There’s something undeniably magical about pumpkin pie. Its warm, spiced aroma wafting through the house instantly transports me to family gatherings and cozy autumn evenings. This classic dessert has been a staple at our Thanksgiving table for as long as I can remember. I vividly recall the excitement of helping my grandma mix the pumpkin puree and spices, eagerly waiting for it to bake to perfection. The first slice, still slightly warm, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream, is pure bliss. Trust me, once you try making this pumpkin pie yourself, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved tradition!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the most delicious pumpkin pie! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree – make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling for the best flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream – this adds that rich, velvety texture we all love.
- 3/4 cup sugar – it balances the spices and enhances the pumpkin’s sweetness.
- 2 large eggs – these help bind everything together and create a lovely custard-like filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for an extra layer of flavor that complements the spices.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – the quintessential spice that brings warmth to your pie.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – it’s a must for that classic pumpkin pie taste!
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – just a hint adds a delightful zing.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – it enhances all the other flavors, trust me!
- 1 pie crust – homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s ready to hold all that delicious filling.
How to Prepare Pumpkin Pie
Making pumpkin pie is a delightful experience, and I promise it’s easier than you might think! Let’s break it down step by step so you can create this classic dessert with confidence.
Step-by-step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is really important, as we want the crust to start baking and getting that lovely golden brown color right away.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups of pumpkin puree, 3/4 cup of sugar, and all those aromatic spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger. Mix them well until it’s all beautifully blended.
- Next, crack in the 2 large eggs and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir it all together until it’s nice and smooth. This is when the magic starts to happen!
- Now, slowly pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream while continuing to mix. This step gives your pie that luxurious, creamy filling that we all love.
- Once your filling is ready, carefully pour it into your prepared pie crust. Don’t worry if it looks a little full; it’ll settle as it bakes!
- Bake the pie in your preheated oven for 15 minutes. This initial high temperature helps the crust set up nicely.
- After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
- When it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This step is crucial to let the flavors meld and the filling firm up a bit more!
And voila! You’ve just made a delicious pumpkin pie that’s sure to impress. Trust me, the aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delightful pumpkin pie! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. For each slice of this creamy goodness, you can expect around 320 calories. It contains 18g of fat, with 10g of that being saturated fat. You’ll also get 4g of protein and 40g of carbohydrates, which includes 20g of sugar. Plus, there’s 2g of fiber to help balance it all out. It’s a sweet treat, so enjoy every bite in moderation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a classic dessert that brings the warm, cozy flavors of fall to your table.
- Super easy to make with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, making it a staple at Thanksgiving and beyond.
- The creamy, spiced filling is bursting with flavor that everyone will adore.
- It fills your home with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone in.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste amazing the next day, chilled or warmed up.
- You can easily customize it with your favorite spices or toppings!
Tips for Success
To achieve the best pumpkin pie, here are some of my favorite tips! First, use high-quality pumpkin puree; it really makes a difference in flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try roasting fresh pumpkin for a homemade puree—totally worth it! Make sure your pie crust is chilled before adding the filling, which helps it hold its shape while baking. For a perfectly set filling, keep an eye on the baking time; it should have a slight jiggle in the center when you take it out. And don’t forget to let it cool completely before serving—this helps the flavors meld beautifully!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve crafted this amazing pumpkin pie, let’s talk about how to serve it up! A classic choice is to top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream. It adds that perfect creamy contrast to the spiced filling! If you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is absolutely heavenly alongside the warm pie. You could even drizzle a little caramel sauce on top for a touch of sweetness! For a fun twist, try serving it with a sprinkle of crushed pecans or walnuts for some added crunch. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious pumpkin pie fresh, store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It should stay good for about 3-4 days—if it lasts that long! When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, you can either eat it cold (it’s surprisingly delightful that way!) or reheat it. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. This will help maintain that lovely texture and flavor!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I get about making pumpkin pie, along with my answers:
How do I know when my pumpkin pie is done baking?
You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set, but the center has a slight jiggle. It will continue to firm up as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a little wobbly at the end!
Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a lighter version. You can also swap out the spices for pumpkin pie spice if you have it on hand.
What if I don’t have a pie crust?
No problem! You can make a crustless pumpkin pie by simply greasing your pie dish and pouring in the filling. It’ll still taste amazing!
Can pumpkin pie be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake it a day or two in advance. Just let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. It tastes even better after the flavors have melded!
How should I store leftover pumpkin pie?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator, tightly covered. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days—if it lasts that long!
Pumpkin Pie: 7 Reasons It’s Autumn’s Ultimate Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 pie 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic dessert made with pumpkin puree and spices in a flaky crust.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, and spices.
- Add eggs and vanilla; stir until combined.
- Slowly mix in heavy cream.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pumpkin pie, dessert, thanksgiving
