Lake Shore Solid Pack Pumpkin Pie Recipe
There is no denying that Libby’s dominates the canned pumpkin scene, but there is an Upstate New York Player with a considerably cooler looking label you may have noticed while shopping at Tops Markets.
I happened upon Lake Shore Solid Pack Pumpkin while shopping at Tops Friendly Markets recently, being significantly closer to Rochester than Buffalo, I had never heard of Lake Shore Pumpkin, but could not resist the label and when I picked up a can of the pumpkin to further check out the colorful imagery, I happened to notice this is actually a regional product, with roots in Buffalo. So I promptly threw two cans of pumpkin in my cart with plans to research the pumpkin packed in the can with the odd little label later that night.
Lake Shore Solid Pack Pumpkin Information and History
I was hoping to find a company or brand history as unique as the label the solid pack pumpkin sports, but that wasn’t to be, this is instead what I could find out:
Lake Shore Solid Pack Pumpkin is distributed by NTC Marketing which is based out of Williamsville, New York. After a lot of confusing research here is what I learned about NTC Marketing and Lake Shore Pumpkin:
- NTC Marketing owns the Tropical Fruit Libby’s Brand, based out of Buffalo they specialize in pineapple, and other canned tropical fruits.
- Libby’s Pumpkin and Libby’s Tropical Fruits are not the same!
- Yes, there is a connection to Libby’s Pumpkin products, but it goes WAY back. Libby’s was founded as Libby, McNeill & Libby in Chicago, Illinois, by Archibald McNeill and the brothers Arthur and Charles Libby in 1875. Over the years the original company was divided and acquired by multiple other companies. Libby, McNeill & Libby was acquired by Nestlé in 1976, and Nestlé still holds the trademark and licensing for Libby’s brand pumpkin. NTC Marketing acquired Libby’s licenses for pineapple and tropical fruits in 1983 and juices in 2009.
As for the Lake Shore Pumpkin despite being manufactured or distributed by a Marketing Company, I can find no website, brand history, or even mention of the product on NTC’s main website which is listed on the can of pumpkin.
Google did turn up a couple of interesting results though, a site called Trademarkia, where users had left glowing reviews reading ” Trust me LAKE SHORE PUMPKIN IS the BEST!!!!” and “My family swears by the Lakeshore brand canned pumpkin for our families holiday pies”. On another site, a user shared the recipe on the back of the Lake Shore Pumpkin Pie Recipe, which also was highly praised.
The Iconic Lake Shore Pumpkin Can
Like Grandma Brown’s the can Lake Shore Pumpkin Can is easy to spot on grocery store shelves. The vintage look of the label seems to fly in the face of the general trend to design labels using principles of psychology, target market research and demographic data.
There is a little man or Dutch boy?? in nothing more than an apron (if you look closely you can see a sliver of his backside) standing on a stump, stirring a giant pumpkin kettle of what we can assume to be pumpkin puree adorning the label of Lake Shore pumpkin. Honestly, I have no idea what is going on in this odd little cooking scene on the label, but I love it for all its kitschy-nostalgic-ness.
On the back side of the label is the recipe for the pumpkin pie I mentioned earlier. I don’t usually ever share recipes I haven’t made myself at least once, but because it is one week until Thanksgiving, I am going to hold out and bake this when I bake the rest of my pies. I will update with photos and my own observations after Turkey Day!
How To Make Lake Shore Pumpkin Pie
Lake Shore Pumpkin Pie is super easy to make! You will have to have a pie crust at the ready, you can use your favorite homemade recipe or a store bought version.
- Line a 9″ pie plate with a pie crust.
- Combine your filling ingredients and stir to combine.
- Pour into prepared crust.
- Bake and cool.
- Serve Chilled and enjoy!!
How to know when Pumpkin Pie is done? You will know your pumpmkin pie is done cooking when you give you pumpkin pie a gentle shake and the filling still has a slight jiggle but is not wet or wiggly. Make sure you allow it to cool on a rack to allow it to finish setting.
Baking and Serving Pumpkin Pie
- This recipe makes 2 8-inch pies, but I’ve had great results halving the recipe for a single pie using a whole 15-ounce can of solid pack pumpkin
- Brushing the crust with a lightly beaten egg white helps keep the crust from becoming soggy.
- Pumpkin pie sets as it cools, so it is best served chilled. Cool a freshly baked pumpkin pie for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Pumpkin pie is great on it’s own, but I also love serving it with whipped cream, whipped topping, or vanilla ice cream.
