Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a show-stopping dessert, and this pumpkin pie is just that! It’s rich, spiced, and bursting with that cozy fall flavor we all crave during the holidays. I can’t tell you how many family gatherings have been made special with this pie on the table—it’s like the sweet cherry on top of the whole feast! The aroma wafting through the house while it bakes always brings everyone into the kitchen, just waiting to dig in. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a delightful way to embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving, making it a must-have for your celebration. Trust me, it’ll become a cherished tradition in your home too!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this pumpkin pie truly shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups pumpkin puree: You can use canned or homemade pumpkin puree. If you opt for fresh, just roast and blend your pumpkin until smooth.
- 1 cup sugar: Granulated sugar works best to sweeten up the pie without altering its flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: This warm spice adds that quintessential autumn flavor we all adore.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Just a hint of nutmeg enhances the overall spice profile, making it even more delightful.
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger: For a touch of zest, ginger complements the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves: Cloves bring a warm, aromatic essence that elevates the pie.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A little salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors beautifully.
- 3 eggs: These will help bind everything together, giving the pie its lovely texture.
- 1 can evaporated milk: This creamy addition makes the filling rich and smooth, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth.
- 1 pre-made pie crust: For ease, you can use a store-bought crust, but feel free to make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a pumpkin pie that will have your loved ones coming back for seconds!
How to Prepare Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Mixing Ingredients
Alright, let’s get started! First things first, preheat your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for giving your pumpkin pie that perfect initial rise. While the oven is warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed and you can already smell that delightful spice aroma wafting up. Now, it’s time to add the eggs—one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition to make sure everything is nice and smooth. Finally, pour in the evaporated milk and stir again until the mixture is completely blended and silky. You’re going to love how this comes together!
Baking the Pie
Now comes the exciting part—baking! Carefully pour your luscious pumpkin filling into the pre-made pie crust. Pop it in the oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 15 minutes. This step is key to setting the crust and getting that beautiful golden top. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and let it bake for an additional 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it; the pie is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a gentle jiggle. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when it’s ready. Once it’s done baking, pull it out and let it cool completely at room temperature before serving. Trust me, the wait will be worth it as the flavors deepen. Enjoy your delicious pumpkin pie as the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving dessert table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make: With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have this delightful pie in the oven in no time!
- Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings: This pumpkin pie is a classic that everyone looks forward to during the holidays.
- Rich and flavorful taste: Each slice is packed with warm spices and creamy pumpkin goodness that will have you savoring every bite.
- Can be prepared a day in advance: Make your life easier by baking this pie a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for an even tastier dessert.
Tips for Success
Now that you’ve got your ingredients and instructions down, let’s make sure your pumpkin pie turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips to ensure success:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Let your eggs and evaporated milk sit out for a bit before mixing. This helps them blend more smoothly into your pumpkin mixture, leading to a creamier texture.
- Avoid overmixing: Once you add the eggs, mix just until combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air, which may cause cracks to form in the pie as it cools.
- Check for doneness carefully: Remember, the pie should have a slight jiggle in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to set as it cools, so don’t overbake it!
- Cool it down: Allow your pie to cool completely at room temperature before slicing. This helps the filling firm up and makes for cleaner slices. Plus, it gives those flavors time to mingle!
- Cover the edges: If you notice the edges of your crust browning too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil for the last part of the baking process to prevent burning.
- Serve with flair: Don’t forget to top your pie with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s the cherry on top that elevates this dessert to a whole new level!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a pumpkin pie that not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning at your Thanksgiving table. Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this pumpkin pie? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my best answers:
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin can be a delicious alternative. Just make sure to roast your pumpkin until soft, then scoop out the flesh and blend it until smooth. You’ll get that amazing farm-fresh flavor, but don’t forget to measure out 2 cups for this recipe!
How do I know when the pie is done?
Great question! The pie is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle. You can also do the toothpick test: insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go! Remember, it will continue to set as it cools.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can! Just let the pie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. It’s the perfect way to savor those Thanksgiving flavors even after the holiday!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need tips while making this delightful dessert for Thanksgiving. I’m here to help you create the best pumpkin pie ever!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for a slice of this delicious pumpkin pie. Keep in mind that these values are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 5g
This pie is a delightful indulgence that fits perfectly into your Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy every slice while keeping these numbers in mind! It’s all about balance, right? Happy feasting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your delicious pumpkin pie, you might find yourself with some leftovers—if you’re lucky! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly to keep that wonderful flavor intact.
First off, to store your pie, let it cool completely at room temperature. Once it’s cooled, cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. You can also transfer individual slices to an airtight container if you prefer portioning it out. It should be stored in the refrigerator, where it can last for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re planning to save it for longer, consider freezing it!
To freeze, wrap the entire pie or slices tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. This way, you can keep your pumpkin pie delicious for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. This gentle thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
Now, when it comes to reheating, you’ve got a couple of options! For a slice, you can pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute, just until it’s warmed through. If you want to reheat the whole pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the pie loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s warmed to your liking. Just be sure to keep an eye on it, so that it doesn’t dry out!
Now you’re all set to enjoy those tasty leftovers without losing any of that pumpkin pie magic. Happy storing and reheating!
Suggestions for Serving
Now that you’ve baked this beautiful pumpkin pie, let’s talk about how to serve it up for maximum delight! The right accompaniments can really elevate this dessert and make it an unforgettable end to your Thanksgiving feast.
First and foremost, I highly recommend a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. The light, airy texture and sweet creaminess contrast beautifully with the rich, spiced filling. If you’re feeling extra fancy, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for that finishing touch!
If you want to take it a step further, serve your pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melting into the warm pie is a match made in dessert heaven! You could also try a scoop of caramel or a spiced ice cream like gingerbread to complement those fall flavors.
For a fun twist, drizzle some caramel sauce or chocolate sauce over each slice. The sweetness of the caramel adds a lovely richness, while chocolate brings a bit of decadence that pairs surprisingly well with pumpkin.
Another option is to serve the pie alongside some freshly brewed coffee or spiced chai. The warm, comforting drinks provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the pie, making for a cozy, delightful pairing.
Lastly, don’t forget about those little details! Adding some toasted pecans or walnuts on top not only gives a nice crunch but also enhances the flavor profile with a nutty richness. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with these delicious pairings that will surely have everyone coming back for more!
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Desserts Thanksgiving: 7 Irresistible Pumpkin Pie Tips
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert recipe perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 pre-made pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in evaporated milk until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: desserts thanksgiving
