Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe
This Easy Pumpkin Pie recipe combines the rich flavors of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a creamy, smooth filling. The flaky, buttery crust paired with the luscious filling makes for a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a crowd-pleaser that’s both impressive and easy to make.
Pumpkin pie is a staple for holiday celebrations, but it’s also a wonderful treat any time of the year. This recipe is straightforward and uses common ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. With a few simple steps, you can create a delicious pie that your family and friends will love.
Why you’ll love this Easy Pumpkin Pie
A Traditional American Dessert
Pumpkin pie is a traditional American dish that I didn’t know much about until I moved to the United States. Once I tasted it, I was hooked! I loved it so much that I wanted to come up with a recipe that could be easily whipped up whenever the craving struck, no matter the time of year. This recipe is my go-to for bringing a slice of American comfort to any table, any time.
Ingredients Needed for Easy Pumpkin Pie
- All-purpose flour – This is the backbone of our pie crust, giving it that perfect structure and flakiness.
- Unsalted butter – Adds a lovely richness and helps create a tender, flaky crust that melts in your mouth.
- Ice water – Keeps our butter cold and happy, ensuring we get that beautifully flaky crust.
- Pumpkin puree – The star of the show! It brings a rich, earthy flavor that’s the essence of pumpkin pie.
- Evaporated milk – Makes the filling creamy and smooth, adding to that luscious texture we all love.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the pie just right, balancing the spices perfectly.
- Brown sugar – Adds a deeper sweetness with a hint of molasses, giving the pie a warm, cozy flavor.
- Eggs – Eggs help set the filling, giving it structure and richness.
- Pumpkin pie spice – A delightful blend of warm spices that perfectly complements the pumpkin.
How to make Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe:
**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**
Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add ice water gradually, mixing until the dough forms.
Form dough into a disk, wrap, and refrigerate.
Roll out dough and place in a pie dish.
Line the crust with parchment and fill it with pie weights or rice. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake until golden.
Whisk pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugars, eggs, spice, and salt.
Pour filling into the crust and bake.
Cool on a wire rack, then serve.
Variations
- Maple Pumpkin Pie:
- Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Nutty Pumpkin Pie:
- Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture.
- Chocolate Pumpkin Pie:
- Add a layer of melted chocolate to the crust before adding the filling.
- Cream Cheese Swirl Pumpkin Pie:
- Swirl softened cream cheese into the filling before baking for a tangy twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Caramel Drizzle: Top with caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Ice Cream: Serve a slice of warm pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Spiced Whipped Cream: Mix cinnamon and nutmeg into the whipped cream.
Storage and Freezing
- How should I store Pumpkin Pie?
To store your pumpkin pie, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. This helps maintain the pie’s texture and flavor, keeping it fresh and delicious for days. - Can I make this Pumpkin Pie ahead and freeze it?
If you’d like to freeze your pumpkin pie, let it cool completely first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Pumpkin pie can be frozen for up to a month. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes if you prefer it warm.
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Tips & Tricks
- Keep Ingredients Cold:
- Ensure your butter and water are cold when making the crust. This helps create those flaky layers that are essential for a perfect pie crust.
- Use Fresh Spices:
- For the best flavor, use fresh pumpkin pie spice. If your spices are old, the flavor might not be as vibrant.
- Avoid Overmixing the Dough:
- When making the crust, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can make the crust tough instead of tender and flaky.
- Chill the Dough:
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This makes it easier to handle and helps prevent shrinking during baking.
- Check for Doneness:
- A knife inserted near the center of the pie should come out clean. If the center is still jiggly, it needs a few more minutes in the oven.
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FAQ
Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Pastry cutter
- Rolling Pin
- 9-inch pie dish
- Pie weights or rice
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 can 15 oz pumpkin puree
- 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Crust:
- Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Roll Out and Blind Bake the Crust:
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
- Transfer the dough to the pie dish, trim the edges, and crimp as desired.
- Line the crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill with pie weights or uncooked rice.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove the parchment paper and weights or rice then bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Let cool slightly. ** See Notes Below**
Prepare the Filling:
- Whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the filling into the partially baked crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 40-50 minutes. The crust should be golden and the center has a very slight jiggle. It will continue to cook as it cools.
Cool:
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
This is what every pumpkin pie should taste like.