This Thanksgiving, warm the table with your most delicious pumpkin confection yet using our tried-and-true tips.

There's nothing quite like the taste of pumpkin in fall. Pumpkin muffins, pumpkin spice lattes (PSL), and of course nothing beats a classic home-cooked pumpkin pie.

With Thanksgiving only a week away, we've compiled our top suggestions to help make sure your pie takes the cake this holiday!

1. Never bake

To ensure your pie filling is light and creamy, refrain from putting your creation in the oven. You'll be left with a more chiffon-style filling.

2. Use real pumpkin

This may come as no surprise, but real, fresh pumpkin undoubtedly gives your pastry a fresher taste, and it's healthier for you, too! As a bonus suggestion, use sweetened condensed milk in your recipe to naturally lighten your filling.

3. Top it off with real whipped cream

To give your pie a bit more personality, top it off with fluffy whipped cream, and loads of it! Just be sure to use the real thing, not the canned product. It can be as easy as buying a carton of whipping cream and whisking or beating it with a mixer until fluffy.

4. Add some zest

Why stop at whipped cream? Chopped walnuts, dark chocolate shavings, and sprinkled brown sugar can all add the perfect finishing touch to your creation (and they'll look great, too!).

5. Visit your local retailer

...because when all else fails, you know Costco will have your back with a ready-made pie to grace your table and save your meal.

See all the helpful tips and tricks below.