A decade ago, a reader named June emailed me asking for a good dairy-free soy-free pumpkin pie recipe. Unfortunately, all of the tried-and-true recipes she found were vegan versions made with tofu.
I had received this request so many times during the holidays that I knew I had to come up with a reliable milk-free and soy-free recipe before the next Thanksgiving. And after several rounds of pumpkin pie trials, I created a recipe that my family thinks is one of the most delicious pumpkin pies they have ever tasted, dairy-free or not. And many of you agree! Since I first posted the recipe, way back in 2009, this dairy-free soy-free pumpkin pie has become a beloved recipe in so many households.
Today I’m giving this post a big update with some new photos that I recently took and several reader tips. But the time-tested recipe remains untouched.
This is The Best Dairy-Free Soy-Free Pumpkin Pie
This delicious recipe for dairy-free soy-free pumpkin pie uses everyday ingredients and is a great make-ahead option. We now consider it a staple on our Classic Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Menu.
As a kid, I remember how the famous Libby’s Pumpkin Pie recipe would leave a soggy crust when stored overnight. But this recipe keeps a nice firm crust, allowing the filling to firm up and the flavor to develop as it chills in the refrigerator. In fact, Tony and I actually prefer this pie after a night of refrigeration.
For additional dairy-free holiday dessert options, you can enjoy more of my recipes in Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook. Need it now? Go Dairy Free is also available in all major eBook formats.
Reader Feedback: Dairy-Free Soy-Free Pumpkin Pie
You can read tons of comments on this post, but many of you left feedback on our social media or on my other blog (where I originally posted this recipe). Here are some of those comments, which include answers to many of your questions!
How Does It Taste?
I have been making this recipe since I went dairy free over 5 years ago. I have had people who don’t like pumpkin pie love this recipe. ~ Anna
This is by far my family’s favorite! been using thus recipe for several years now. its amazing! ~ Summer
My daughter is severely allergic. We have this every Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Everyone can’t believe it is not dairy. ~ Michael-ann
THANK YOU!! Made this last night and it turned out absolutely amazing, it was my practice run before thanksgiving which this year will be entirely dairy/soy free so i can eat everything!!! Thanks again .. I’m headed for another slice right now! ~ Trinidy
Finally, a dairy free pumpkin pie that tastes great!! I tried three different dairy free recipes last year and they were all disasters. I used coconut cream instead of milk and it was perfect. ~ Susan
This is the best pumpkin pie I have ever had! ~ Katy
I have made your pumpkin pie recipe for the last two years and it’s a big hit! In fact, we prefer it to the traditional recipe! ~ Becky
I wanted to make a pumpkin pie that would also satisfy my guests who are not dairy-free, and this recipe was absolutely PERFECT. I will make this time and time again! For gluten-free, I did use the pecan crust recipe from the Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook though, which I thought was a great compliment. ~ Sharon
We made this pie, two of them actually, for a group of people. We are gluten and dairy free, and one of our friends sons is soy free as well. Every single person said it was the best pumpkin pie they ever tasted! I am back to make it for Thanksgiving today! ~ Lisa
But Can You Taste the Coconut?
Didn’t taste like coconut – all pumpkin pie. Making another one tomorrow to use my 2nd “Wholly Wholesome” pie crust (from Whole Foods). Thanks again for the recipe! ~ Amy
Can I Make It Sugar-Free?
I just want to say, “Thank you” AGAIN! This recipe is just AMAZING!!! I have made it 5 times in the last year! It’s past New Year’s, but, I don’t care. This pie is SOOO good and soo guiltless (I use xylitol sweetener). I also tried stevia. The taste was great, but it did cause the pie to pull away from the crust. ~ Adelaide
Did You Try Any Other Modifications?
