Pumpkin Pie: A Slice of Autumn Bliss
You will fall in love with this Pumpkin Pie recipe. As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold and the crisp, cool air signals the arrival of autumn, there’s one comforting treat that seems to embody the spirit of the season like no other: pumpkin pie. With its rich, spiced filling and buttery, flaky crust, a slice of homemade pumpkin pie is like a warm hug from the inside out. If you’re ready to embrace all the flavors of fall, join us on a culinary journey as we explore the history and magic of pumpkin pie, and then dive into a delectable homemade pumpkin pie recipe.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie has a deep-rooted history in North America, dating back to the early colonial period. Native Americans were known to roast or boil pumpkin and other squashes, while early European settlers quickly adopted these ingredients into their culinary traditions. The combination of pumpkin, spices, and pie crust is believed to have evolved into what we know as pumpkin pie today.
The famous Thanksgiving meal is often credited with the pumpkin pie’s status as a fall favorite. It’s said that the Pilgrims and Native Americans might have shared a pumpkin-based dish at the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621, though it was quite different from the modern pumpkin pie. In fact, early pumpkin pies were often baked without a crust and were sweetened with honey and flavored with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
Over time, as the recipe evolved and sugar became more readily available, the pumpkin pie we know and love today took shape. With its flaky pastry crust and creamy, spiced pumpkin filling, it has become a beloved staple of holiday tables across the United States and beyond.
The Perfect Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Pumpkin Pie
With its rich, spiced filling and buttery, flaky crust, a slice of homemade pumpkin pie is like a warm hug from the inside out.
- Gold Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Silicone Spatula Heat Resistant
- Premium Non-Stick Bakeware Cupcake Pan
- Stainless Steel Cake Tester
- Batter Bowl, Glass Mixing Bowl with Blue Lid
- Pie Crust Shield Silicone
- Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
- Pumpkin Puree:
- 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- Whipped cream (for serving (optional))
Instructions:
Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a food processor, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roll Out the Crust:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie crust into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess dough from the edges and crimping them decoratively.
Prepare the Pumpkin Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, spices, and salt until well combined. Add the eggs and mix until fully incorporated. Slowly pour in the evaporated milk while continuing to whisk.
Fill the Pie:
- Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust.
Bake the Pie:
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 45-50 minutes, or until the pie is set and a cake tester into the center comes out clean. Use a pie shield or foil strips to protect your crust. Because a pumpkin pie has to cook for about an hour, the pie crust will burn if exposed the whole time. I keep the pie shield on the pie for all but the first 15 minutes.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pumpkin pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. If desired, top with a dollop of whipped cream just before serving.
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to bake the perfect homemade pumpkin pie. This recipe yields one 9-inch pie and is sure to impress your family and friends.
Enjoy Your Slice of Autumn Bliss!
There you have it—the perfect pumpkin pie recipe to celebrate the flavors of fall. Whether you’re enjoying it as a Thanksgiving dessert or simply savoring a slice with a warm cup of tea or pumpkin spice coffee on a chilly evening, pumpkin pie has a way of making any moment feel cozier and more delightful. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin pie fill your home with the essence of autumn.
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This pumpkin pie recipe is a game-changer! It is filled with fall in every bite. The detailed instructions made it easy, even for a novice baker like myself. My family couldn’t get enough, and it’s become a new holiday tradition in our home.
Samantha H.
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As a self-proclaimed pumpkin pie lover, I was skeptical about trying a new recipe. But, oh wow, this one is a winner! The blend of spices and the creamy filling is spot-on. I can’t wait to make it again and again this season.
Ava S.
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I followed this recipe for a fall-themed gathering, and it was a huge success. The pie turned out beautifully, and the aroma while it was baking was simply magical. I topped it with a dollop of whipped cream, and it was perfection on a plate. I’m officially a pumpkin pie enthusiast!
Emily W.