- Pumpkin pie is essentially a custard and should be stored in the fridge. The pie will keep in refrigeration for 3-4 days
Lake Shore Solid Pack Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Lake Shore Solid Pack Pumpkin Pie
This traditional holiday pumpkin pie recipe that is found on the back of the Lake Shore Solid Pack Pumpkin can labels . This pie is easy to prepare, just mix, pour, bake for a delicious Upstate New York homemade tradition.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 29 ounces Lake Shore solid pack pumpkin
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 2 cups milk
- 2 9-inch pie crusts
Instructions
- Mix well beaten eggs, pumpkin, sugar, salt and spices. Add milk and stir until mixture is smooth.
- Line two 9-inch pie pans with pastry.
- Pour filling into the pastry shells, dividing it equally.
- Bake in a hot oven (400 degrees) about 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted halfway between center and edge comes out clean.
Notes
This recipe makes 2 9-inch pies, but I've had great results halving the recipe for a single pie using a whole 15-ounce can of canned pumpkin
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 215Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 257mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 1gSugar: 21gProtein: 4g
*Nutrition Information does not include pie crust. Even though I try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of my ability, these figures should still be considered estimates. Please see my Nutrition Disclaimer for more information.
I would really love to learn more about Lake Shore Pumpkin! Do you use Lake Shore Solid Pack Pumpkin, do you have any memories of holiday baking with it?
Lake Shore Pumpkin was the only brand my mom would ever use. I don’t know if the original recipe on the can called for canned evaporated milk, but she always made her pumpkin pie with this recipe using canned evaporated milk. So whenever I make these pies, I do the same. The result is a fantastic pie! We were home for a few months this year and I made sure to pick up a few cans at Tops in Olean. When my daughter mentioned how bad the reviews were for Costco’s $5 pumpkin pies this year, I knew what I had to do! I know everyone will be very happy at dinner tomorrow when we have the best pumpkin pies in years!
Loved reading this. My mother, from Erie, Pa., swore by Lake Shore pumpkin and their pumpkin pie recipe, and it’s still the recipe I use even though I live far away now and “make do” with fresh roasted pie pumpkins.
Nov 8, 2024 – This past week I was in TOPS in Hamburg , NY and was able to purchase “Lakeshore Pie Filling”. The manager had assisted me in looking to the back of the shelf for more than the 1 can I could see and he told me that they get shipments in everyday and there would be more. I have been back to the store 3 times now and haven’t seen a single can. Very disappointed. Still searching.
I’ve had to call around to multiple Tops this year but I found some in Warsaw NY – I grabbed 4 cans. I believe some Wegmans in the Buffalo area carries it- last year I had to drive ( I can’t for the life of me remember which one.) I can’t figure out why it’s getting harder and harder to find. THIS IS THE ONLY pumpkin we use. The other brands do not hold a candle to it and you can taste the difference. Hope you are able to find some before Thanksgiving!
I’ve lived away from Buffalo, NY my entire adult life. At first I would bring the Lake Shore pumpkin back with me so I would have it for the pie making. After a Thanksgiving when I didn’t have the cans, I used Libby canned pumpkin. I respectfully disagree that it’s not the same and I truly love all things Buffalo and surroundings! It’s the recipe that’s different. There is no other recipe that I have read that has the combination of spices that the recipe on the back of Lake Shore’s can has on it. So, when I’m away from the area, I feel good about baking “My Mom’s Pumpkin Pie”. If I could use Lake Shore as you can, I would keep going back to Tops or Wegmans etc.
It’s the only one I use. Have tried others but always come back to lake shore. We love it as a family!!!
My grandmother and my father have always used Lake Shore Solid Pack Pumpkin for all their pumpkin pies. Unfortunately, my dad is unable to find it any longer! Family reunions nor Thanksgiving are the same without it!
If anyone knows where we can find it, PLEASE message me!
We love Lakeshore Pumpkin, both my mom and my grandmother used it for over 100 years, I have used it for 50 years. I wouldn’t used anything else.
Nobody makes better pumpkin!
Lakeshore Pumpkin is the Only brand I use for over 55 yrs for pies. I use Libby’s sometime for cookies. Lakeshore has the best flavor and consistency.- would not waste eggs using any other type
@Buffalo Gal, where can I buy some in buffalo?
