In the fall months, the pumpkin pie cravings rarely cease—whether you’re whipping up a traditional Thanksgiving dessert or just want to enjoy pumpkin-flavored everything while it’s still in season. But what if you have some leftovers that don't think will be enjoyed in time? Here’s how to convert your pie into a whole new treat.
Making pumpkin pie bites gives your original dessert a whole new life and takes little effort: Just crush your pumpkin pie into a paste, scoop it into bite-sized pieces, place it on a spoon and dip it in a bowl of melted chocolate (whichever kind you like). For a perfect chocolate coating, make sure to refrigerate or freeze the crushed pumpkin pie after you’ve shaped it. This way, it won’t fall apart during the process.
While the chocolate is still hot, add your favorite toppings. This recipe’s creator, @plantyou, chooses a fall classic: crushed pecans. Other nuts, crushed chocolate, cinnamon, and dipping sauces (you can’t go wrong with pumpkin, cranberry, or caramel) finish off this seasonal treat with even more flavor.
Because you've already fully baked your pumpkin pie mix and crust, the leftover pies are primed for recipes that call for baked cakes. Leftover pumpkin pie cake pops, a trending seasonal favorite, is a simple, fun option. Blend or crush your pumpkin pie into a moldable mixture, shape it into balls, insert some sticks, and refrigerate. Dip them in dyed-orange melted white chocolate and add a stem and leaf design with frosting to turn them into little pumpkins.
Other users are putting a spin on this trend by turning their leftover pies into truffles. Creator @foodmymuse swears by her boozy bourbon and pumpkin version, made by blending up an entire pumpkin pie and adding a splash of bourbon to the mix. This creates an entirely new, deeper flavor profile and works perfectly with store-bought pies or mixes.
The biggest moral dilemma brought up in the comments when it comes to these recipes? Whether or not you should have any leftover pumpkin pie at all. Though it’s true that the most mouthwatering desserts result in no crumbs left, you can solve this problem by making an extra for the table this year to experiment with later.
"In what world is leftover pumpkin pie at risk of going to waste?!" one user commented on @plantyou's video. "That aside, I’d buy a pie just to make these."
So the next time you and your loved ones miscommunicate who's bringing what to the Thanksgiving potluck and end up with a few extra pies, you’ll be all set with these spin-off treats. Plus, each of these recipes can be frozen for a few months, so you’ll have plenty to enjoy throughout the holiday season—without having to dedicate your entire freezer to storing a full pie.