Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a secret. A secret that’s been passed down through generations of my family, a secret involving the most important people in my life. What is the best pumpkin pie you have ever tasted? Forget those store bought monstrosities that taste like vaguely spiced cardboard. What is the best pumpkin pie recipe? Think of it as the cashmere sweater of desserts – cozy, luxurious, and something you reach for every time. Is it easier than making apple pie? When the wind starts blowing, is
What is pumpkin pie?
Pumpkin pie is a celebration of autumn. What is a spiced pumpkin custard with flaky crust? Think of it as a cross between an ice cream pudding and an egg dish (but don’t let it distract you from the flavours). What’s the scariest vegetable part? The name itself is pretty straightforward, right? How do you use canned pumpkin puree? What gives cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves that warm, spicy taste? What’s a comforting flavor that just screams “fall.” I make it every year because, frankly, I can’t get enough of it. “It’s a Thanksgiving staple, sure, but I always make this year round. I’m sure you’ll be too!
Why you should try this recipe?
How do I make a pumpkin pie? I’ve made it countless times, and it always turns out perfectly.
- Flavor:The taste is just amazing. What is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with a rich pumpkin flavor that’s not too overpowering? Is it like a warm hug in every slice? I use cardamom to make the pumpkin flavor pop. I’ve never used any other flavor. Is this true?
- Simplicity:What is a good pumpkin pie recipe? What is the easiest way to bake a pie? I’ve included all my tips and tricks to ensure success, even if I don’t know what to do. The steps are straightforward, and I have included them all. If you’re a beginner baker, how
- Cost-What are some of the best canned pumpkin recipes? The spices are pantry staples, and the pie crust can be homemade or store-bought, depending on your preference. Is there a time constraint? I made this with graham crackers and it was delicious!
- Versatility:Can you enjoy this pumpkin pie warm or cold? Is it delicious with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or just on its own? My kids love it with a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness. I even had it once with a little crumbled gingersnap on top that was quite delicious.
What are some good recipes for pumpkin pie? Are pumpkins full of vitamins and fiber?
How do I make pumpkin pie?
Quick Overview
How do I make pumpkin pie? How do I make a pumpkin filling? Is there a touch of sweetness Then, we’ll pour it into a pre-made or homemade pie crust and bake it until golden brown and set. How do you bake a pumpkin pie? Is it a creamy, smooth If you take a sock out, don’t worry if it jiggles slightly in the center. It will firm up as it cools. Is perfection boring?
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust: What are some of the
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes.
* 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
* 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
* 1 cup evaporated milk
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* Pinch of cardamom (my secret ingredient!)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Whipped Cream (optional, but highly recommended):
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
What is the step by
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This lower temperature helps the pie bake evenly and prevents the crust from burning. While the oven is preheating, prepare your pie crust. If you’re using store-bought crust, simply unroll it and place it in a 9-inch pie plate. If you’re making your own dough, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and transfer it to the refrigerator. I always crimp the edges for a pretty finish. It’s kind of my signature move. This is important for keeping your filling from running out.
Step 2: Make the Crust (if homemade)
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside. How do you cut the butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs? Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling out. How do I make a flaky crust?
Step 3: Blind Bake the Crust (optional, but recommended)
For a crispier crust, pre-bake it before adding the filling. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes. Let cool completely before adding the filling. I’ve skipped this step before when I was in a rush, and it still turned out great! If you have the time, blind baking really does make a difference.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar. Reserve. Egg, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and salt until smooth and well combined. How do you make a pumpkin pie? Is it important to ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated, but don’t overmix? What makes a creamy pie?
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust. Carefully transfer the pie to the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. To prevent the crust from browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil during baking. Is it necessary to bake for 20 minutes? My grandma always taught me this trick!
Step 6: Cool Completely
How do you remove a pie from the oven? As it cools, the filling will firm up and the flavors will meld together. Resist the urge to cut into it while it’s still warm! I know it’s tempting, but trust me, it is worth the wait. When all the flavors meld together, and it becomes a true masterpiece.
Step 7: Make the Whipped Cream (optional)
While the pie is cooling, you can prepare the whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until stiff peaks form. If you overbeat, you’ll end up with butter! How do I make whipped cream in the freezer? What is the time to whip? How does the cream whip up faster and hold its shape better?
Step 8: Slice & Serve
Once the pie is completely cooled, slice and serve. Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. And there you have it – the perfect pumpkin pie! Prepare for rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I guarantee you’ll be making this one for years to come. This pie is best served cold. It’s even better on the second day.
What to Serve It With
Pumpkin pie is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments.
For Breakfast: Serve a slice with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warm spices in the pie pair perfectly with the rich flavors of coffee. For a more indulgent breakfast, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of maple syrup.
For Brunch: Elevate your brunch spread with mini pumpkin pie tarts or slices arranged on a platter. Serve alongside mimosas or sparkling cider for a festive touch. I like to add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a pretty presentation.
As Dessert: After a hearty meal, a slice of pumpkin pie is the perfect ending. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more sophisticated dessert, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with chopped pecans.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot chocolate on a chilly evening. It’s the ultimate comfort food. I sometimes microwave a slice for a few seconds to warm it up slightly – it’s like a warm hug from the inside out. I can still remember my mom making it on those cold winter nights.
My family usually has pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, and then the leftovers are eaten for breakfast the next day with coffee!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pumpkin Pie
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that will take your pumpkin pie to the next level:
Crust Preparation: For a flakier crust, use cold butter and ice water. Don’t overwork the dough, and chill it for at least 30 minutes before rolling. Blind baking the crust will prevent it from becoming soggy. I always make sure my butter is cold before making pie crust. You can even cut the butter into cubes and put them in the freezer for 10 minutes. This helps to ensure it doesn’t melt when mixing.
Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the filling, as this can result in a tough pie. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. I like to use a whisk for a smooth, lump-free filling.
Spice Customization: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a spicier pie, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more ginger. If you like a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cloves and nutmeg. Also, fresh nutmeg tastes so much better than the pre-ground stuff.
Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute the evaporated milk with heavy cream for an even richer pie. You can also use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a more caramel-like flavor. I tested this recipe with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
Baking Tips: Bake the pie on the lowest rack in the oven to prevent the crust from burning. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil. A water bath will help prevent the pie from cracking.
Glaze Variations: For a glossy finish, brush the crust with an egg wash before baking. After the pie has cooled, you can drizzle it with caramel sauce or chocolate sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
I’ve also found that a slightly underbaked pie is better than an overbaked one. It will continue to set as it cools. I always set a timer and check the pie frequently during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your pumpkin pie fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: You can store pumpkin pie at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the pie in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually meld together and improve over time!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze pumpkin pie for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to glaze the pie, do so just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or dissolving during storage.
I always make sure to cool the pie completely before storing it. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the crust soggy. The texture really makes a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s cherished pumpkin pie recipe. I truly believe this is the only pumpkin pie recipe you’ll ever need. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, a cozy weeknight dessert, or a special breakfast treat, this pumpkin pie is sure to impress. It really is the one and only pie I need when it comes to holiday gatherings! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
pumpkin pie recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 0.75 cup packed light brown sugar
- 0.5 cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Pour mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 40-45 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before serving.
