Heavenly Pumpkin Pie Recipe

The Coziest Homemade Pumpkin Pie Recipe for Fall Gatherings

Fall brings a wave of comfort that peaks with this classic heavenly pumpkin pie recipe that transforms ordinary dessert time into a magical moment.

Warm spices dance through a silky smooth filling nestled in a perfectly flaky crust.

Rich orange hues signal the arrival of seasonal baking magic.

Creamy pumpkin blends with cinnamon and nutmeg to create a dessert that whispers autumn memories.

Each slice promises a delectable journey through traditional flavors and homemade warmth.

Bakers of all skill levels can craft this delightful treat that connects generations through sweet, nostalgic bites.

Prepare to savor every single crumb of this irresistible seasonal classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 9

Everything You Need For Pumpkin Pie

For Pie Crust:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Builds the structural foundation for a tender, flaky base that crumbles delicately in your mouth.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the richness of butter.
  • Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with golden browning.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates layers and provides rich, luxurious flavor; ensure it's super cold for maximum flakiness.
  • Ice Water: Binds ingredients without overworking the dough, maintaining delicate texture.
For Pumpkin Filling:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Delivers authentic, earthy autumn flavor and creamy smoothness; choose 100% pure pumpkin for best results.
  • Brown Sugar: Introduces deep caramel undertones and rich moisture.
  • Eggs: Act as binding agent and create silky custard-like consistency.
  • Evaporated Milk: Contributes velvety richness and helps achieve perfect custard texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and complements spices.
For Spices and Seasonings:
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, sweet complexity central to classic pumpkin pie flavor.
  • Nutmeg: Offers subtle, woodsy warmth and traditional holiday essence.
  • Ground Ginger: Brings gentle, zingy undertone that brightens the filling.
  • Ground Cloves: Delivers intense, aromatic depth and traditional holiday spirit.

Baking Tools For Pumpkin Pie Made Easy

  • Mixing bowl: For combining dry ingredients and creating pie dough.
  • Pastry cutter or fork: Essential for cutting cold butter into flour mixture.
  • Rolling pin: Needed to roll out pie crust evenly on a floured surface.
  • 9-inch pie pan: Holds the pie crust and filling perfectly.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents crust from burning during blind baking.
  • Pie weights or dried beans: Keeps crust flat during initial baking.
  • Whisk: Blends pumpkin filling ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Cooling rack: Allows pie to cool evenly after baking.

How To Make Pumpkin Pie Step By Step

  • Create Buttery Pastry Dough

Craft a delicate dough by mixing flour with a dash of salt and sugar. Chop cold butter into tiny pieces and work it gently into the flour until it looks like sandy crumbs. Splash in icy water bit by bit, kneading until the mixture binds together. Shape into a smooth disk, wrap snugly, and let it rest in the refrigerator for a half hour.

  • Prepare Pie Shell

Warm up the oven to a toasty 375F. Dust your countertop with flour and roll out the chilled dough into a perfect circle. Gently tuck the dough into a pie pan, trimming edges and creating a decorative border. Shield the raw crust with parchment paper and weigh it down with ceramic weights or dried beans. Bake until the edges turn golden, then remove weights and continue baking briefly.

  • Whip Up Silky Pumpkin Mixture

In a large bowl, blend smooth pumpkin puree with rich brown sugar and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Crack in fresh eggs and pour in creamy evaporated milk. Whisk everything until the mixture becomes luxuriously smooth and inviting.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious pumpkin mixture into the waiting pie shell. Slide into the oven and bake until the center wobbles just slightly when nudged. The edges should look set and the surface should have a beautiful, uniform color.

  • Serve and Delight

Allow the pie to cool completely, letting the filling settle and become wonderfully creamy. When ready to serve, slice into beautiful wedges. Crown with a cloud of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a showstopping dessert.

