Classic Pumpkin Pie: A Timeless Fall Dessert

Pumpkin Pie is an iconic dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. With its smooth, creamy filling spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this pie is a must-have for any holiday gathering. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, a cozy autumn dinner, or just because you’re craving something sweet and spiced, this classic pumpkin pie recipe is both simple to make and incredibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Pie

• Warm Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves creates a comforting, warm flavor that defines fall desserts.
• Smooth and Creamy: The pumpkin filling has a perfectly smooth texture that contrasts beautifully with a flaky crust.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples, this pie comes together easily without any complicated steps.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Pumpkin pie is great for preparing ahead of time, making it ideal for holiday meals.
• Classic Holiday Dessert: No Thanksgiving table is complete without a slice of pumpkin pie!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie

• Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree works best for convenience, but you can also use homemade pumpkin puree if you prefer.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds sweetness and richness to the filling.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the pie and giving it structure.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deep molasses flavor that complements the spices.
• Spices: A mix of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves creates that classic pumpkin pie flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the spices.
• Pie Crust: Use a store-bought crust for convenience, or make your own for a homemade touch.
• Vanilla Extract (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a homemade pie crust, roll it out and place it in a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges. If using store-bought, simply line the dish with the crust. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. You can add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
3. Pour the Filling:
   • Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
4. Bake the Pie:
   • Place the pie in the oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
5. Cool and Set:
   • Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the filling to set properly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Slice the pumpkin pie and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon. The creamy filling and flaky crust are sure to delight your guests!

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Pie

• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the pie as it bakes. The center should still have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven, as it will continue to firm up as it cools.
• Use Cold Ingredients for the Crust: If you’re making a homemade pie crust, keep the butter and water cold for the flakiest results.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the pie for a few hours or overnight ensures the filling is perfectly set and makes slicing easier.

Why Pumpkin Pie is a Fall Classic

Pumpkin Pie has been a beloved fall dessert for generations, gracing tables at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and every cozy autumn gathering in between. The smooth, custard-like filling paired with the warmth of fall spices makes this pie a nostalgic treat that never goes out of style.

Ready to Bake Your Own Slice of Autumn?

Serve your Pumpkin Pie with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a picture-perfect fall dessert. Its comforting flavor and beautiful presentation will make it the star of your holiday table!

Pumpkin Pie Recipe

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Servings 1 pie

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Pumpkin Filling:

• 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving (optional):

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Instructions

 

Make the pie crust:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
• Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
• Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
• Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish and gently press it into the dish, trimming any excess dough.
• Crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork.

Prepare the pumpkin filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
• Add the eggs and beat until combined.
• Gradually whisk in the heavy cream or evaporated milk and vanilla extract until smooth.

Assemble the pie:

• Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust.
• Smooth the top with a spatula if needed.

Bake the pie:

• Bake the pie at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes.
• Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 40-45 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
• If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.

Cool and serve:

• Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.
• Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Notes

This Pumpkin Pie is a classic fall dessert, filled with warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering, it’s a comforting and satisfying way to celebrate the season!

Ready to Bake Your Own Slice of Autumn?

• Creamy Pumpkin Soup