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

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.
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.
Pour the Filling:
- Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
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.
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.
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

Cook Time 1

Servings: 1 pie

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method

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?

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