This homemade pumpkin pie offers the perfect balance of spiced pumpkin filling and flaky crust. It’s easy enough for Sunday dinners and a crowd-pleasing dessert for Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations. Whether you’re using a store-bought or homemade pie crust, this recipe delivers comforting fall flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pumpkin Pie:
- Flavorful Filling: A blend of warm spices and creamy pumpkin.
- Flaky Crust: Made with a simple pie crust that’s buttery and crispy.
- Versatile: Perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Fuss-Free: Easy to prepare with just a few ingredients.
Pumpkin Pie Ingredients:
For the Homemade Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- Pinch of salt
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Pumpkin Pie Filling:
- 1 can (15 ounces) pure pumpkin or 1 3/4 cups fresh pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of pepper (secret ingredient that makes a difference!)
- 1 cup cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs
How to Make the Perfect Pumpkin Pie:
1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add chilled, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or cheese grater to cut the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms.
- Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Roll Out the Pie Crust:
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough and fit it into a pie pan. Trim and crimp the edges.
3. Prepare the Pumpkin Pie Filling:
- In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, pepper, cream, milk, and eggs until well combined.
4. Fill the Pie Crust:
- Pour the pumpkin filling into the unbaked crust.
5. Bake the Pumpkin Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Bake for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 45 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. For best texture and flavor, refrigerate overnight.
- Serve chilled with whipped cream or your favorite topping.
Pumpkin Pie Variations:
- Festive Crust Decorations: Use cookie cutters to create seasonal cutouts, like leaves or snowflakes, from extra pie dough.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the flour for gluten-free alternatives.
Additional Tips for the Perfect Pie:
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, your pie is ready.
- Let It Cool: Allow the pie to set completely as it cools to ensure a smooth filling.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later enjoyment.
This homemade pumpkin pie is everything you want in a fall dessert—sweet, spiced, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season!
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