If you love pumpkin pie as much as I do, you know the pumpkin you choose can change everything. The flavor, the texture, the color, the smoothness, it all shifts based on what you bake with. Two pumpkins often praised for pie are Long Island Cheese and Fairytale (also called Musquee de Provence). They look different, they cook different, and they bring their own personality to your kitchen.

I’ve baked with both many times and, from my own personal experience, each one brings something special to the table. One gives you a silky, mild, comforting filling. The other gives you rich color, deep flavor, and a thicker feel that stands out in every bite. But the big question is what you asked:

Which one actually makes a creamier pie?

Let’s break it down like we’re sitting at the kitchen counter together, chatting, tasting, and comparing every scoop of puree.

Let’s Understand These Two Pumpkins

Before we jump into creaminess, it helps to understand what makes each pumpkin unique. The shape, the flesh, the moisture, and the sugar levels all influence the final pie. Think of this as getting to know two ingredients that seem similar, but act completely differently once you cut them open.

Long Island Cheese Pumpkin

What It Looks Like

The Long Island Cheese pumpkin has a soft, smooth, squat shape. Even though the name sounds funny, it does look a bit like a wheel of cheese from the outside. The skin is beige, the flesh inside is pale orange, and it cuts easily.

How It Cooks

This pumpkin cooks down fast. The flesh is soft, mild, and easy to blend into a smooth puree. The flavor fits into any classic pumpkin recipe because it does not overpower spices.

Flavor Profile

Silky
Sweet but gentle
Classic pie taste
Soft on the palate

Why Bakers Love It

You get a silky puree without much effort. It blends well with cream, milk, and spices. If your goal is a smooth, delicate pumpkin pie, this pumpkin checks all the boxes.

Fairytale Pumpkin (Musquee de Provence)

What It Looks Like

The Fairytale pumpkin has a deep, rich, burnt-orange color. The skin forms deep ridges, and the pumpkin is heavy and dense. When you pick one up, you feel the weight right away.

How It Cooks

The flesh is darker, firmer, and richer. It takes a little longer to soften, but the payoff is in the flavor. It becomes thick and creamy once blended but still holds its shape well.

Flavor Profile

Deep flavor
Caramel-like scent when roasted
Richer than most pumpkins
Vibrant color

Why Bakers Love It

You get a thick puree with an intense pumpkin taste. If you like a pie that feels strong, bold, and full-bodied, this pumpkin delivers exactly that.

The Texture Showdown

Long Island Cheese Texture

Light
Silky
Smooth
Easy to blend

It almost feels like custard even before baking. The puree spreads evenly and makes a soft, creamy pie.

Fairytale Texture

Dense
Thick
Rich
Velvety

It has more body. Even when blended, it holds a bit of structure. The pie becomes thicker, richer, and slightly heavier.

Which One Makes a Creamier Pie?

Let’s answer your main question directly:

Long Island Cheese gives you a softer, smoother, lighter creaminess.

Fairytale gives you a thicker, richer, velvety creaminess.

Both are creamy, but creamy means something different in each pumpkin.

If your idea of creamy is silky and soft, go with Long Island Cheese.
If your idea of creamy is rich and dense, go with Fairytale.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Long Island Cheese vs. Fairytale Pumpkin

How Each Pumpkin Behaves in Pie Filling

Long Island Cheese

Mild Flavor

This pumpkin lets your spices shine. Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg stand out clearly because the flavor does not fight them.

Smooth Filling

The puree whips easily. When you blend it with eggs and cream, the filling becomes silky. You get even slices and a soft finish.

Easy to Handle

You do not have to work hard to get it smooth. Even with a fork, it becomes fluffy. If you love classic-style pie with a silky mouthfeel, this pumpkin fits perfectly.

Fairytale Pumpkin

Deep Flavor

This pumpkin has a naturally strong taste. The pie tastes richer even with fewer spices. If you love pies that taste like fall in every bite, this one wins.

Thick Filling

The puree is dense. When you mix it with your wet ingredients, it stays thick. The pie sets firmly and stands tall.

High Moisture but Thick Texture

Even with moisture inside the flesh, the final puree keeps its body. The creaminess comes from density instead of softness.

How Moisture Affects Creaminess

Creaminess in pie filling depends on more than fat. It depends on:

Water content
Fiber structure
Sugar levels
How well the pumpkin blends

Long Island Cheese

Lower fiber, softer flesh.
Moisture spreads evenly.
Makes a lighter filling.

Fairytale

Higher fiber, thicker structure.
Moisture gets absorbed into the flesh.
Makes a heavy, velvety filling.

Flavor Notes You Might Notice

Long Island Cheese

Soft sweetness
Light pumpkin scent
Balanced with spices

Fairytale

Deeper sweetness
Hints of caramel when roasted
More intense flavor in every bite

You decide which flavor direction you enjoy most.

Which One Is Easier for You to Cook With?

Long Island Cheese

Cuts smoothly
Roasts fast
Purees easily
Less stringy

Fairytale

Thicker skin
Heavier to lift
Roasts longer
More effort to cut

But the extra effort often feels worth it if you love a rich pie.

How Each Pumpkin Reacts to Spices

Long Island Cheese

Pairs well with gentle spices.
Lets each spice stand out.
Ideal for classic recipes.

Fairytale

Pairs well with strong spices.
Holds up to bold seasoning.
Ideal for pies with strong flavor.

Color Differences in the Pie

Long Island Cheese Pie Color

Light orange
Soft and pastel-like
Classic look

Fairytale Pie Color

Deep orange
More dramatic
Great for presentation

If you want a pie that looks visually striking, Fairytale gives you that vibrant color every time.

How They Freeze and Store

Long Island Cheese

Freezes well
Stays smooth when thawed
Maintains mild flavor

Fairytale

Freezes well but stays thicker
Thaws with strong flavor
Great for batch pie prep

Which One Works Better for Beginner Bakers?

If you’re new to baking:

Choose Long Island Cheese
It turns into puree faster, blends easily, and makes fewer lumps. You get smooth filling without effort.

Which One Works Better for Experienced Bakers?

If you enjoy bold flavor and do not mind more prep:

Choose Fairytale
You get a rich, gourmet-style pie that feels unique.

My Honest Take Based on Experience

If you want creamy in the soft way, choose Long Island Cheese.
If you want creamy in the velvety and rich way, choose Fairytale.

Both are pumpkin. Both work. But they give very different results.

Final Thoughts

Picking the right pumpkin is like picking the right mood for your pie. You decide what you want to taste, and the pumpkin helps you build that experience. If you want a pie that feels light, silky, and classic, you will love Long Island Cheese. If you want a pie that feels deep, rich, and full, Fairytale will win your heart.

Both bring something special, and both can make an amazing pie. But when it comes to which one makes a creamier pie, the answer depends on your idea of creamy:

Silky? Long Island Cheese.
Velvety? Fairytale.

Either way, your kitchen will smell amazing, and your pie will taste incredible.