Move over turkey, this holiday tradition is sweeter: Americans devour more than an estimated 50 million pumpkin pies on Thanksgiving.
The burnt orange dessert consists of simple ingredients: pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, milk and warm spices — and a crust. However, people’s opinions still vary about who makes the best one.
Our readers and online community nominated their favorite pumpkin pies for our Taste Test. On a Thursday evening, three testers volunteered their time to try the ones from the three most-nominated Hampton Roads bakeries and restaurants with to-go bakery counters.
Pies earned points in five categories: appearance/aroma, crust, filling, overall taste and value. Testers’ scores, on a scale of 100 maximum points, were averaged to arrive at the final scores.
Here’s what they liked. Comments have been lightly edited.
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The winner
Taste testers said Flour Child Bakery’s pumpkin pie will impress your dinner guests. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot)
Flour Child Bakery
1716 Pleasure House Road, Virginia Beach; 757-464-1455, iloveflourchildbakery.com
Flour Child Bakery has served baked treats, custom cakes and handmade pies since opening in 2010. The baker prepares pumpkin pie with fresh pumpkin and a housemade crust. Preorders are available for Christmas.
Price: $30.95
Pumpkin pie score: 85
What they said:
“This will impress. It looks homemade. It tastes homemade. Yum.” — Jane
“The texture is great. It’s firm, creamy, and a wonderful color. Very fresh tasting. It makes me want a great cup of coffee or tea.” — Angela
“The crust is buttery and flaky. It’s enjoyable to eat just on its own and adds to the overall pie.” — Cianna
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Second place
Carrot Tree Kitchens offers a classic take on pumpkin pie at an affordable price. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot)
Carrot Tree Kitchens
Carrot Tree Kitchens, a scratch bakery and cafe, knows a thing or two about sweet treats, especially carrot cake. It opened its original location 30 years ago. Pumpkin pie is on the holiday menu, but it’s best to preorder.
1303 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, 757-229-0957; 323 Water St., Yorktown, 757-988-1999; carrottreekitchens.com
Price: $18
Pumpkin pie score: 66
What they said:
“Smells good and looks as expected: A good looking classic pumpkin custard pie.” — Jane
“The texture is too soft. I like it firmer. But, the spices are delicious — the best part of this pie.” — Angela
“I think the filling stands out. The crust is a workhorse that gets the job done and structures the pie but it fades to the background in comparison.” — Cianna
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Third place
Village Inn’s pumpkin pie is bold in its flavor. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot)
Village Inn
1509 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, 757-410-3551; 6116 College Drive, Suffolk, 757-484-0700; 313 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach, 757-499-5557; villageinn.com
Village Inn, a national restaurant chain, was founded in Denver in 1958. It’s known for breakfast and pies. Customers can get a slice or a whole pumpkin pie (walk-in and preorder) through Christmas, according to staff.
Price: $19.99
Pumpkin pie score: 58
What they said:
“Pumpkin flavor is subdued. I want more pumpkin.” — Jane
“Fair price but I would not buy this pie. … The imbalanced spice taste was overwhelming for me.” — Angela
“Overall, this pie is carried by its bold spice. I loved it but the boldness may be off-putting to some with a milder palate.” — Cianna
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Our testers
Pumpkin pie tasting judge Jane Grau. As seen Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (Stephen M. Katz / The Virginian-Pilot)
Jane Grau, 73, Norfolk
Occupation: Started as a classical singer. Retired as an executive assistant in the chairman’s office of a cable network.
Favorite pumpkin pie: I like a traditional pumpkin custard pie.
On pumpkin pie: I love any kind of leftover pumpkin pie with my breakfasts after Thanksgiving.
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Pumpkin pie tasting judge Angela Morales. As seen Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (Stephen M. Katz / The Virginian-Pilot)
Angela Morales, 59, Virginia Beach
Occupation: Owner and operator of Senior Helpers, a home care company in Virginia Beach. Retired Navy veteran.
Favorite pumpkin pie: Most likely the one I am eating with a great cup of coffee or tea.
On pumpkin pie: When there is a chance to eat pumpkin pie in the fall, especially at Thanksgiving, surrounded by family and friends, it is like a warm blanket of joy. The spices light up my senses, while the combo texture of the pumpkin and crust provide comfort.
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Pumpkin pie tasting judge Cianna Warren-Hicks. As seen Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (Stephen M. Katz / The Virginian-Pilot)
Cianna Warren-Hicks, 29, Norfolk
Occupation: Freelance journalist
Memorable pumpkin pie: A homemade pumpkin pie cheesecake. My brother, mom and I used to do a Friendsgiving for many years with another family in our hometown, Des Moines, Iowa. One year, Diane, a family friend, combined the two desserts. She added a layer of cheesecake beneath a layer of pumpkin pie filling, and topped it all with a spice-flavored whipped cream. The added layer made that dessert astronomically rich — talk about a food coma after a big dinner. It paired beautifully with coffee and a warm familial atmosphere.
On pumpkin pie: I love a pumpkin pie that goes a bit beyond the usual. Essential elements include a buttery crust, warm spices and a delicate sweetness. Homemade whipped cream and coffee are a bonus.
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Next up: February
The Taste Test will resume in 2026. Send us your suggestions for what to taste next. We might test it. Email recommendations to taste.test@pilotonline.com by Dec. 14.
Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com
