Pumpkin pie is a delicious, spiced dessert made from pureed pumpkin, sweetened and baked in a flaky crust. It’s a beloved treat in American kitchens, especially around fall and Thanksgiving. This recipe blends smooth pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves into a creamy filling that’s both comforting and festive. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying it for the first time, pumpkin pie is a simple way to add warmth and sweetness to your table.
Quick Facts
Pumpkin pie is a classic dessert that’s easy to make and enjoyed by many. Here’s a quick glance at what you’ll need and what to expect:
| Course | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Servings | 8 |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 50 minutes |
| Calories | 320 per slice |
Equipment Needed
To make the perfect pumpkin pie, having the right tools will make your baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 9-inch pie dish: A standard size for pumpkin pie.
- Mixing bowls: One large bowl for mixing the filling, one small for spices.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
- Whisk or electric mixer: To blend ingredients smoothly.
- Rolling pin: If making pie crust from scratch.
- Cooling rack: To cool the pie evenly after baking.
- Aluminum foil or pie shield: To cover the crust edges while baking.
- Oven mitts: Safety first when handling hot dishes.
- Spatula: For spreading and scraping the filling.
If you’re using store-bought pie crust, you can skip the rolling pin.
Ingredients
Gather these simple, fresh ingredients for a classic pumpkin pie:
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (or 2 cups homemade)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 large eggs
- 1 (12 fl oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, sugars, salt, and spices. Mix well.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Gradually add evaporated milk, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for an additional 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the pie cool completely on a wire rack.
- Refrigerate for a few hours before serving for the best texture.
Essential Note
When baking pumpkin pie, keep a close eye on the crust edges. They tend to brown faster, so use foil or a pie shield to cover them halfway through baking. This prevents burning while the filling cooks through. Also, don’t rush cooling. Pumpkin pie needs time to set properly, so chilling it in the fridge before slicing helps it hold its shape better and improves flavor. Using fresh spices instead of pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice boosts the aroma and taste significantly.