For the first time ever my dairy allergic daughter was able to eat pumpkin pie! And she loved it, as did everyone else who ate it. I tweaked it just a bit by adding an extra egg white and about a 1/2 TBS of cornstarch. The texture was absolutely identical to traditional pumpkin pie. Can not wait to make this again (and again, and again, and again…)!!! ~ Kim
I have made these twice and rave reviews. And shared it with Kim who commented above! I too tweaked it some and subbed 3/4 cup coconut crystals for the white and brown sugar. And I used 3 large eggs in mine. ~ Deb
I tried this recipe with EnerG egg replacer, and it worked fine. I also used soymilk instead of coconut milk, since I am allergic to dairy and eggs, but not soy. Usually my pumpkin pies are a little watery, so I used just a little less milk than it called for (between 3/4 and 1 cup). I thought it was very flavorful pie, and although it didn’t stand up quite the way a pie with eggs does, it was close enough that the filling didn’t leave the crust when I served it. THANK YOU for this lovely recipe, I’ll probably use it for years to come. ~ Victoria
My daughter is 21 and never been able to enjoy pumpkin pie and that was her wish this Thanksgiving. Thanks to your recipe it made 2 pies. I used 3 eggs and 1/2 tsp of cornstarch. My husband said it was even better than “regular” pumpkin pie. ~ Carol
Special Diet Notes: Dairy-Free, Soy-Free Pumpkin Pie
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, optionally gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, and vegetarian.
For an egg-free and vegan soy-free pumpkin pie, several readers have had good luck substituting a powdered egg replacer like Ener-G for the eggs. I also recommend aquafaba as a substitute. The egg-free version rises up a little less.
- 1½ cups all-purpose or whole wheat pastry flour
- 1½ teaspoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons oil (your baking oil of choice)
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- ½ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg or allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs (see egg-free note above for vegan option)
- 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup regular, full-fat, canned coconut milk (see Notes below)
- Put the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl and whisk to combine. Make a well in the flour, add the oil and water, and stir until it forms dough.
- Press the dough into a 9-inch pie pan.
- Preheat your oven to 425ºF.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugars, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg or allspice, cloves and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Beat in the sugar mixture, pumpkin, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the coconut milk.
- Pour the filling into your unbaked pie crust and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350ºF and continue to bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted comes out clean. It may be a bit wobbly still, but it will firm-up as it cools.
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for 2 hours (Be patient! This is important). For the firmest pie, refrigerate it for 4 hours or more before serving.
Spice Cheat: In a pinch, you can substitute the spices with 1½ to 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice.
For More of My Recipes, Get Go Dairy Free!
234 Comments
Is it okay to use soy milk instead of coconut milk? I have all of the ingredients except the coconut milk but I have soy in my fridge. Thank you!!!
Allyson, I use full fat canned coconut milk (this is not the thin coconut milk beverage in the cartons), so soymilk would not be an equivalent ingredient. That said, some who have commented said they used milk alternative with success, but had to use less. I believe I read about 3/4 cup. But for best results, use the canned coconut milk. There is a great brand at Walmart, I believe called Golden West (or similar name) for a good price, otherwise, I purchase Thai Kitchen.
Should the canned milk be refrigerated before use? Should it be brought to room temp?
No, as noted, you can shake the can before use. Chilling is only if your concerned on the quality of your coconut milk. If you chill it, you can see how much solid cream forms. But you’re using coconut milk, not cream, which means you don’t need it to separate. Chilling just helps encourage separation. If you want a really thick/firm pie, you can use just the coconut cream, but it will taste more coconutty.
Hi! I’m lactose intolerant but I use lactaid milk a lot. I make sweet potato pie but this year I’m making my own pumpkin pie as well. Can I use lactaid milk or should I use coconut milk? Thanks!
Leia, I use full fat canned coconut milk (this is not the thin coconut milk beverage in the cartons), so Lactaid would not be an equivalent ingredient (it is much, much thinner). That said, some who have commented said they used milk alternative with success, but had to use less. I believe I read about 3/4 cup. But for best results, use the canned coconut milk. There is a great brand at Walmart, I believe called Golden West (or similar name) for a good price, otherwise, I purchase Thai Kitchen.
