Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family gathers around the table, and the aroma of delicious food fills the air. For me, the centerpiece of this celebration is undeniably the *thanksgiving pie*. There’s something so comforting about that rich pumpkin filling, spiced just right with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger. It brings back memories of my grandmother, who would always make the most amazing pie from scratch, and we’d gather in the kitchen, eagerly waiting for that first slice. Trust me, every bite of this classic dessert tastes like the essence of the holiday—warm, inviting, and oh-so-delicious. So, let’s dive into this recipe and create some wonderful memories together, shall we?
Ingredients List
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade, your choice!)
- 2 cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned, but I love using fresh for that vibrant taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that luscious, creamy texture)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (adds a lovely caramel flavor)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (just the right amount of sweetness)
- 3 large eggs (for binding everything together)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (the warm hug of spices)
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (a must for that classic taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (just a hint of spice)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (for a little extra depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance out the sweetness)
How to Prepare Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Crust
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is crucial for getting that perfectly baked crust. While the oven is heating up, roll out your pie crust and gently fit it into a 9-inch pie pan, making sure to press it down into the corners. Don’t worry if it looks a little rustic—that’s part of its charm! Trim any excess crust hanging over the edges and crimp as you like.
Mixing the Filling
Now, let’s get to the star of the show—the pumpkin filling! In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and all those delightful spices. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy—this is where the magic happens! Make sure there are no lumps because a silky filling is what we’re aiming for. Then, crack in the eggs one by one, mixing just until combined. It’s important not to overmix here, as you want to keep that lovely texture intact. Once you’ve got a smooth filling, it’s time to pour it into the prepared crust.
Baking the Pie
Carefully pour the luscious filling into your crust, and then pop it in the preheated oven. Bake it at that high temperature for 15 minutes—this helps set the crust beautifully. After that, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. Once it’s done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step is key because it allows the filling to firm up a bit more. Trust me, patience pays off when it comes to enjoying that perfect slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic flavor that embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand
- Easy to follow, perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers
- Fills your home with that warm, inviting aroma
- Perfectly pairs with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat
- Makes 8 generous slices, ideal for sharing with loved ones
Tips for Success
To ensure your *thanksgiving pie* turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, make sure your pumpkin puree is at room temperature before mixing it into the filling. This helps create a smooth blend and prevents any shocking temperature differences that could affect the texture. Also, don’t skip the pre-baking step; it’s essential for a flaky crust! If you notice the edges of your crust browning too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil to prevent burning. And here’s a little secret: letting the pie cool completely before slicing helps the filling set up nicely, making those slices look picture-perfect. Trust me, these little details make all the difference in achieving that ultimate holiday dessert!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. For each delicious slice of this *thanksgiving pie*, you can expect around 320 calories, with 15g of fat, 4g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. It also contains about 20g of sugar and 150mg of sodium. Enjoying this festive treat in moderation is key, especially with all those holiday festivities ahead!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Using fresh pumpkin can add a richer flavor to your *thanksgiving pie*. Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth before adding to your filling.
How do I know when my pie is done?
Your pie will be done when the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. It’s a delicate dance between undercooked and overcooked, so keep an eye on it!
What can I do if my crust is getting too brown?
If you notice the edges browning too quickly, don’t panic! Just cover them with strips of aluminum foil during the last part of baking to protect them.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare your *thanksgiving pie* a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve!
What’s the best way to serve this pie?
Serve it with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that perfect creamy contrast to the spiced pumpkin filling!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your leftover *thanksgiving pie*, simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days—if it lasts that long! When you’re ready to enjoy another slice, just pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm it up, or you can let it sit at room temperature for a bit. You can also serve it cold—it’s delicious either way! Just remember, the longer it sits, the more those amazing flavors meld together.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your *thanksgiving pie* experience, I highly recommend serving it alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The lightness of the cream beautifully complements the rich, spiced filling. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a heavenly pairing too! For a festive touch, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few candied pecans on top. And don’t forget a warm cup of spiced cider or coffee to sip while enjoying your pie—it’s the perfect way to wrap up your holiday feast!
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Thanksgiving Pie: 7 Secrets to Perfection You Need Now
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Thanksgiving pie made with pumpkin and spices, perfect for the holiday.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan.
- In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sugars, and spices.
- Add the eggs and mix until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 45 minutes.
- Let the pie cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Use fresh pumpkin for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: thanksgiving pie, pumpkin pie, holiday dessert
