Thanksgiving is a time to gather, reflect, and give thanks. We look forward to sharing meals, and spending time with family, friends and community as we commemorate the feast of many harvest moons ago.

While we celebrate those early stories of peace and cooperation, we also celebrate the warm and sweet aroma of everybody’s favorite holiday treat — pumpkin pie!

With its familiar mix of cinnamon and nutmeg, pumpkin pie is a cherished tradition with a permanent place at the holiday table. At Sara Lee Frozen Bakery, we offer delicious and creative pumpkin desserts that are sure to warm the hearts of everyone at your Thanksgiving table.

And to make sure this holiday season is extra special, Sara Lee Frozen Bakery’s “Pies To-Go” program ensures that no one goes without a holiday treat. Whether you’re hosting residents, families or colleagues, Sara Lee Frozen Bakery wants everyone to experience the many joys of the season!

The Humble Pumpkin

Pumpkins owe their humble beginnings to early Native American history as one of the many crops cultivated before the arrival of European settlers. Pilgrims were introduced to pumpkins by Native Peoples who taught them how to grow, harvest and use them for food. While there is no record of pumpkin pie as we know it, historians believe pumpkins may have been hollowed out, filled with milk and spices, and roasted. Yum!

A beloved holiday staple today, pumpkin’s natural sweetness and soft clovey spice make it a great base for traditional pies and tasty new creations. And with 40% of consumers demanding clean-label foods, Sara Lee Frozen Bakery’s pumpkin pies are free from artificial flavors, colors, and high fructose corn syrup. With a commitment to using only real, wholesome ingredients, health-conscious diners can still enjoy their favorite holiday dessert!

Pass the Pumpkin

This Thanksgiving, give the traditional pumpkin a modern twist with Pumpkin Pie with Spicy Candied Bacon or a Chocolate Ganache Pumpkin Pie. Be sure to explore the recipes in Sara Lee Frozen Bakery’s Everything Pumpkin Guide for more inspiration throughout the holiday season.

Pumpkin Pairings

Consider elevating your dessert menu by offering new takes on the classic pumpkin pie. Here are some exciting ideas from Sara Lee Frozen Bakery’s Everything Pumpkin Guide, paired perfectly for your Thanksgiving celebration. Mouth-watering recipes below!

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake: Blend creamy vanilla ice cream with a slice of pumpkin pie for a milkshake topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie crumbles.

Pecan Crumble Pumpkin Pie: This twist on a classic features a flaky crust with spiced pumpkin filling, topped with pecan crumble and caramel drizzle – perfect for those who love a bit of crunch.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Pie Bowl: For coffee lovers, serve pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream, drizzled with pumpkin spice sauce, and dusted with pumpkin spice. It’s like your favorite latte in dessert form!

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

 

 

 Ingredients: 1 serving

4 oz. scoop  #9281 Chef Pierre® Pre-baked Pumpkin Pie (#8 disher)

½ C (#8 disher)  Vanilla ice cream

¼ C  Whole milk

½ C Whipped cream or topping

2 Tbsp  Prepared pumpkin pie syrup

¼ tsp Pumpkin pie spice blend

 

 

 Assembly:

1.   Place pie, ice cream and milk in blender.

2.   Blend until creamy.

3.   Pour into clear glass.

4.   Top with whipped cream.

5.   Drizzle with pumpkin pie syrup.

6.   Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice blend.

 

 
Pecan Crumble Pumpkin Pie

 

 

 Ingredients: 10 servings

1 Whole #9276 Chef Pierre®

Unbaked Pumpkin Pie

¾ C Flour

½ C Pecans, chopped

½ C Brown sugar

1 tsp Cinnamon

Pinch salt

5 Tbsp Butter

1 Tbsp  Caramel sauce

 

 

 Assembly:

1.   Combine flour, pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt.

2.   Cut in butter until crumbly.

3.   Cover frozen pie with pecan crumble.

4.   Bake pie according to package directions.

5.   Cover with foil if crumble and crust are browning too fast.

6.   Remove pie from oven to cooling rack and cool fully.

7.   Place 1 portioned slice of pie in bowl.

8.   Drizzle with caramel sauce.

 

 
Pumpkin Spice Latte Bowl

 

 

 Ingredients: 1 serving

1 portioned slice #9281 Chef Pierre® Pre-baked Pumpkin Pie

½ C Whipped cream

2 Tbsp Prepared pumpkin syrup or caramel sauce

¼ tsp Pumpkin pie spice blend

 

 

 Assembly:

1.    Place pie in bowl.

2.    Spoon whipped cream onto pie.

3.    Drizzle pumpkin or caramel sauce over whipped cream and pie.

4.    Sprinkle pumpkin pie spice blend over pie and whipped cream.

 

 

Pumpkin Planning

Here’s how Sara Lee Frozen Bakery can help you add delicious and wholesome pumpkin pies to your menu!

  • Pre-order and Customize: Plan early by pre-ordering your pies. Whether you choose pre-baked, unbaked, pre-sliced, or unsliced pies, Sara Lee Frozen Bakery provides flexibility to suit your needs.
  • Promote to Your Community: Spread the word through newsletters, social media, or bulletin boards. Highlight the benefits of clean-label pies and invite residents to indulge in healthier, tasty desserts.
  • Create Memorable Moments: Use the pies as part of a larger Thanksgiving experience. Consider offering pie decorating stations or serve “pie flights” with different toppings like caramel sauce, pecans, or cinnamon sugar to add a fun, interactive element to your holiday celebration.

For more information, contact us or visit Sara Lee Frozen Bakery’s website www.saraleefrozenbakery.com/foodservice.