I am a holistic doc with Buffalo roots.I have used this recipe for decades, but adjust the sugar WAY down. I use a slightly heaping 1/4 cup unpacked brown sugar and a full dropper-ful of Vanilla Creme Stevia (Sweetleaf-available at Wegmans if you’re in WNY, or at vitacost.com). I also add 1 tsp. of nutmeg because I love the flavor. I have always thought the allspice is critical to the great flavor result. A can of coconut milk -light or regular- is a great substitution for dairy milk if you are dairy-free. We use this recipe with our homegrown pumpkin as well, always a winner!
This is the best and I mean best pumpkin pie recipe-I have ever tasted and I use it allll the time- I refear this recipe to every one I know and give the recipe out to all that I know,- I have it in alllllll my recipes boxes and books —just incase I misplace it. I have used fresh pumpkin that we have grown and it works great and also gener. kind- I MEAN THIS IS THE GREATEST. DON’T LOOSE IT.
I’m 75 years old and have never used anything but Lakeshore. My mom who was born in 1912 never used anything but Lakeshore. It makes the best pie ever. My daughters now use Lakeshore if I bring it to them because it’s not sold where they live.
I’m having a hard time finding the small single can. If anyone can tell me how much of the double can I use for one pie that would be great.
Thank you
@Annette Marshall, 15oz is a single can
“The ONLY canned pumpkin worth its salt,” as my Grandmother used to say. I am 68 years old and it’s the only pumpkin my family ever used for pie and bread. The label is a bit different than when I was young. I believe a Native American used to be on the can. Had a harder time getting it this year. Had to go to 3 Tops stores to find it. I send it to my sister in Nevada for her Thanksgiving, and I take it with me to Montana for Christmas at my daughter’s. Once you have a Lake Shore pumpkin pie, you will never want a Libby’s again!
I followed your recipe, but since it is holiday time and this year is particularly special to us, I substituted heavy cream for the milk, and the result is a decadently rich, velvety filling. I read somewhere that the little men on the Lakeshore can were “sprites”, sort of like elves. I loved that can art, I trusted it growing up and wherever I had a choice, I always bought Lakeshore.
I have always used Libbys’ pumpkin. I never heard of your brand until now. We no longer live in NY State so getting to try your canned pumpkin will not happen. Where are your products sold in NY? We are originally from Plattsburgh, NY but have been gone for the past 12 years. Would love to try your Brand if my friends live where they could buy me a can and bring it South. Thanks for your time. Gayle
My mother-in-law gave me her recipe for pumpkin pie 48 years ago. It’s the one on the back of the Lake Shore can, exactly as printed above. Since we are not currently residing in NY, no access to this pumpkin. M-I-L would be horrified if she knew her version of pumpkin pie was no longer available.
Lakeshore pumpkin I grew up on. Now it’s hard to find in stores.
I have ordered it by Buffalo I a box in the past. But the price and the shipping have has out priced my budget.
Sadly I will not have pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving.
Dianne Grant,
I still haven’t been able to get my hands on any either! I feel like other brands of canned pumpkins are more watery. I may try making my own pumpkin puree. But not being able to find Lakeshore is disappointing.
I hope you have a happy and healthy holiday 🙂
@Jennifer Morrisey, I was wondering how long an unopened can of Lake Shore Pumpkin Solid Pack can be safely used? Mine has a “Best By” Dec 2020. Couldn’t find anything on their website.
Thank you
@Deborah Coleman, if the can has not swollen, I personally would open it and sniff/taste it. Outdates are a function of the food industry but often don’t reflect reality – my opinion, tested MANY times through the years.
I grew up on this product in WNY. It was the only pumpkin my mother would buy. I remember being enamored with the artwork on the can from a very young age. I would stare at the can while my mom put the pies together. I loved that nearly as much as the delicious pies my mother produced from it.
Sooo disappointing, it’s the only canned pumpkin I use and that has been used in my family for generations! Libby’s? Horrible, no comparison!! I would rather go without, than use Libby’s brand! I can’t find Lake Shore canned Pumpkin anywhere! Search online and all you get is recipes!
What the heck is going on?
I cannot find Lakshore pumpkin in my local Tops store. I have eaten this product for approx 50 years but is always so hardto find. Can you help??
I haven’t been able to find any either! I recently sent a email to the distributor, and will update if/when I hear about shipping delays or expected deliveries.
