Libby's Pumpkin Pie Recipe Has A Secret Canned Ingredient (That Makes It So Creamy And Rich)

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When it comes to food packaging recipes, there are few more revered, more widely loved, than the pumpkin pie recipe on the can of Libby's Pure Pumpkin. However, while this dish may already be unbelievably creamy and decadently rich, its "new-fashioned" version contains a secret ingredient that may just elevate it to the next level.

Of all the ways to use sweetened condensed milk, this one may just top the list. The original recipe called for ¾ cup of granulated sugar as a sweetener coupled with a can of evaporated milk; however, the new recipe calls for 1¾ cups of sweetened condensed milk, which not only adds sweetness but also richness. Made by removing water and adding sugar to lengthen its shelf life, this can of goodness gives Libby's classic recipe some serious creaminess, making it almost like a cheesecake. While pumpkin puree already has plenty of moisture for a pie, this little bit extra makes the batter thinner, resulting in a decadently rich pudding that somehow keeps its shape despite its incredibly silky texture once set.

If you're out of season for Costco's pumpkin pie, this may be as close as you can get to your fall-coded treat. Paired with a flavorful pie crust made from boxed cake mix, you might end up with something better that doesn't even require an annual membership fee! With such an unbelievably delicious base, you don't necessarily need to add anything else — but it's also perfect for any customization you might like.

While adding little extras like chopped apple, chocolate chips, or even a ribbon of creamy chocolate to Libby's pumpkin pie may be great, this new recipe is all about the texture. If you want to maintain that texture to the best of your ability, try to find ways to infuse new flavors directly into the filling or crust rather than adding new ingredients directly to your batter.

If you hear pumpkin and immediately think "spice," then don't be afraid to get your fall treat fix with this new recipe. Just about any warming spice that you'd find in mulled wine – like cinnamon, clove, and star anise — is a perfect addition to this recipe. However, whole spices often retain a greater depth of flavor unless you're grinding them yourself just before adding them. If you don't want to go to the trouble of grinding spices, try warming your sweetened condensed milk on the stove with a bit of vanilla bean, a cinnamon stick, or cardamom or star anise pods, putting all that flavor right into the filling.

While filling is the star of any pumpkin pie, don't neglect upgrading the crust! A teaspoon of powdered ginger or nutmeg is subtle enough not to overpower the main event while still adding some homey aromatics to the dish. If you want your store-bought crust to taste homemade, try brushing it with butter and sprinkling on some seasoning, giving even the cheapest, most basic confection an insanely great flavor.