Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie That Will Melt Your Heart

Name: Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie That Will Melt Your Heart
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pie crust; 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ginger; 1/4 teaspoon cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

March 4, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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There’s just something magical about Thanksgiving pumpkin pie that brings back the sweetest memories! The aroma of spiced pumpkin filling baking away always takes me back to my childhood, sitting at the kitchen table while my grandma whisked together all the ingredients. It’s truly the quintessential holiday dessert—smooth, creamy, and kissed with warm spices, it never fails to evoke a sense of nostalgia. I can still hear her saying, “You’ve got to let it cool completely before slicing!” And trust me, that’s the hardest part! This pie is a crowd-pleaser that wraps up the Thanksgiving feast perfectly.

Ingredients for Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie

1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie

Getting ready to make this Thanksgiving pumpkin pie is a breeze! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful pie that everyone will rave about. I promise you, the smell of it baking will make your kitchen feel like a warm hug!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is important for getting that crust nice and flaky!
Next, fit your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Don’t stress if it’s not perfect; rustic is totally in!
Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Give it a good mix until everything is well blended. The spices will start to fill your kitchen with that cozy scent!
Time to add the eggs! Crack in the 3 large eggs and mix well until the filling is smooth and velvety. You want it to look luscious!
Gradually stir in the evaporated milk. This step adds creaminess and helps to balance out the spices. Make sure it’s combined well!
Pour that gorgeous filling into your pie crust, being careful not to overfill. Leave a little room at the top, as it may puff up a bit while baking.
Pop it in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. This initial high temperature helps set the crust beautifully!
After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, but don’t worry if it jiggles a little; it will set as it cools.
Once it’s done, take the pie out and let it cool on a wire rack. This part is crucial! I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but letting it cool completely enhances the flavors and makes slicing so much easier.

Nutritional Information for Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie

Here’s the scoop on the nutritional information for this delightful Thanksgiving pumpkin pie! Keep in mind that these values are estimated and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But it’s always nice to have a little idea before you dive in!

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 250mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 5g

So there you have it! This pie is a delightful treat, and when you share it with loved ones, it becomes even more special. Just remember, everything in moderation, right?

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie

It’s quick to prepare, so you can spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones!
Every slice is packed with rich, comforting flavors that scream holiday spirit.
Perfect for making ahead of time—just bake, cool, and store until serving!
This pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bringing smiles to faces young and old.

Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie

Now, let me share some of my top tips for ensuring your Thanksgiving pumpkin pie turns out absolutely perfect! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will make a world of difference.

Chill Your Crust: If you’re making a homemade pie crust, be sure to chill it for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps keep the butter cold, which results in a flakier crust. No one wants a soggy bottom, right?
Mix Gently: When combining the filling ingredients, mix just until everything is blended. Overmixing can introduce too much air, causing the pie to puff up and crack while baking. We want smooth and creamy, not puffy!
Egg Temperature Matters: Using room temperature eggs can help create a more uniform filling. Just take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start—easy peasy!
Don’t Skip the Cooling: I know it’s hard to resist, but let your pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the filling set properly, making for neat slices that look as good as they taste!
Test for Doneness: When checking if your pie is done, look for a slight jiggle in the center. If a knife comes out clean, it’s time to cool! Just remember, it will continue to set as it cools.
Add a Touch of Vanilla: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to bake a Thanksgiving pumpkin pie that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Variations on Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up a bit, I’ve got some delightful variations on the classic Thanksgiving pumpkin pie that are sure to impress your guests! Each twist brings its own unique flair while keeping that beloved pumpkin flavor front and center.

Spice It Up: Don’t shy away from experimenting with spices! Consider adding a pinch of allspice or cardamom for a warm, complex flavor that takes your pie to the next level.
Maple Pumpkin Pie: Swap out some of the sugar for pure maple syrup. It adds a lovely depth of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin. Yum!
Graham Cracker Crust: For a fun twist, try using a graham cracker crust instead of a traditional pie crust. The buttery, slightly sweet flavor complements the pumpkin filling wonderfully!
Chocolate Pumpkin Pie: Mix in some melted chocolate or cocoa powder into the filling for a rich, decadent version. It’s like a dessert mashup that everyone will be talking about!
Coconut Cream Pumpkin Pie: Add some unsweetened shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical twist. It gives a delightful texture and flavor that’s unexpected and oh-so-tasty.
Nutty Topping: Top your pie with a nut crumble made from pecans or walnuts mixed with brown sugar and butter for added crunch and flavor. It’s a delicious contrast to the creamy filling!

With these fun variations, you can make your Thanksgiving pumpkin pie uniquely yours! Trust me, your family and friends will be raving about these tasty twists on a classic recipe!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie

Now, let’s talk about how to properly store your leftover Thanksgiving pumpkin pie to keep it tasting just as delicious as when it first came out of the oven! Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite of this delightful dessert.

First off, once your pie has completely cooled on a wire rack, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help protect it from drying out while allowing some air circulation. If you have an airtight container that fits, that’s even better! You can store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just remember to keep it chilled, especially since it contains eggs and evaporated milk.

If you find yourself with extra pie (lucky you!), you can also freeze it! To do this, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can pull out a slice anytime you have a craving! It’s best to enjoy frozen pie within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

When it comes to reheating, I recommend taking the slice out of the fridge and letting it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This helps it warm up evenly. Then, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s warmed through, and the crust is nice and crisp again. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as it can get a bit soggy.

And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Thanksgiving pumpkin pie long after the holiday has ended. What a treat!

Frequently Asked Questions about Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie

How do I know when my pumpkin pie is done?
You’ll want to check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center of the pie. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready! Keep in mind, the center might still jiggle a little, but it will set as it cools. Trust me, the smell alone will let you know it’s close!

Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I often make my Thanksgiving pumpkin pie a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just bake it, let it cool, and then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just don’t forget to hold off on the whipped cream until right before serving!

What can I do to prevent a soggy crust?
A soggy crust is the worst, isn’t it? To prevent this, make sure to pre-bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. You can also sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed nuts on the bottom of the crust before pouring in the filling. This creates a barrier that helps keep things nice and crisp!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Of course! If you want to use fresh pumpkin, just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. You’ll need about 2 cups of fresh pumpkin to replace the 15 oz can. Just keep in mind that fresh pumpkin can sometimes be a bit more watery, so it’s good to drain any excess moisture before mixing it into your filling.

What toppings pair well with pumpkin pie?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! A dollop of whipped cream is a classic choice, but I also love to sprinkle some toasted pecans on top for added crunch. You could even drizzle a bit of caramel sauce or try a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Whatever you choose, it’s bound to be delicious!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.