I found a lot of reduced cans of Lake Shore Pumpkin at the Acme Fresh Market Grocery Store
in the Pleasant Valley Shopping Center here in Parma, Ohio. I go a 29 oz can for $1.50.
Smaller sizes are $1 a can. It is nice to see Acme’s, which is based in Akron, Ohio, carry this
regional product. My cousin will try it soon as she likes to make pumpkin rolls. Made the purchase on Thursday, December 17.
This is the only pumpkin filling brand I use and always have, as did my mother and grandmother before me. Love the spice combination and the slightly darker color of the finished pie. Always the same label on the can. Nostalgia!
I live in a small town 35 miles south of Buffalo, and this was always a staple for Thanksgiving. My mom told us (3 girls and a boy) to ALWAYS use Lake Shore pumpkin for pies. I believe it was made in Derby (on Lake Erie) back then, or at least I think that was what was on the can. I know it was made somewhere in the Buffalo area though. Possibly Lake View…? It has since been sold to Libby’s, which I didn’t know until this year when I bought it and read the back. I’m glad they kept the recognizable, old fashioned label too! The funny thing is, Mom didn’t like the Libby’s brand pumpkin!
@Debbi Spencer, I live south of Buffalo too. About the same distance. Arcade ny to be exact. Are you close
Only kind my mom used. Very hard to find. Tops markets only that I know of.
This is the recipe Mom always used!
It was canned at one time in Conneaut Ohio at the Cummins Can Company in the 50s. My grandmother use to buy only the Lake Shore brand to make pumpkin pies.
If you cannot find Lakeshore pumpkin, just use Libby’s brand! Solid packed pumpkin is just that, folks! However, the recipes are different, so just use the Lakeshore recipe! After not being able to find it last year for my husband, who makes the pies, I finally convinced him it’s all in the recipe! He agreed!!
Being a loyal Lake Shore fan since the mid 80’s we were having difficulty finding it this year. We found some in the Tops in Warsaw, NY. This week it is on sale with their Bonus Card. Wegmans used to be the backup place but they aren’t carrying it. I believe because they have their own store brand solid packed brand.
It’s definitely worth the hunt for it! Good luck.
Which tops did you find the pumpkin at? My step mom is looking all over and can’t find it.
@Scott, I found some at Wegmans recently in East Amherst.
Why havent i been able to find lakeshore pumpkin?Please tell me they didn’t discontinue it ….. I haven’t been able to find it anywhere. normally by now I have 3 or 4 cans in my pantry for the holidays
@Sue DeMarco,
@Sue DeMarco, Here’s a bit of trivia for you: The intended lake in the name ‘Lake Shore Pumpkin’ is Lake Ontario, whose waters result from four of the other Great Lakes-Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie-plunging over Niagara Falls and into the Niagara River Gorge below, the resulting Niagara River then flowing into the fifth of the Great Lakes, our Lake Ontario, whose waters eventually empty into the Saint Lawerence River and finally into the Atlantic Ocean. Whew!
Where can I find Lake Shore Solid Pack Pumpkin? It makes the best pies! Please help! Thanksgiving is coming soon!
I can not find lake shore pumpkin anywhere.
@Sue Sweat, me either. It’s the only pumpkin I have ever used! Tops market was the only place I have ever been able to find it, but not this year!
@Tam, try Wegmans…that’s where I found it recently.
Where can I get lakeshore pumpkin pie filling in Montgomery co, pa
When I was growing up in Kenmore, NY, we ALWAYS used Lakeshore brand pumpkin for our pies. I think the little “cooks” on the label are pumpkin sprites, sort of like elves without the weird ears. I have been living in Florida for the past 30 years, but when I visit, I try to load up on the hometown brands which I covetously hide in my pantry. Grandma Brown’s baked beans are an all-time favorite, and at one time, I think they also had a bean soup which was out of this world. I plan to retire in the next year and move back north, to Western PA, close enough that I can do a day-trip to the Southern Tier NYS to get all my goodies. Love your site!
My mom ALWAYS used Lake Shore Pumpkin and so did I. I moved south in 1996 and could NOT find it. Had to go back to NY to buy at least 8 cans at a time. Just made a trip this week and it is no longer available in stores. What am I going to do???No more LAKE SHORE PUMPKIN????? Can order from you? PLEASE .I am 68 and NEED my LAKE SHORE PUMPKIN!!!!
@Janet L Wiltsie, I feel the same way
It has been a family tradition to use Lakeshore Pumpkin pie filling. Where can I buy or order it?