Do you need to chill the Coconut milk first???
Nope! Go ahead and shake it!
Wow! This might be the best tasting pumpkin pie I have ever had. The coconut milk adds a very subtle and pleasant extra layer of flavor that goes extremely well with all of the other flavors. I made this recipe yesterday, had a slice last night when it reached room temperature and had another for lunch just now after refrigeration. It was nice last night, but is even better today. This is a fantastic pie, full of flavor, great texture, the pie crust is not soggy, and I’m going to have another slice after posting this message. I’m lactose intolerant and my son is allergic to cow’s milk protein, so we’ve not included pumpkin pie as part of our traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas meals at our house. Now we can! Thanks so much for this website full of ingredient-sensitive recipes.
That’s great Timothy! I’m so glad you enjoyed it and am happy that it will bring some delicious dessert to you and your son!
Can I do this recipe without egg?
Please read the notes above the recipe.
Have you ever done this sugar free also in addition to gluten and dairy
If you mean refined sugar-free, in terms of using something like coconut sugar, then I think that would work fine. Pre-grind the coconut sugar in a spice grinder before adding it to the recipe. The pie will be a little less sweet.
If you mean using alternate no- or low-calorie sweeteners such as stevia baking blends, erythritol, or otherwise, I’m not a fan of the taste of those sweeteners, so it isn’t something that I’ve tested. If you like the taste of a particular sugar-free baking blend that substitutes for sugar 1:1, then I don’t see why it wouldn’t work!
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My daughter can’t have cane sugar, coconut, or dairy. I use date sugar but I was wondering if you can use almond milk instead?
Technically yes, but it won’t be as rich. Can you use cashews?
This was a delicious recipe, my son has never had pumpkin pie and he not only liked it but I assured him that it tastes just like the one with milk. I had my doubts when I was folding in the coconut milk ( I used So Delicious vanilla coconut milk, but used closer to 3/4 cup than a full cup) . Thank you for sharing a great recipe I will definitely be making this for Thanksgiving!
I am making this for thanksgiving! Yum. Thank you for the recipe Alisa!
I am planning on doubling the recipe and making some just as you described and making some in ramekins without crust. Has anyone tried this and do you have any suggestions about cooking time? I was intending to just use the clean knife guideline, and check at about half time, but I figured I’d check if anyone has done this.
Also, super glad to know that people expecting “normal” pumpkin pie think this is delicious, as I personally fall into that category!
Can this be made ahead and frozen?
It can be made ahead and refrigerated, but I’ve never tried freezing it. If you’ve had success freezing other pumpkin pies, then this one should work similarly. Just let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Thanks for this recipe. I’m excited to try it today. Would canola oil work for either crust recipe?
Hi Brooke, yes canola oil should work fine!
Thanks so much for this recipe! Do you think it would freeze well? I’m guessing I could cook it, freeze it, and then reheat on Thanksgiving??? Would that work?
I’ve never frozen pumpkin pie, so I couldn’t say for sure. If you have frozen pumpkin pie before successfully, then this should work well, too.
This is a great recipe! I’ve been using it successfully with fresh pumpkin puree with sugar pie pumpkins from my garden. For those who need a low sugar tip- try it with 1/2 C date sugar. I use less sugar than the recipe calls for. Date sugar is one of the healthiest sweeteners you can use and will make this pie more rich and savory.
Now if I can make it vegan it will be perfect. Will try with vegan egg substitute next.
That sounds delightful Crystal! Thank you for sharing your adaptations, and let me know how you like it with the vegan egg sub, too!
Does the coconut milk leave any coconut flavor? Thanks!
Nope! Never had a single person notice it – in fact, most “normal” eaters have said it was the best pumpkin pie, ever!
Thanks! 🙂
Hi! Have you used coconut cream instead of the coconut milk? Trader Joe’s makes a canned version that’s pourable so I wonder if that you make it even richer/firmer?
