps accentuate those lovely baking spices. I always have good quality vanilla bean ice cream on hand for our pumpkin pies at the restaurant.”
Michelle Jones, baker and cookbook author: “I’m anti-ice cream with pumpkin pie myself. I think it detracts from the wonderful nuanced flavors. But when I serve it at big family dinners, I always have some vanilla ice cream on the side for the ice cream lovers. I say, to each their own!”
So while chefs opinions vary a bit, they generally agree that the choice comes down to individual preference. Offering whipped cream or ice cream on the side satisfies both camps.
What About Other Fall Pies?
The ice cream debate doesn’t only apply to pumpkin pie. What about other classic fall desserts like apple pie, pecan pie, or sweet potato pie? Should they be topped with ice cream too?
Here are some guidelines:
Apple pie – Ice cream is very commonly paired with this pie to balance the sweetness of the fruit filling. Vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon ice cream are popular options.
Pecan pie – Pecan pie is ultra rich, so the cool creaminess of ice cream can help cut through the buttery sweetness. Vanilla or bourbon flavors complement it well.
Sweet potato pie – This pie is less dense than pumpkin, so less in need of ice cream for balance. But those who like the contrasting temperatures often enjoy it topped with cinnamon or maple flavors.
So while not as ubiquitous as with pumpkin, ice cream toppings are certainly acceptable for other fall pies as well. Pecan pie in particular benefits from the added moisture and richness. Apple and sweet potato pie lovers fall into both camps.
What About Other Desserts?
Beyond pies, what other desserts is it socially acceptable to serve with ice cream? Here are some common ones:
– Brownies – The combination of fudgy brownies and vanilla ice cream is a match made in heaven for most.
– Cobblers & Crisps – These homey baked fruit desserts pair perfectly with à la mode options.
– Warm Cookies – Goey chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies beg to be topped with melting ice cream.
– Cakes – Frosting-heavy cakes like chocolate sometimes get topped with a creamy scoop.
– Waffles or Pancakes – The breakfast classic gets dressed up for dessert with whipped cream and ice cream.
– Fruit Desserts – Grilled peaches, baked apples, poached pears, and more get delightful with ice cream.
So feel free to enjoy your ice cream with pie, but know it also pairs well with many other sweet treats too!
Conclusion
In the court of public opinion, it seems adding ice cream to pumpkin pie is generally considered an acceptable and tasty practice. While a minority prefer pie unadulterated, the majority view ice cream as an enhancing and complementary addition. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference guided by a few factors:
– Do you always prefer mixing temperatures and textures, or enjoy foods served simply?
– Do you feel your pie recipe needs moisture and richness balanced with ice cream? Or does it stand on its own?
– Do you want to limit calories and fat by skipping the ice cream?
– Do you believe that pumpkin pie is perfect as is, and ice cream is unnecessary tampering?
There is room for friendly debate in the pumpkin pie + ice cream dilemma. But at the end of the day, it’s about enjoying this beloved fall dessert in your own preferred fashion. Hosts can satisfy both viewpoints by offering whipped or vanilla ice cream on the side. And all pie lovers can agree that this seasonal treat holds a special place in our hearts, whether topped with ice cream or without!