Oh, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family and friends gather around the table, sharing laughter, stories, and of course, delicious food. And let’s be real—no Thanksgiving celebration is complete without a show-stopping dessert to crown the meal. That’s where my favorite Thanksgiving dessert comes into play! This luscious pumpkin pie is not only a feast for the eyes but also a warm hug for your taste buds. The blend of spices and creamy pumpkin filling just screams autumn, and trust me, your guests will be begging for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s make this delightful treat that’s sure to become a cherished holiday tradition!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon of cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 pre-made pie crust
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making this scrumptious Thanksgiving dessert! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a pie that’s not just tasty, but also a centerpiece of your holiday table.
Step-by-Step Preparation
- First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is super important to get that perfect crust right from the start!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree and sugar. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Oh, the smell of those spices will get you in the holiday spirit!
- Next, pour in the evaporated milk and mix until everything is well blended. You want a smooth and creamy texture, so don’t rush this part.
- Now, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help the filling become light and fluffy, which is exactly what we want!
- Carefully pour the pumpkin mixture into your pre-made pie crust. Make sure it’s evenly distributed so it bakes perfectly.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 40-50 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it—but the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be a good indicator that it’s almost done!
- To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the pie. If it comes out clean, congratulations! Your pie is ready. If not, give it a few more minutes.
- Once it’s done, let the pie cool on a wire rack before serving. This lets the filling set up nicely, and trust me, it’s worth the wait!
And there you have it! A beautiful Thanksgiving dessert that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a cozy flavor profile that’s perfect for fall.
- Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this pie without breaking a sweat, making it perfect for busy holiday prep.
- Festive appeal: The vibrant orange filling and golden crust make it a stunning centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.
- Crowd-pleaser: This classic dessert is beloved by all ages, so you know it’ll be a hit with your family and friends.
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare it a day in advance, allowing you more time to enjoy the holiday festivities.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your twist with toppings like whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or even a sprinkle of extra spices!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to whip up the perfect Thanksgiving dessert, let me share some tried-and-true tips to ensure your pumpkin pie turns out fabulous every time!
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and evaporated milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother filling and better texture.
- Don’t skip the spices: The spices are what make this pie sing! Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste, but trust me, you’ll want that cozy spice blend.
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your pie as it bakes. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with a strip of foil to prevent burning.
- Cooling is key: Letting the pie cool completely is essential for the filling to set properly. I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but patience pays off!
- Check for doneness wisely: Instead of just using a knife, try gently shaking the pie. If the center slightly jiggles but is mostly set, it’s done. It’ll firm up as it cools!
- Store wisely: If you have leftovers (which I doubt!), store the pie in the fridge covered with plastic wrap. It should last for about 3-4 days, but I’d be surprised if it lasts that long!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a pumpkin pie that’s not only delicious but also a cherished highlight of your Thanksgiving celebration. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked this gorgeous pumpkin pie, let’s talk about how to make your Thanksgiving dessert experience even more delightful! There are so many tasty options to pair with your pie that will elevate the whole meal.
- Whipped Cream: A classic topping! A dollop of freshly whipped cream on each slice adds a light, airy sweetness that complements the rich pumpkin flavor perfectly.
- Ice Cream: If you’re feeling indulgent, serve your pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy coldness paired with warm pie is a match made in dessert heaven!
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea can really enhance the flavors of your dessert. The warmth and slight bitterness of coffee balance the sweetness of the pie beautifully.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over your pie for an extra layer of sweetness and a lovely gooey texture.
- Nutmeg or Cinnamon Sprinkles: For a little extra flair, sprinkle some freshly grated nutmeg or a dash of cinnamon on top of the whipped cream or ice cream. It adds a lovely visual and aromatic touch!
- Fresh Fruit: Slices of fresh apple or pear can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pie. They also add a lovely crunch that pairs nicely with the creamy filling.
With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a dessert spread that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. Enjoy sharing this memorable Thanksgiving dessert with your loved ones!
Nutritional Information Section
Before diving into this delicious Thanksgiving dessert, it’s good to keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can give you a general idea, the actual numbers might differ slightly. Here’s an estimate of what you can expect per slice of this delightful pumpkin pie:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 200mg
These values are rough estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect! Whether you’re counting calories or just enjoying a slice, this Thanksgiving dessert is sure to be a sweet addition to your holiday feast.
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin can be a fantastic alternative to canned. Just make sure to cook it first by roasting or steaming, then pureeing until smooth. This way, you’ll capture that fresh pumpkin flavor that’s perfect for your Thanksgiving dessert!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just cover your pumpkin pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you’re anything like me, though, you might not have any leftovers to worry about!
Can I make this dessert vegan?
Yes, you can definitely make this pumpkin pie vegan! Substitute the evaporated milk with a plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk, and replace the eggs with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg). This way, you’ll still get a delicious and creamy Thanksgiving dessert that everyone can enjoy!
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Thanksgiving Dessert: 7 Secrets to Perfect Pumpkin Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon of cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 pre-made pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, and spices.
- Add salt and stir in evaporated milk.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-50 minutes.
- Check doneness by inserting a knife in the center. It should come out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream if desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Pie can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: thanksgiving dessert
