Costco Pumpkin Pie Review

I know a thing or too about pumpkin pies.  I’ve been baking them since I was a boy.  At age 12 I prided myself on my ability to create a pie as good as those available at professional bakeries.  I enjoyed Thanksgiving because it provided the opportunity to show off my culinary skills.  The very thought of a store bought pumpkin pie would’ve scandalized me. 

Tipping the scale at over three and a half pounds and with a twelve inch diameter the Costco pumpkin pie is a behemoth.  It could comfortably feed ten.  But here’s what caught my attention, the price was only $7.99.   That’s what you’d pay for a single McDonald’s Big Mac extra value meal.  The ingredients alone would cost that much so how good could the pie be?  Well I bought one just to find out.  I rationalized the purchase by telling myself that it was for research as opposed to gluttony. 

So what’s the verdict?  As soon as I finished the first slice I wanted a second.  The pumpkin flavor, texture, interplay of spices, sweetness and filling to crust ratio were all spot on.  Now I understand why this pie has a cult following.  Will I ever bake another pumpkin pie on my own?   I don’t think I will.  Why spend the time and effort when, for a comparable price, you can buy something just as good.  If you’re interested you can follow this link to the unofficial Costco Pumpkin Pie Facebook Page.