Vegan Pumpkin Pie vs Pumpkin Pie: Key Differences
By Whisked Gluten-Free Bakery | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Comparisons
Compare vegan and traditional pumpkin pies on ingredients, taste, and texture. Decide which gluten-free pie fits your holiday table.
Quick Answer
Choose the Vegan Pumpkin Pie for a dairy-free, plant-based dessert, or the traditional Pumpkin Pie for a classic custard made with butter, milk, and eggs. Both are gluten-free and baked in a shortbread-style shell.
What Sets the Fillings Apart
The main difference comes down to the filling. The traditional Pumpkin Pie uses fresh roasted pumpkin with milk, evaporated milk, whole eggs, brown sugar, and maple syrup. That combination creates a rich, creamy custard with a classic, egg-set texture.
The Vegan Pumpkin Pie swaps those dairy and egg ingredients for a vegan custard made with a plant-based oil blend. The result is still smooth and sliceable, but it skips the dairy and eggs entirely, making it a solid choice for plant-based eaters or anyone avoiding those ingredients.
Crust and Texture Differences
Both pies use a gluten-free shortbread-style crust, but the pastry differs slightly. The traditional shell uses butter and vinegar for a tender, flaky texture, while the vegan shell relies on a vegan butter blend of palm, canola, safflower, flax, and olive oils. That swap keeps the crust dairy-free without sacrificing the shortbread feel.
Expect the vegan filling to be a touch less firm than the egg-based traditional version, since eggs provide extra structure. If you prefer a slice that holds a clean edge, the traditional pie may edge ahead; if you value a dairy-free dessert, the vegan version is the clear pick.
Picking Your Pie: Trade-Offs
- Dairy-Free Needs: If you need to avoid dairy or eggs, choose the Vegan Pumpkin Pie. It uses a plant-based butter blend and a vegan custard, so it fits those dietary limits. Check the ingredient list if you have other allergies, since the facility may also handle dairy and eggs.
- Classic Custard Texture: For the most traditional pumpkin pie texture, pick the traditional Pumpkin Pie. The eggs and milk give it a firmer, richer custard that sets cleanly.
- Budget Consideration: The Vegan Pumpkin Pie is priced at USD 18.08, slightly lower than the traditional Pumpkin Pie at USD 19.16. If price is a factor, the vegan option saves a little. Both pies are gluten-free, so either works for a gluten-free holiday table.
Pies at a Glance
- Vegan Pumpkin Pie: The Vegan Pumpkin Pie is a 9-inch vegan pumpkin custard pie in a vegan shortbread shell made with a plant-based oil blend. It delivers the same holiday flavor without dairy or eggs, so it fits vegan and dairy-free diets.
Vegan Pumpkin Pie - Pumpkin Pie: The traditional Pumpkin Pie is a 9-inch pie made with fresh roasted pumpkin, milk, evaporated milk, whole eggs, brown sugar, and maple syrup. The eggs and dairy create a classic custard texture that many expect from a traditional pumpkin pie.
Pumpkin Pie
Which Pie Fits You?
Best For
- Vegan Pumpkin Pie: plant-based eaters, dairy-free households, and anyone wanting a lighter custard
- Traditional Pumpkin Pie: those craving a classic egg-set custard with a buttery crust
Not For
- Vegan Pumpkin Pie: anyone expecting a firm, egg-based custard texture
- Traditional Pumpkin Pie: those avoiding dairy or eggs
