Skip to content
Home » Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Pumpkin Pie Recipe





Perfect Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Description

Pumpkin pie is a beloved dessert, especially popular during the fall and winter holidays. This creamy and spiced pie is made with a rich pumpkin filling, a blend of aromatic spices, and a buttery, flaky crust. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a perfect ending to any festive meal. This recipe will guide you through making a traditional pumpkin pie from scratch, ensuring a delicious and memorable treat for your family and friends.

Ingredients – Pumpkin Pie Recipe

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup ice water

For the Filling:

  • 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Cut in Butter:
    • Add the chilled butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add Ice Water:
    • Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
  4. Form Dough Disk:
    • Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. Mix Wet Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Add Spices:
    • Add the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to the pumpkin mixture, and whisk until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

  1. Roll Out Dough:
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges.
  2. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  3. Fill the Crust:
    • Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared crust.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

  1. Initial Bake:
    • Bake the pie at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes.
  2. Reduce Heat:
    • Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Cool:
    • Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Tips and Variations for Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Tips for a Perfect Pumpkin Pie

  • Use Cold Ingredients:
    • Ensure that the butter and water for the crust are very cold to achieve a flaky texture.
  • Prevent Cracking:
    • To prevent the pie from cracking, avoid overbaking and let the pie cool gradually.

Variations of Pumpkin Pie Recipe

  • Spiced Whipped Cream:
    • Serve with whipped cream flavored with a touch of cinnamon and vanilla.
  • Maple Pumpkin Pie:
    • Replace half of the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, autumnal flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie:
    • Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 1 hour
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: 290mg

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Origins of Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is deeply rooted in American history, dating back to the early settlers who adapted Native American recipes. Pumpkins were a staple in the diet of the indigenous peoples, and the early colonists quickly embraced this nutritious and versatile ingredient.

Cultural Significance

Pumpkin pie is a traditional dessert for Thanksgiving and Christmas in the United States and Canada. It represents the harvest season and the abundance of autumn produce. The warm spices and comforting flavors make it a beloved dish during family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Fun Facts

  • First Recipes:
    • The earliest known pumpkin pie recipes date back to the 17th century, where pumpkins were hollowed out and filled with milk, honey, and spices before baking.
  • National Pumpkin Pie Day:
    • In the United States, National Pumpkin Pie Day is celebrated on December 25th.
  • World Record:
    • The largest pumpkin pie ever made weighed over 3,699 pounds and was over 20 feet in diameter!

Serving and Pairing Ideas – Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Pairing with Other Dishes

  • Thanksgiving Feast:
    • Serve pumpkin pie as the final course in a traditional Thanksgiving meal, alongside turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
  • Autumn Dinner:
    • Pair with a hearty autumnal dinner featuring roasted vegetables, pork tenderloin, or a butternut squash soup.

Beverage Pairings

  • Coffee:
    • A strong cup of coffee complements the rich flavors of the pie.
  • Dessert Wine:
    • A sweet dessert wine, such as a late harvest Riesling, pairs beautifully with pumpkin pie.
  • Chai Tea:
    • The spiced flavors of chai tea echo the spices in the pie, creating a harmonious pairing.

Creative Serving Ideas

  • Mini Pumpkin Pies:
    • Make individual mini pies for a delightful and portable dessert option.
  • Pumpkin Pie Parfait:
    • Layer crumbled pie, whipped cream, and caramel sauce in a glass for a deconstructed version.
  • Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream:
    • Use leftover pie to make a creamy and spiced ice cream.

Storing and Reheating

Storing

  • Refrigeration:
    • Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing:
    • Pumpkin pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

Reheating

  • Oven:
    • Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
  • Microwave:
    • Individual slices can be reheated in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Advanced Techniques and Equipment

Essential Tools

  • Pastry Cutter:
    • A pastry cutter helps blend the butter into the flour for the crust.
  • Pie Weights:
    • Use pie weights to prevent the crust from puffing up during blind baking.
  • Wire Rack:
    • A wire rack allows for even cooling of the pie.

Advanced Techniques

  • Blind Baking:
    • For a crispier crust, blind bake the crust by lining it with parchment paper, filling with pie weights, and baking for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling.
  • Homemade Pumpkin Puree:
    • For an even richer flavor, make your own pumpkin puree by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin.

Fun and Creative Ideas

  • Pumpkin Pie Workshop:
    • Host a pumpkin pie-making workshop with friends or family, where everyone can make and customize their own pies.
  • Decorative Crust:
    • Use cookie cutters to create decorative shapes from extra pie dough and place them on top of the pie before baking.

Pumpkin Pie Recipe in Modern Cuisine

Pumpkin pie continues to be a staple in modern cuisine, cherished for its nostalgic and comforting qualities. Its versatility allows for endless variations and creative interpretations, ensuring it remains a beloved dessert for generations to come.