Pecan or Pumpkin Pie? Texans Sound Off

In the heart of the Permian Basin, where the high desert meets the oilfield, a holiday debate unfolds each fall at family dinner tables across Odessa and Midland: pecan pie versus pumpkin pie.

The competition can be intense among local residents, depending on whom you ask.

However, this debate appears to extend beyond the Midland-Odessa region, as individuals worldwide contemplate which autumn pie reigns supreme.

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Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie, the custardy slice of autumn we’ve all grown up anticipating, has roots that reach back to early colonial America.

Historians trace the first “pumpkin pie”-style recipes to New England in the 1600s, when settlers adapted natives’ pumpkins by baking them into sweetened, crust-bound puddings.

I personally love pumpkin pie; however, not everyone shares my affinity for it.

Regardless, it became a hallmark of Thanksgiving meals, and by the time westward settlers reached Texas, pumpkin pie rode along in the wagon.

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie, on the other hand, is almost home-field advantage for Texans.

What's more Texan than Pecan pie?

Native to Texas, the pecan tree was designated the official state tree in 1919. In 2013, the Texas Legislature officially declared pecan pie the state pie.

The dessert as we know it today has gained popularity relatively recently, appearing in cookbooks in Texas and the broader South during the early 20th century.

Which is Better?

At any given dinner table, the inclusion of both pie varieties represents an ideal balance, offering the finest selection of desserts.

Pecan pie presents a robust, distinctly Texan flavor, paying homage to the region's rich agricultural heritage.

Conversely, pumpkin pie establishes a connection to a cherished national tradition, and its uncomplicated sweetness fosters a sense of community.

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This season, within the Permian Basin, the debate may conclude with shared plates, harmonious conversation, and the collective recognition that both pies provide a delightful experience, rather than discord.