Oh, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family and friends gather around the table, sharing laughter, love, and of course, an incredible feast. And you know what steals the show every single time? A classic *Thanksgiving pie*! This pumpkin pie is truly a beloved tradition in my family, and I can’t wait to share my secret recipe with you!
What makes this pie special? Well, it’s all about the warm, spiced filling that fills your kitchen with that cozy, inviting aroma. Trust me, when you take that first bite, the smooth, creamy texture combined with the perfect blend of cinnamon and nutmeg will transport you back to childhood memories of family gatherings. I remember my grandma teaching me how to make this pie, and now it’s my turn to pass on that love and tradition.
Whether you’re serving it up at a big family dinner or enjoying a quiet slice on a chilly evening, this pie is sure to be a hit! Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, leaving you more moments to cherish with your loved ones. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pie crust
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is super important because it ensures your pie cooks evenly and gives you that nice golden crust. So, go ahead and set that temperature while you gather your ingredients—trust me, you don’t want to rush this part!
Mix the Filling
Now, let’s get to the fun part—mixing up that luscious filling! In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. I like to use a whisk here; it really helps break up any lumps and makes everything nice and smooth. Mix until you can’t see any streaks of sugar or spices—it should be a beautiful, creamy consistency!
Add Eggs and Milk
Once your mixture is smooth, it’s time to add in the eggs and evaporated milk. Crack those eggs right into the bowl and give it a good stir until everything is well combined—don’t be shy! Then, slowly pour in the evaporated milk while stirring. This is where the magic happens, creating that rich and velvety filling we all love. Keep stirring until it’s all blended together perfectly.
Pour and Bake
Now, let’s get that filling into the crust! Carefully pour your delicious mixture into the pie crust. I like to do this slowly to avoid any spills—nobody wants a messy kitchen, right? Once it’s in there, it’s time to bake! Pop the pie in your preheated oven and bake it for 15 minutes. After that, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. Cool it before serving, and get ready for a slice of heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to make, perfect for all skill levels!
- The warm, spiced flavor is a comforting hug on a plate.
- Absolutely perfect for gatherings—everyone loves a classic pumpkin pie!
- You can prepare it a day ahead, freeing up more time on the big day.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings back nostalgic memories of Thanksgiving.
- Rich and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile—serve it plain or top it off with a generous dollop of whipped cream!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make this scrumptious *Thanksgiving pie*, I want to share a few tips that will help you achieve the best results and impress your family and friends!
- Chill That Crust: If you’re using a homemade pie crust, make sure it’s properly chilled before filling it. This helps keep it flaky and prevents it from shrinking while baking. I usually pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, opt for fresh ground spices instead of pre-ground. I love to use freshly grated nutmeg and ground cinnamon from whole spices. You’ll be amazed at the difference in taste!
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine your filling, be careful not to overmix once you add the eggs and milk. Just stir until everything is combined—this keeps your pie light and fluffy!
- Check for Doneness: To know when your pie is ready, look for a slight jiggle in the center. If it’s too firm, it might be overcooked, so keep an eye on it towards the end of baking!
- Let It Cool: Patience is key! Allow your pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set up perfectly and makes serving so much easier.
- Top It Off: When serving, don’t forget the whipped cream! A generous dollop on each slice takes this pie to another level. Trust me, it’s a must!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a fabulous *Thanksgiving pie* that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the delicious details, I want to mention that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I’m providing some estimates here, keep in mind that these are not set in stone!
Estimated Nutritional Values
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 15g
These values are based on a serving size of one slice of this delightful *Thanksgiving pie*. Enjoy every bite, and remember, it’s all about balance during the holiday season!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about making this wonderful *Thanksgiving pie*, so let’s tackle a few of the most common ones I hear!
Can I use fresh pumpkin?
Absolutely! If you want to go the fresh route, just make sure to roast and puree the pumpkin before using it in this recipe. It adds a lovely depth of flavor, but be aware that it might take a bit more time than using canned puree.
How do I store leftovers?
Great question! To store any leftover pie, just cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Just remember to let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving again—yum!
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, yes, and yes! This pie is perfect for making a day ahead. Just bake it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. It’ll taste just as delicious, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving Day!
What if my pie cracks on top?
Don’t worry! A little cracking can happen, especially if the pie is overbaked. To avoid this, keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time. Remember, it’s all about that slight jiggle in the center!
Can I freeze the pie?
Yep! You can freeze this pie before or after baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. It’s like having a delicious dessert ready to go whenever you need it!
I hope this helps answer some of your questions! If you have any others, feel free to ask. Now let’s get to baking that amazing *Thanksgiving pie*!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve savored this delightful *Thanksgiving pie*, you’ll want to make sure any leftovers are stored properly to keep that deliciousness intact! Here’s how to do it:
To store your leftover pie, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge. It should stay good for about 3 to 4 days, but trust me, it probably won’t last that long!
When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. If you prefer your pie warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the pie in for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until it’s heated through. This way, you’ll revive that lovely, cozy texture and flavor!
If you’re in a hurry and want a quick fix, you can also pop a slice in the microwave. Just be careful not to overdo it—30 seconds to 1 minute should do the trick, depending on your microwave. You want it warm, not hot and steamy!
And if you happen to have some whipped cream left, don’t forget to add a dollop before enjoying your reheated slice. It’s the perfect finishing touch! Happy storing and reheating!
Print
Thanksgiving Pie: 7 Secrets to Create Blissful Joy
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Thanksgiving pie made with pumpkin filling.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin, sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and vanilla.
- Add eggs and mix well.
- Stir in evaporated milk until smooth.
- Pour filling into pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-50 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream.
- Can be made a day ahead.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: thanksgiving pie, pumpkin pie, holiday dessert
