Pumpkin pie is a quintessential dessert, especially during the fall and winter holidays. Its rich, creamy filling combined with the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves makes it a beloved treat for many. This easy pumpkin pie recipe ensures that you can enjoy this classic dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any occasion that calls for a comforting, delicious dessert, this pumpkin pie is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Easy and Delicious Homemade Pumpkin Pie
To make this easy and delicious pumpkin pie, you will need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 2 to 4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
How to Make Easy and Delicious Homemade Pumpkin Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Making the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar. Mix well.
- Add the cold, cut-up butter pieces to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or two forks to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together. Be careful not to add too much water; the dough should be just moist enough to hold together.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Rolling Out the Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a 12-inch circle.
- Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides.
- Trim any excess dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Fold the overhang under itself and crimp the edges to create a decorative border.
- Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well blended.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Gradually stir in the evaporated milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pie
- Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake the pie at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the pie to cool completely before serving, which will take about 2 hours.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is the star ingredient in this pie, providing its distinctive flavor and creamy texture. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices that can alter the recipe’s balance.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor to the filling, enhancing the pumpkin’s natural taste. It also helps to create a smooth, rich texture.
Spices
The combination of ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg gives pumpkin pie its warm, cozy flavor. These spices are essential for capturing the traditional taste that makes pumpkin pie so beloved.
Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk adds creaminess to the filling without the extra water content found in regular milk. It ensures a thick, rich consistency that sets perfectly when baked.
Pie Crust
A good pie crust should be flaky and tender, providing a delicious contrast to the smooth pumpkin filling. Using cold butter and minimal water helps to achieve the ideal texture. If you prefer, you can also use a store-bought pie crust to save time.
Making an easy and delicious homemade pumpkin pie is a gratifying experience that results in a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. This recipe offers a straightforward approach to creating a classic pumpkin pie with rich, warm flavors and a creamy, smooth texture. By understanding and appreciating the main ingredients, you can make a pumpkin pie that is not only tasty but also a joy to bake. Enjoy your cooking and happy eating!
