Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Fall’s Most Heavenly Pumpkin Pie Recipe for Cozy Moments

Crafting a delectable pumpkin pie becomes an autumn ritual that connects us to cherished memories.

Seasonal spices dance through this classic dessert, promising warmth in every bite.

Generations have passed down this beloved recipe, each family adding their unique twist.

Creamy and smooth, the filling captures the essence of fall’s golden afternoons.

Baking this pie fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons loved ones closer.

Crisp pastry and silky pumpkin custard create a harmony of textures that will make you the star of any gathering.

Prepare to be transported by a slice of pure comfort that celebrates the season’s most iconic dessert.

Why Pumpkin Pie Is The Star Of The Season

  • Celebrate Seasonal Comfort: A heartwarming pumpkin pie that captures the essence of cozy autumn gatherings, bringing warmth and nostalgia to your table.
  • Master Baking Skills: Perfect for home bakers looking to improve their pastry techniques, with clear steps that guide you through creating a professional-looking dessert.
  • Family-Friendly Dessert Delight: An inclusive recipe that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for holiday celebrations, potlucks, and weekend family desserts.
  • Simple Ingredient Magic: Transforms basic pantry staples into a stunning, rich dessert that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary expertise.

Everything You Need For A Perfect Pumpkin Pie

Pie Crust Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure for the flaky pie base.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie crust.
  • Cold Butter: Creates layers and flakiness in the pie crust.
  • Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together without making it too wet.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that gives the pie its classic autumn flavor and smooth texture.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds rich sweetness and creamy consistency to the pie filling.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the filling together.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice characteristic of pumpkin pie.
  • Ground Ginger: Contributes a subtle, zesty flavor to the filling.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Offers a deep, nutty warmth to the pie's flavor profile.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall taste of the filling.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a light and fluffy topping for the pie.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the whipped cream topping.

How To Bake Pumpkin Pie With Silky Smooth Filling

Step 1: Create the Perfect Pie Crust

Grab a mixing bowl and combine flour and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like rough, sandy crumbs. Add ice water gradually, mixing until the dough just comes together without getting too sticky.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and pop it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps the gluten relax and keeps the butter cool, ensuring a flaky crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Pie Dish

Crank up the oven to 425°F. Roll out the chilled dough on a flour-dusted surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough, trim the edges, and create a beautiful crimped border.

Step 4: Mix the Pumpkin Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Eggs
  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt

Blend until the mixture is silky smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 35-40 minutes. The center should be almost set but still slightly jiggly.

Step 6: Cool and Garnish

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. While waiting, whip up some cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Before serving, crown your pie with billowy dollops of whipped cream or pipe elegant swirls around the edges. Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Top Tips For A Flaky Crust And Bold Flavor In Pumpkin Pie

  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Brush pie crust with egg white before adding filling to create a protective barrier that keeps the bottom crisp and flaky.
  • Smooth Filling Technique: Strain pumpkin mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth texture in every bite.
  • Perfect Doneness Check: Insert a knife near the pie's center – if it comes out clean with just a slight wobble, your pie is perfectly baked and ready to cool.
  • Crust Edge Protection: Cover pie edges with aluminum foil during the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and maintain a golden, even crust.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pie up to two days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile.

Flavorful Variations For Pumpkin Pie Lovers

  • Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie: Replace half the sweetened condensed milk with pure maple syrup and sprinkle chopped pecans over the filling before baking for a nutty, caramelized flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Pie: Melt dark chocolate and create elegant swirls through the pumpkin filling before baking, adding rich depth and visual appeal.
  • Spiced Rum Pumpkin Pie: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of dark rum into the filling mixture and garnish with candied ginger pieces for an adult-friendly version with warm, complex undertones.
  • Coconut Cream Pumpkin Pie: Substitute half the milk with coconut milk and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired alternative that adds creamy texture and exotic notes.

What Goes Best With Pumpkin Pie On The Side

  • Pair Sweet Spiced Bourbon: Pour a smooth, caramel-forward bourbon that complements the pie's warm spices and enhances the pumpkin's rich flavor profile.
  • Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy, cold vanilla bean ice cream alongside the pie, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast.
  • Match with Cinnamon Chai Latte: Brew a spiced chai latte with extra cinnamon to echo the pie's warm spice notes and provide a cozy, comforting beverage experience.
  • Boost with Maple Whipped Cream: Infuse the whipped cream topping with pure maple syrup to add depth and a complementary sweetness that elevates the classic pumpkin pie.

Store Pumpkin Pie Without Drying It Out

  • Wrap the cooled pumpkin pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain its freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Carefully wrap the entire pie or individual slices in multiple layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil, placing them in a freezer-safe container to preserve for up to 2 months without compromising taste or texture.
  • Keep the pie at room temperature for no more than 2 hours if serving the same day, ensuring it stays covered to protect from dust and insects.
  • Allow the freshly baked pie to cool completely on a wire rack for 2-3 hours before storing, preventing condensation and maintaining the perfect pie consistency.

Pumpkin Pie Questions? We’ve Got You Covered

  • Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and saves time compared to roasting fresh pumpkin. Just ensure you select pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

  • How can I prevent my pie crust from becoming soggy?

Blind bake the crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling, and brush the bottom with egg white to create a moisture barrier that keeps the crust crisp.

  • Why does my pumpkin pie crack on top?

Overbaking or sudden temperature changes cause cracking. Remove the pie when the center is slightly jiggly and cool it gradually at room temperature to prevent cracks.

  • Is there a way to know if my pie is fully baked?

Insert a knife near the center – if it comes out clean with just a slight moisture, the pie is done.

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Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Pumpkin Pie Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Warm, spiced Pumpkin Pie brings classic American dessert comfort straight from grandmother’s kitchen. Creamy filling nestled in flaky crust promises delightful autumn moments you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Pie Filling:

  • 2 cups pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Crust:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter
  • 34 tbsp ice water

Topping:

  • 1 cup whipped cream
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Craft the pie crust by combining flour and salt in a mixing bowl, then incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough comes together without becoming overly sticky.
  3. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow gluten to relax and butter to chill.
  4. Preheat the oven to 425°F and roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
  5. Gently transfer the dough to the pie dish, trim excess edges, and crimp the border for a decorative finish.
  6. Whisk pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl until smooth and well-combined.
  7. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, ensuring an even distribution.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 35-40 minutes until the center is almost set.
  9. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours.
  10. Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  11. Before serving, garnish the pie with dollops of whipped cream or pipe decorative swirls around the edges.

Notes

  • Prevent soggy crusts by blind baking the pie shell for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling, which creates a barrier against moisture.
  • Enhance flavor depth by toasting whole spices and grinding them fresh instead of using pre-ground spices for more vibrant, complex taste notes.
  • Make the pie gluten-free by substituting traditional flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring the same flaky texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.
  • Control cracking by gently baking the pie and avoiding overbaking, which helps maintain a smooth, creamy custard-like consistency without unsightly surface breaks.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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