How Many Calories Are in a Regular Slice of Pumpkin Pie?

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to USDA data, a commercially prepared slice of pumpkin pie weighing about 150 grams contains approximately 374 calories. Understanding how many calories are in a regular slice of pumpkin pie is key to enjoying this classic holiday dessert while staying mindful of your dietary goals.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a standard slice of pumpkin pie varies, ranging from approximately 250 to over 400. Factors like ingredients, crust type, serving size, and toppings significantly influence the final nutritional value.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A typical slice of pumpkin pie generally contains between 300 and 400 calories, but this can vary widely depending on the recipe and serving size.
Crust is a Major Factor: The pie's crust is often the most calorie-dense component; opting for a lighter or crustless version can significantly reduce the calorie count.
Filling Varies Greatly: The type of dairy (heavy cream vs. skim milk) and amount of added sugar used in the filling heavily influence the pie's overall calorie density.
Toppings Add Up: Additional toppings like whipped cream or ice cream can add 50-100+ calories or more to a single slice.
Homemade vs. Commercial: While store-bought pies provide a consistent nutritional label, homemade versions allow for greater control over ingredients to reduce calories.
Pumpkin's Health Benefits: Despite being a dessert, pumpkin pie offers a good source of nutrients like Vitamin A and some fiber from the pumpkin puree itself.

The Calorie Count for a Standard Slice

It is difficult to assign a single, definitive calorie number to a “regular” slice of pumpkin pie. The final count is a dynamic figure influenced by numerous variables, from the precise recipe used to the pie's size and whether it's homemade or commercially prepared. However, by analyzing data from various sources, we can establish a reliable estimate. For a standard 9-inch pie cut into eight equal slices, the calorie range typically falls between 300 and 400 calories per slice.

For example, Nutritionix estimates one commercially prepared slice (133g) to be 323 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 57% carbs, 36% fat, and 6% protein. Conversely, USDA data suggests a slightly higher figure of 374 calories for a 150-gram slice. An analysis by Food Struct notes a 133g slice at 323 calories but also points out that the total calories for an entire 995g pie can exceed 2400 kcal, demonstrating how serving size dramatically impacts individual portion values. A homemade version, depending on the recipe, can come in at around 316 calories for a 1/8th slice of a 9-inch pie. This spread of data emphasizes that while an average can be useful, paying attention to the specific pie you are eating is crucial for accurate tracking.

Factors Influencing Pumpkin Pie Calories

The simple answer to how many calories are in a regular slice of pumpkin pie belies a more complex truth. Many components contribute to the final calorie total. Understanding these factors can help you make more informed choices.

Crust vs. Crustless: The most calorie-dense part of most pies is the crust. A traditional butter-based, flaky crust adds a significant amount of fat and carbohydrates. Opting for a graham cracker crust or a crustless filling can drastically reduce the total calories per slice.
Filling Ingredients: The richness of the filling is a major factor. Some recipes call for heavy cream or sweetened condensed milk, while others use lighter options like skim milk or milk alternatives. The amount of added sugar also plays a direct role in calorie density. Canned pumpkin pie mix is often higher in sugar than plain canned pumpkin puree.
Added Toppings: A dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel adds extra calories. While delicious, these additions can easily add 50-100+ calories to a single serving.
Serving Size: The size of your slice is perhaps the most obvious and controllable variable. Cutting a pie into 10 or 12 slices instead of the standard 8 can lower the calorie count per piece, allowing you to enjoy the same delicious treat for fewer calories.

Pumpkin Pie vs. Other Classic Holiday Pies

When considering your dessert options, how does pumpkin pie stack up against other holiday favorites? Here is a comparison to help put its nutritional profile in perspective.


Nutrient (per slice)	Pumpkin Pie (120-150g)	Apple Pie (120-150g)	Pecan Pie (150g, approx.)
Calories	280-374	300-350	500-600+
Total Sugar	19-30 grams	30-35 grams	40-50+ grams
Total Fat	10-15 grams	14-18 grams	25-35+ grams
Fiber	2-3 grams	3-4 grams	3-5 grams

As the table shows, pumpkin pie generally has a more favorable calorie and fat profile than other options, especially notoriously rich pecan pie. The single crust is a significant reason for this difference.

How to Reduce the Calories in Your Pumpkin Pie

If you're making your own pumpkin pie, there are several ways to significantly cut down on the calories without sacrificing flavor. These small adjustments can add up to a much healthier dessert.

Filling Modifications

Use Sugar Substitutes: Replace some or all of the sugar with a calorie-free or low-calorie sweetener. Recipes from Aubrey's Kitchen and Skinnytaste offer versions using alternatives like sugar-free syrup or simply less brown sugar.
Swap Dairy: Instead of heavy cream or sweetened condensed milk, use lower-fat options like skim milk, unsweetened almond milk, or evaporated milk. You can also use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese for a richer texture with fewer calories. For a vegan option, coconut milk can also be used.
Use Unsweetened Pumpkin Puree: Always opt for plain canned pumpkin puree, not the pre-sweetened pumpkin pie mix. This gives you full control over the sugar content.

Crust Adjustments

Try a Lighter Crust: Use a thin, rolled-out pie crust sheet, cutting off excess dough to reduce the total crust amount. A graham cracker crust can also be used, or a pre-made low-fat option. For the most dramatic reduction, go crustless and bake the filling in a baking dish or ramekins.
Opt for Whole Wheat: A whole wheat crust can add a nuttier flavor and increase the fiber content, which can help with satiety. You can find several healthy pumpkin pie recipes online, including one from Ambitious Kitchen that uses whole wheat crust.

Conclusion

While a definitive answer to how many calories are in a regular slice of pumpkin pie depends on the specific dessert, you can expect an average slice to fall within the 300-400 calorie range. The calories are heavily influenced by the crust, the richness of the filling, and any added toppings like whipped cream. By being mindful of these factors—especially serving size and recipe adjustments—you can still indulge in this beloved holiday tradition. Whether you choose a classic preparation or a lighter version, pumpkin pie offers a flavorful, nutrient-rich experience, providing a good source of Vitamin A from the pumpkin itself.

For more great recipes and nutritional information on a wide range of foods, you can explore resources like Allrecipes.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

A commercially prepared slice of pumpkin pie typically ranges from 323 to over 400 calories, depending on the brand and specific recipe. Brands that use richer fillings and thicker crusts will be on the higher end of that spectrum.

Yes, adding a generous dollop of sweetened whipped cream can add an additional 50-100 calories or more to your slice of pie, depending on the amount and type of cream used.

Yes, pumpkin pie is generally a healthier choice than pecan pie. It is typically much lower in calories, fat, and sugar due to its single crust and less dense, custard-like filling compared to the rich, syrupy filling of pecan pie.

The calories in a low-calorie pumpkin pie can be significantly lower, with some recipes coming in at around 150-250 calories per slice by using a sugar-free sweetener, fat-free dairy, and a lighter or crustless preparation.

You can reduce the calories by using plain pumpkin puree instead of pie mix, swapping heavy cream for skim milk or unsweetened almond milk, using a lighter crust or no crust at all, and controlling the amount of added sugar.

Yes, pumpkin pie contains Vitamin A from the pumpkin puree, which is good for vision and immune function. It also contains some fiber, potassium, and other minerals, though these benefits should be weighed against its sugar and fat content.

When using canned puree, be sure to choose plain unsweetened pumpkin puree, not the pre-mixed pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices. The plain puree gives you more control over the overall sugar and calorie content.