Irresistible Pumpkin Pie Recipe for Cozy Fall Gatherings

The aroma of pumpkin pie wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace that feels like a cozy hug from your grandma. With its golden crust and velvety filling, this classic dessert is the highlight of any fall gathering, making it impossible to resist with just one slice—or three!

As I recall my first attempt at baking pumpkin pie, I still chuckle at my overzealous ambition in the kitchen. The flour exploded like a cloud of confetti, and my cat made a spectacular leap to avoid the chaos. But despite the mess, that first bite was pure bliss. There’s something magical about savoring this delicious pie during Thanksgiving dinner or on a chilly autumn evening with friends that brings everyone together.

I remember the first time I brought this pumpkin pie to a family gathering; everyone declared it the star of the show!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pumpkin Puree: Choose 100% pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor; canned works perfectly if fresh is unavailable.

• Granulated Sugar: Adjust sweetness according to your taste; you can use brown sugar for added depth.

• Cinnamon: This warm spice is crucial for that classic pumpkin pie flavor; fresh ground gives the best aroma.

• Nutmeg: A pinch adds warmth and complexity; don’t overdo it or it may overpower other flavors.

• Ginger: Fresh or powdered ginger lifts the flavor profile; use according to your preference for spiciness.

• Salt: Just a pinch enhances sweetness and balances flavors; don’t skip it!

• Eggs: They help set the filling; I recommend using large eggs for consistency.

• Evaporated Milk: This gives creaminess without being overly rich; don’t confuse it with sweetened condensed milk!

• Pie Crust: You can use store-bought or homemade—whatever you prefer! Just make sure it’s chilled before filling.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie

Preheat Your Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step ensures an evenly baked crust that’s golden and flaky.

Prepare Your Pie Crust: Roll out your chilled pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish—don’t forget to crimp those edges! Place it in the fridge while mixing your filling.

Create Your Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, eggs, and evaporated milk until smooth. The aroma will have you dreaming of fall!

Pour Batter Into Crust: Carefully pour the luscious filling into your prepared crust. Make sure not to spill over the edges—no one likes burnt edges!

Bake Until Set: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes before reducing temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue baking for another 40-50 minutes until filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.

Cool and Serve: Allow your masterpiece to cool on a wire rack for at least two hours. This helps everything settle perfectly! Serve with whipped cream or enjoy as is for an authentic treat.

Now you’re ready to impress friends and family with your homemade pumpkin pie! Enjoy each slice as laughter fills the room—because what’s better than good food shared among loved ones?

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing your pie crust while the pumpkin filling cools. Once the crust is ready, pour in the filling and bake until set, ensuring a perfectly balanced texture.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth. You can also swap in maple syrup for brown sugar for a unique twist on sweetness.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover pumpkin pie in the refrigerator, covered tightly to keep it fresh. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or serve cold for a refreshing treat.

I once made pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving and accidentally doubled the cinnamon, thinking I was enhancing its flavor. My family called it “pumpkin spice explosion,” but they loved it nonetheless.

FAQ

What type of pumpkin should I use for pumpkin pie?

Use sugar pumpkins or canned pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture.

Can I make pumpkin pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it one day before serving; just store it in the fridge.

How do I prevent my pumpkin pie from cracking?

Avoid overbaking and let it cool slowly at room temperature before refrigerating.

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Pumpkin Pie

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Pumpkin pie is the quintessential fall dessert, enveloping you in its warm, spiced aroma and velvety texture. This easy-to-make recipe combines 100% pure pumpkin puree with aromatic spices, creating a delightful treat perfect for Thanksgiving or cozy gatherings. Impress your family and friends with this classic dessert that’s sure to steal the spotlight at any holiday table.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8 slices 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
• 1 prepared pie crust (9-inch)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the chilled pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and refrigerate while preparing the filling.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, spices, salt, eggs, and evaporated milk until smooth.
4. Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
5. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly.
6. Cool on a wire rack for at least two hours before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating a splash of vanilla extract or using maple syrup instead of brown sugar. To prevent sogginess, blind bake your pie crust before adding the filling.