As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, my thoughts inevitably drift to one of my all-time favorite desserts: pumpkin pie! There’s something so comforting about a slice of homemade pumpkin pie, especially when it’s made with love and a few secret tips. If you’re like me and enjoy whipping up easy pasta recipes for quick family dinners, then you’ll absolutely adore this Perfect Pumpkin Pie recipe. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic flavor that brings back memories of family gatherings.
- Easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Can be made ahead of time, freeing up your schedule for 30-minute meals.
- Rich and creamy filling that pairs beautifully with whipped cream.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall celebration!
Ingredients
To create this delightful pumpkin pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cubed and chilled)
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious pumpkin pie:
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Roll it out on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim the edges and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Beat in the eggs until well combined, then stir in the evaporated milk until smooth.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the pie for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the filling set perfectly!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your pumpkin pie turns out perfectly every time:
- For the Best Pumpkin Pie Crust, make sure your butter is very cold. This helps create a flaky texture.
- Don’t skip the chilling step for the crust; it helps prevent shrinking during baking.
- If you want to make a Pumpkin Pie Homemade Crust, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
- For a richer filling, you can substitute half-and-half for the evaporated milk.
- Top your pie with a dollop of whipped cream or even a drizzle of caramel for a special touch!
How to Serve
Serving your pumpkin pie is just as important as making it! Here are some delightful ideas:
- Serve warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair it with a cup of spiced chai or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.
- For a twist, try serving it with a side of creamy garlic pasta for a unique flavor combination!
Make Ahead and Storage
This pumpkin pie is perfect for making ahead of time! Here’s how to store it:
- Once cooled, cover the pie with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you want to make it even earlier, you can freeze the unbaked pie. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw; just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Leftover pie can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh!
Now that you have all the tips and tricks to make the Perfect Pumpkin Pie, I hope you feel inspired to bake one for your family! It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories. And if you’re looking for more delicious recipes, don’t forget to check out my Beef with Broccoli or Ground Beef Stroganoff for those busy weeknights. Happy baking!
Perfect Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the crust by mixing flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in chilled butter until crumbly, then add ice water to form dough. Roll out and fit into pie dish.
- Mix pumpkin puree, sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in a bowl. Beat in eggs, then stir in evaporated milk.
- Pour filling into prepared crust.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes until set.
- Let cool before serving. Enjoy!