Overflowing with flavor, this pumpkin pie recipe is my absolute favorite. It is rich, smooth, and tastes amazing when paired with my homemade pie crust, sugared cranberries, and whipped cream.
"This may sound exaggerated, but this is the finest pumpkin pie I have ever tasted, truly! To be honest, I was apprehensive due to the quantity of spices… I feared it might be too ‘spicy,’ but it turned out perfect. The texture is smooth… yet not mushy, with a delightful medley of flavors all at once, it’s fantastic!
Pumpkin cookies, pumpkin bars, pumpkin lattes, pumpkin cupcakes, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cake, and pumpkin Bundt cake, but HELLO, what about pumpkin pie?? My Great Pumpkin Pie Recipe is available today.
Did you know that finding the ideal pumpkin pie recipe is far more difficult than one might think!? Fresh pumpkin, canned pumpkin, ginger, no ginger, brown sugar, white sugar, cornstarch, flour, no cornstarch, no flour…?
However, I have finally cracked the pumpkin pie code. I was raised in a household of pumpkin pie enthusiasts, and no Thanksgiving was complete without a nap and a generous slice of pumpkin pie. What I mean to convey is that my expectations for this traditional Thanksgiving dessert are quite high.
“I have been making pumpkin pies for decades, and none have compared to this one. The frosted cranberries and small pastry leaves were an excellent touch. The homemade pie dough was incredible as well. We had some leftover filling and baked it in ramekins. Outstanding all around.
Pie Crust
Let’s begin with the pie crust. Every pumpkin pie must start with an exceptional pie crust. My homemade pie crust combines shortening and butter to create the most buttery, tender, and flaky (so flaky) pie crust. It is simple to prepare. Additionally, I have a video tutorial and step-by-step photos in my pie crust recipe.
If you choose to forgo the leaf decorations on top, you will have a second pie crust available to use for
If you choose to forgo the leaf decorations on top, you will have a second pie crust available for creating leftover turkey pot pie, mini pecan pies, or even a straightforward pear tarte tatin! Alternatively, if you prefer a thicker pie crust, you can utilize some of your second pie crust to create a decorative crimped or fluted edge. My tutorial on how to crimp and flute pie crust will guide you through each step.
Fresh or Canned Pumpkin in Pumpkin Pie?
I experimented with this recipe using both fresh and canned pumpkin, and I found that I preferred the pie made with canned pumpkin. The canned pumpkin pie (try saying that three times quickly) was slightly sturdier when baked for the same duration. In contrast, the pie made with fresh pumpkin puree had a grainy texture and a somewhat… herbaceous flavor? I tend to favor fresh pumpkin puree for savory dishes rather than desserts. Ultimately, the choice is yours; you may opt for either fresh or canned pumpkin.
Other Ingredients in Pumpkin Pie
Eggs. Eggs are essential for setting the pumpkin pie filling, providing it with a rich and luxurious texture.
Heavy cream. Heavy cream contributes to the silky smoothness of pumpkin pie. It is thick, creamy, and absolutely divine in this pumpkin pie recipe. I typically use 1 cup of heavy cream along with 1/4 cup of milk. I discovered that using 1 and 1/4 cups of heavy cream (or more) was simply excessive—too thick and too gloppy! Additionally, you can use the heavy cream to prepare homemade whipped cream for the topping.
Cornstarch. A starch thickener is a crucial component in pie filling. I incorporate a small amount of cornstarch in my pumpkin pie as it aids in setting the pie, making it a bit sturdier and firmer while maintaining a smooth consistency.
My Secret Ingredient
This may sound quite unusual, but I add freshly ground black pepper to my pumpkin pie filling. It is indeed peculiar, I understand. However, I am serious. I received this tip from the brilliant kitchen team at King Arthur Baking, and I am eternally thankful. This simple addition transforms your pumpkin pie into the BEST pumpkin pie. No one will realize it is there except for you, and they will all be left wondering what makes this spiced pie so exceptional… it’s just a pinch of pepper.
I actually incorporate it into my homemade pumpkin pie spice blend as well! You are welcome to substitute the ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper listed below with my homemade spice. (However, do keep the cinnamon in the filling!)
How to Prevent Cracks in Pumpkin Pie
This pumpkin pie is silky yet thick, and it slices beautifully as long as it is baked for the appropriate duration. The baking time is approximately 55-60 minutes. At this point, the center of the pumpkin pie will have a slight wobble. It will firm up as it cools. Be cautious not to overbake; overbaking will result in cracks in the filling.
P.S.: For some exciting variations on this classic, consider trying this recipe as mini pumpkin pies, with a crunchy topping on pecan praline pumpkin pie, or with additional spices in chai pumpkin meringue pie. You can also prepare pumpkin hand pies or pumpkin cheesecake pie!
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Thus, from my kitchen to yours, enjoy The Great Pumpkin Pie Recipe. If you seek further inspiration for your dessert table, here is a compilation of all our favorite Thanksgiving pies along with a list of over 30 best pumpkin dessert recipes.
Notes
Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: Pumpkin pie freezes effectively for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator prior to serving. Pie crust dough also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before use. If you plan to decorate your pie with sugared cranberries, begin preparing them the night before. You should also start the pie crust the night before (the dough requires at least 2 hours to chill; overnight is optimal). The filling can be prepared the night before as well. In fact, I prefer it that way, as it allows the spices, pumpkin, and brown sugar flavors to meld and develop. It’s fantastic. Cover and refrigerate overnight. There is no need to bring it to room temperature before baking.
Special Tools : Glass Mixing Bowls | Saucepan | Baking Sheet | Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper | Rolling Pin | 9-inch Pie Dish | Pastry Brush | Pie Weights | Whisk | Pie Crust Shield | Cooling Rack | Fall Cookie Cutters
A nice pumpkin pie filling recipe to try !
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups canned pumpkin
- 1 cup rice milk
- ½ cup agave (or honey)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 TB dark molasses, more if desired
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp grated nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground allspice
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 425.
In large bowl, mix all ingredients until smooth and blended. Pour into prepared crust and smooth top. Bake for 10 minutes.Reduce oven temperature to 350. Bake until filling is set, about 50 minutes.
Set on wire rack to cool, then refrigerate overnight. You may notice the filling pull away from the crust as it cools due to the ingredients. The pumpkin pie filling recipe is ready to serve and it will taste great!
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