Pie is a must-have for the holiday season! And for Thanksgiving, most people’s first thought is pumpkin pie! So below I get into all the details for the perfect pumpkin pie recipe!
This recipe features a silky filling made from canned pumpkin and a blend of pumpkin pie spices. It’s the easiest way to create a delicious dessert that will impress your guests, whether it’s your first time baking or you’re a seasoned pro.
Using a store-bought crust or a homemade pie crust recipe, this easy pumpkin recipe combines brown sugar, white sugar, and heavy cream for a rich flavor. The pie is baked until golden brown and is perfect for serving with whipped cream on top. It’s a great make-ahead dessert that can be prepared in advance and enjoyed later.
Creating the Perfect Pumpkin Pie
Crafting a classic pumpkin pie is a delightful experience, especially during the holiday season.
This easy pumpkin pie recipe features a silky filling made from pure pumpkin purée, complemented by a buttery crust that enhances the flavors beautifully. Whether you opt for a store-bought crust or decide to make your own using a homemade pie crust recipe, the result will be a delicious dessert that everyone will love.
The key to achieving the best pumpkin pie recipe lies in the balance of spices and sweetness.
Brown sugar and white sugar blend seamlessly with pumpkin pie spices, creating a rich and inviting flavor profile. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a bake time of 40-50 minutes, this pie is a great make-ahead dessert that can be enjoyed later, making it perfect for gatherings.
Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe for the Holidays
This pumpkin pie features a smooth filling made from pure pumpkin purée and a buttery crust that complements the flavors perfectly. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 8 people. You can use either a refrigerated pie crust or make your own from scratch for a flaky crust.
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked pie shell (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin purée or 2 cups homemade pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Pie Shell: If using a store-bought crust, place it in a 10-inch pie pan. If making a homemade pie crust, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into the pie pan. Trim the edges as needed.
- Blind Bake (Optional): For a flaky crust, you can blind bake the pie shell. Line the unbaked pie shell with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, black pepper, and kosher salt. Mix well until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then add them to the pumpkin mixture along with the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.
- Pour the Filling: Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie shell.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Once it reaches room temperature, cover it with layers of plastic wrap or aluminum foil if storing.
- Serve: Serve the pie chilled or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, place it in a 10-inch pie pan. For those making their own, roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into the pie pan, trimming the edges as needed.
For a flaky crust, consider blind baking. Line the unbaked pie shell with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment, baking for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden. This step ensures a perfectly baked crust that won’t become soggy.
Mixing the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, white sugar, and individual spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and black pepper. Mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and then add them to the pumpkin mixture along with heavy cream and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined, creating a silky filling that will be the star of your pie.
Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie shell, ensuring an even distribution. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect slice when serving.
Baking and Cooling the Pie
Place the pie in the preheated 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 40-50 minutes. The pie is done when the filling is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Allowing the pie to cool to room temperature is essential for the filling to set properly. If you’re storing it, cover it with layers of plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
Serving Suggestions
When it’s time to serve, enjoy the pie chilled or at room temperature. A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a delightful touch, while a sprinkle of cinnamon enhances the presentation and flavor. This classic pumpkin pie is not just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece that brings warmth and joy to any holiday gathering.
With its golden brown crust and rich filling, this pumpkin pie is sure to become a family favorite and a staple in your holiday traditions. Whether it’s your first time baking or you’re a seasoned pro, this recipe is the easiest way to create a memorable dessert that everyone will cherish.
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