Discover the perfect pumpkin pie recipe with a golden, flaky crust and a rich, creamy filling.
This homemade recipe stands out with its simplicity and the use of heavy cream for an ultra-smooth texture.
Whether you use canned or homemade pumpkin puree, this pie is sure to impress.
Why This Recipe Works
This pumpkin pie is a go-to for its straightforward preparation and delicious results.
The filling takes less than five minutes to make and delivers a luxurious, rich flavor.
Canned pumpkin works wonderfully, but if you prefer to make your own puree, you’ll enjoy the added bonus of roasting the pumpkin seeds.
Key Ingredients
- Pie Crust: Opt for a homemade or store-bought crust. A butter-based crust enhances the pie’s classic flavor and texture.
- Pumpkin Puree: Both canned (e.g., Libby’s) and homemade puree work well. Homemade puree adds a personal touch and a fully “from-scratch” feel.
- Eggs: Three eggs provide structure to the filling, helping it set perfectly while contributing a rich flavor.
- Sugar: This recipe balances sweetness with a mix of granulated and brown sugar. The brown sugar adds depth and a hint of caramel-like flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Using heavy cream instead of sweetened condensed milk makes the filling extra creamy and indulgent.
- Spices: A balanced blend of vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, ground cloves, and salt enhances the pumpkin’s natural flavor. If you prefer, you can use a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend.
Tips for Success
- Homemade Puree: Making your puree is simple—just roast and puree fresh pumpkin for a 100% homemade pie.
- Roasting Seeds: Save the seeds from your pumpkin to roast as a snack or garnish.
- Adjusting Sweetness: This pie is intentionally less sweet to let the pumpkin shine. Adjust sugar to your taste if needed.
- Spice Blend: Try using a custom pumpkin pie spice mix for a personalized touch.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making a classic pumpkin pie is easier than you think! Here’s how to create a rich, flavorful pie with a flaky crust, perfect for any occasion.
Preparing the Pumpkin Pie Filling
The filling for this pumpkin pie comes together in just five minutes.
Simply whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, cream, and spices until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Choosing and Preparing the Crust
For the crust, I recommend using a homemade butter pie crust, which can be prepared in advance.
This recipe calls for a single-crust pie, so you’ll only need enough dough to line the bottom of your pie dish.
Roll out the dough, fit it into your dish, and you’re ready to add the filling.
Note: I don’t blind-bake the crust for this recipe. Blind baking involves partially cooking the crust before adding the filling to ensure it remains crisp.
However, I enjoy the softer, more tender texture of the crust when baked directly with the filling.
The bottom turns golden and flaky, while the area where the crust meets the filling becomes soft and delicate. If you prefer a crispier crust, feel free to blind-bake—tips are available in my pie crust recipe.
Baking the Pie
This pie requires two oven temperatures for optimal results:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the pie for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the temperature to 375°F and continue baking until the filling is set.
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, allow the pie to cool to room temperature. For the best texture, refrigerate the pie overnight.
This resting period enhances the custard-like consistency of the filling, making it ideal for preparing in advance.
Perfect for Thanksgiving and Beyond
Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving staple, but it’s also great for any gathering. Pair it with other classics like homemade apple pie, apple cobbler, or garlic herb butter turkey for a memorable holiday feast.
Enjoy your homemade pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream, and let the warm spices bring cozy comfort to your table.