Yes, you can use it. I find that Trader Joe’s coconut cream actually has less cream than most coconut milk brands, and sometimes doesn’t set up – as a heads up! But if it turns into a very thick, spoonable cream once refrigerated, then you have a good batch.
Actually, yes it does have a coconut flavor right alongside the vanilla flavor. It is almost mistaken as too much vanilla by some peoples taste. If you are very sensitive to the flavor of coconut, perhaps because you don’t like it, then you will most likely be able to taste it here. It may vary depending on the brand of coconut milk you use, I used Imperial Dragon brand and I haven’t made it again with another brand yet. I loved it though, tastes like the perfect pumpkin pie to me(texture was perfect as well)!
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Really excited to try this recipe!
Can I use real pumpkin instead of canned?!
If so, how many cups of pumpkin needed?!
Thanks,
I haven’t tried it, but assume it would work well, as long as you drain it very well. About 1-3/4 cup pumpkin. This chart seems to be helpful: http://www.bhg.com/advice/food/substituions/how-do-i-use-fresh-pumpkin-in-a-recipe/
I just wanted to give RAVE reviews of this recipe! We are dairy free in our house due to intollerances and finding pumpkin pie recipe that is “normal” while lacking dairy has been a challenge over the years. This recipe has the perfect texture and taste combo while not bugging our guts. And, with organic pumpkin puree at our small grocery store, this is even better to make – I’m just so excited. Pumpkin pie is my all time favorite pie and the dairy issue just made it so hard!
I should say though, be careful to not accidentally use the Lite version of coconut milk. The pie will not set up as well – but still tastes yummy!
Thank you so much for the recipe…
So glad you and your family enjoyed it Genie! Thanks for the feedback!
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Just a note… Coconut is indeed a tree nut. It’s a rare allergy, but my son can’t have it. Makes life being dairy-free a bit harder.
Hi Tara, coconut can indeed be a dangerous allergen all its own! To better understand why the FDA requires it to be labeled as a tree nut even though it is not a tree nut (and has no relation to tree nut allergies) see my post on the topic: http://www.godairyfree.org/ask-alisa/ask-alisa-can-the-nut-allergic-use-coconut-based-dairy-alternatives
My son is also allergic to alot of things including milk, soy, and all nuts. We use rice milk in everything. I haven’t tried it in this recipe as of yet but I plan to.
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Hello! This recipe looks fabulous, and I want to try it this weekend. I am just wondering if the coconut milk is from the can or from the carton of coconut milk? Thanks!
Hi Rachel, I use canned coconut milk. I use regular, full-fat, but light works too, it just isn’t as rich.
I am not a baker but my son cannot have dairy. I made this so fast and it was absolutely delicious. Thank you!
So glad you enjoyed it Lee!
Hey I would like to make this pie but I can’t have sugar. Have you found any natural substitutes that work for this? I can use agave, maple syrup, honey. coconut sugar… but I’m not sure what would be best because sometimes when you add liquid to something that calls for granules the texture is thrown off… I don’t want a runny/watery pie! Please help!
I haven’t tested liquid sweeteners as of yet, but coconut sugar should work. I would grind it in a spice grinder into a powder first (and perhaps blend it with the other ingredients in a blend before pouring) since coconut sugar doesn’t dissolve quite as well. The pie will be a touch less sweet, but should have a nice warm autumn flavor.
I tried it with coconut sugar and it worked beautifully!!! 🙂 THANK YOU SOO MUCH
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback Ally!
Hi,
Can I use coconut cream instead? Would the measure change much?
Yes, it will set up more and will have a more notable coconut flavor, depending on your coconut cream. If you mean a can of “coconut cream” some brands aren’t any thicker than regular canned coconut milk, so they will produce pretty much identical results. But some brands are much thicker, so they will set up more and add coconut flavor. You can use the same amount.