Helpful Tips For The Perfect Pumpkin Pie

  • Perfect Pie Crust Technique: Freeze butter for 15 minutes before cutting into flour for extra flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pie crust and filling a day before baking to save time and enhance flavor development during resting period.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to maintain crust structure and prevent crumbling.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Replace evaporated milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy filling that accommodates lactose-intolerant friends and vegan diners.
  • Spice Level Adjustment: Experiment with spice ratios by adding more ginger for warmth or reducing cloves for milder flavor, letting personal taste guide your culinary adventure.

Serving Pumpkin Pie The Tasty Way

  • Cozy Autumn Dessert Plate: Pair the pumpkin pie with a warm mug of spiced apple cider or coffee to enhance the seasonal flavors and create a comforting dessert experience.
  • Holiday Whipped Cream Swirl: Top each slice with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream, adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
  • Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted pecans or candied walnuts over the pie to add a delightful crunch and complementary nutty flavor that elevates the smooth pumpkin filling.
  • Festive Presentation Twist: Serve the pie on a rustic wooden board with a small decorative pumpkin or autumn leaves for a stunning seasonal presentation that captures the essence of fall.

How To Store Pumpkin Pie Right

  • Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep your pumpkin pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool temperatures help maintain the smooth texture and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pie crust and filling a day before baking. Store the unbaked crust wrapped tightly in the refrigerator and keep the filling in an airtight container to save time on baking day.
  • Freezer-Safe Strategy: Wrap the fully cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the best taste and texture.
  • Serving Temperature Tips: Let the pie sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its flavors. Chilled pie offers a firmer texture, while slightly warmed pie provides a softer, more indulgent experience.
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Heavenly Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Heavenly Pumpkin Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Grandma’s classic pumpkin pie blends creamy spiced filling with buttery crust, celebrating autumn’s warmth. Homemade comfort awaits when you slice into this nostalgic dessert that connects generations through sweet, simple pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¼ cups (296 ml/10 fl oz) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (113 g/4 oz) unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 35 tbsps (520 ml/17.6 fl oz) ice water
  • 1 (15 oz/425 g) can pumpkin puree
  • ¾ cup (150 g/5.3 oz) brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ginger
  • ¼ tsp cloves
  • whipped cream
  • ground cinnamon
  • ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Dough Preparation: Blend flour, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Integrate cold butter using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse, irregular crumbs.
  2. Dough Formation: Introduce ice water incrementally, kneading until dough coheres. Shape into a compact disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes to relax gluten and solidify butter.
  3. Crust Shaping: Preheat oven to 375F. Roll chilled dough on flour-dusted surface into a thin circular layer, draping over a 9-inch pie pan. Gently press dough into pan’s contours, trimming excess edges and creating an elegant crimped border.
  4. Blind Baking: Line crust with parchment paper and distribute pie weights. Bake for 10 minutes, remove weights, and continue baking until edges turn golden, about 5 more minutes.
  5. Filling Creation: Whisk pumpkin puree with brown sugar, introducing warming spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Blend until harmoniously combined. Fold in eggs, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract, stirring until mixture achieves a smooth, luxurious consistency.
  6. Baking and Setting: Pour filling into pre-baked crust, ensuring even distribution. Bake for 45-50 minutes, looking for a slight center jiggle indicating perfect doneness. Cool completely at room temperature for two hours, then refrigerate for minimum three hours to set and intensify flavors.
  7. Serving: Present chilled or at room temperature, adorned with billowy whipped cream and a delicate cinnamon dusting for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate pie dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage and ensure a flaky, tender crust during baking.
  • Control Moisture Carefully: Use ice-cold water sparingly when mixing dough to avoid tough, dense texture and maintain delicate pastry consistency.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Blind bake the crust before adding filling to create a crisp, golden base that resists moisture from pumpkin mixture.
  • Bake with Precision: Watch pie closely during final 45-50 minute baking period; a slight center jiggle indicates perfect custard-like texture without overcooking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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