Classic Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Spice Up Fall with this Classic Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Crafting a delectable classic pumpkin pie fills my kitchen with warmth and nostalgic autumn memories.

Seasonal spices dance through creamy custard, promising comfort in every bite.

Sweet pumpkin combines with delicate spices that whisper of cozy gatherings.

My grandmother’s cherished recipe brings generations together around a golden, flaky crust.

Smooth, velvety filling captures the essence of harvest celebrations.

Rich flavors blend perfectly, creating a dessert that feels like a loving embrace.

Classic Pumpkin Pie That Brings Cozy Autumn Vibes

  • Craft a Delightful Seasonal Treat: Celebrate autumn's warmth with this classic pumpkin pie that brings comfort and nostalgia to your table.
  • Master Baking with Ease: Beginners and experienced bakers can confidently create this straightforward recipe using simple ingredients and clear steps.
  • Perfect for Family Gatherings: This crowd-pleasing dessert works wonderfully for holiday meals, potlucks, and special family celebrations, ensuring smiles all around.
  • Customize Your Dessert: Experiment with toppings like whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to make this pie uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Smooth and Spiced Classic Pumpkin Pie

Pie Crust:
  • Pie Crust: A buttery, flaky base that provides the foundation for the classic pumpkin pie.
Pie Filling:
  • Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, vibrant orange vegetable base that gives the pie its signature flavor and texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized top layer.
  • Evaporated Milk: Provides a rich, creamy consistency to the pie filling.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help set the pie's custard-like texture.
Spices:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger Powder: These warm spices create the traditional, comforting autumn flavor profile of the pumpkin pie.

How to Bake Classic Pumpkin Pie Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn the oven to a toasty 425°F to create the perfect baking environment for your delicious pumpkin pie.

Step 2: Create Silky Smooth Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend these delightful ingredients until they form a creamy, dreamy mixture:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Ginger powder
  • Evaporated milk
  • Fresh eggs

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks completely smooth and inviting.

Step 3: Prepare The Pie Crust

Gently roll out your pie crust and carefully transfer it into a pie dish, making sure to press it smoothly against the sides and bottom.

Step 4: Pour And Spread The Filling

Carefully pour the luscious pumpkin mixture into the prepared crust, leaving a small space at the top to prevent overflow during baking.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Start by baking at 425°F for 15 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 40-50 minutes. The pie is ready when the center is set and looks slightly firm.

Step 6: Cool And Serve

Let the pie cool completely to allow the filling to set. Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch.

Tips for Flaky and Flavorful Pumpkin Pie Every Time

  • Choose fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree for the most authentic flavor and creamy texture.
  • Prevent pie crust from getting soggy by brushing the bottom with egg white before adding filling.
  • Gently tap the pie dish on the counter to release air bubbles and ensure a smooth, even filling.
  • Check pie doneness by inserting a knife near the center – it should come out clean with minimal moisture.
  • Store leftover pie in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and freshness.

Fun Variations on Classic Pumpkin Pie to Try

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie: Replace traditional pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crust for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Custard: Swap eggs and evaporated milk with coconut milk, cornstarch, and silken tofu to create a plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Pie: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and incorporate Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein.
  • Spiced Maple Pumpkin Pie: Replace regular sugar with pure maple syrup and add cardamom and cloves for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.

Pairings That Complement Pumpkin Pie Beautifully

  • Pair this classic pumpkin pie with a warm, rich cappuccino to enhance the warm spices and complement the creamy texture of the dessert.
  • Top the pie with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bourbon ice cream, which adds a sophisticated depth and smooth contrast to the pie's earthy pumpkin flavor.
  • Enjoy a hot spiced rum toddy alongside the pie, creating a cozy autumn experience that echoes the warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes in the dessert.
  • Serve a small glass of caramel-infused whiskey to highlight the pie's sweet, rich profile and provide a warming, luxurious after-dinner treat.

How to Keep Pumpkin Pie Fresh and Delicious

  • Store leftover pie in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the pie away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Wrap the entire pie or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm slices at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore the crust's crispness and bring out the pie's warm flavors. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.

FAQs

  • Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin works perfectly fine and is a convenient alternative to fresh puree. Just make sure to use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

  • How do I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust, blind bake the pie crust for about 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. You can also sprinkle a thin layer of crushed graham crackers or breadcrumbs on the bottom of the crust to absorb excess moisture.

  • Why does my pumpkin pie crack on top?

Cracks occur when the pie is overbaked or cooled too quickly. To prevent this, bake the pie until just set (it should have a slight jiggle in the center) and let it cool gradually at room temperature.

Print
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Classic Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Classic Pumpkin Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy classic pumpkin pie recipe delights with rich, spiced filling nestled in flaky crust. Seasonal dessert from American kitchens offers warm comfort that connects you to cherished holiday traditions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • 425 g (15 oz) fresh pumpkin puree
  • 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 340 ml (12 fl oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ginger powder
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pie dish by positioning the rolled-out pie crust, ensuring it fits smoothly and evenly against the bottom and sides.
  2. Combine pumpkin puree with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger powder in a large mixing bowl, creating a rich, aromatic base.
  3. Gently incorporate evaporated milk and eggs into the spiced mixture, whisking until the filling achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
  4. Preheat the oven to a scorching 425°F (220°C), preparing for the initial high-temperature baking phase.
  5. Carefully pour the velvety pumpkin filling into the prepared crust, leaving a small margin to prevent overflow during baking.
  6. Position the pie in the preheated oven and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes to initiate a crisp crust formation.
  7. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 40-50 minutes until the filling sets with a gentle, slight wobble in the center.
  8. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature, enabling the filling to stabilize and develop its full flavor profile.
  9. Once cooled, slice and serve the pie, optionally garnishing with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Notes

  • Swap canned pumpkin puree with homemade roasted pumpkin for richer, more authentic flavor and control over ingredients.
  • Blind bake the pie crust for 10-15 minutes before adding filling to prevent soggy bottom and ensure crisp, flaky texture.
  • For dairy-free version, replace evaporated milk with coconut milk or almond milk, maintaining creamy consistency while accommodating dietary restrictions.
  • Prevent pie from cracking by avoiding overbaking and allowing gradual temperature reduction during cooling process, which helps maintain smooth surface and prevents unsightly splits.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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