If you are craving a cozy, comforting dessert that captures the essence of autumn in every bite, look no further than this Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe. Perfectly spiced and velvety smooth, this classic pumpkin pie brings together simple pantry staples to create a dish that feels both nostalgic and effortlessly delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or just because, this pie will quickly become your go-to favorite for sharing warm moments with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each contributing essential flavors and textures that make the pie sing. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have everything you need to bake a pie that is luscious, flavorful, and full of fall spirit.
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust: Provides that buttery, flaky base that cradles the filling perfectly.
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree: The star ingredient offering creamy texture and iconic pumpkin flavor.
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk: Adds richness and smoothness without overpowering the spices.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens just enough to balance the spices and pumpkin’s natural earthiness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the filling together for a custardy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warms the dish with its familiar aromatic spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing that lifts the flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A pinch brings depth and a touch of comforting spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes perfectly.
- Optional whipped cream for serving: For that light, creamy topping that makes each bite even more indulgent.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature jump-starts the baking process, ensuring the filling sets beautifully while the crust begins to crisp up.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous. This step is crucial for getting that silky texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Step 3: Pour Into the Crust
Gently pour your well-blended filling into the unbaked pie crust. Take care to spread it evenly so that your pie cooks uniformly and looks picture perfect once it’s done.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Put your pie into the hot oven and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes to help the crust and filling start setting. Then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 5: Cool Before Serving
Allow your pumpkin pie to cool completely on a wire rack—about two hours—before cutting. This waiting time lets the flavors settle and the filling firm up for the perfect slice every time.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing complements this pie like a generous swirl of freshly whipped cream. For a fun twist, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the cream for extra aroma. If you’re feeling festive, a drizzle of caramel sauce can take your slice to the next level.
Side Dishes
Serve your Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe alongside a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea to make an afternoon snack feel truly special. For richer meals, it pairs wonderfully after a savory Thanksgiving feast, adding that sweet touch to round out the menu.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, try cutting the pie into individual mini servings using a cookie cutter or ramekins. You could even top each slice with a toasted pecan or candied ginger for a delightful texture contrast that your guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator. The pumpkin filling will keep fresh and flavorful for up to four days, perfect for snacking or dessert the next day.
Freezing
If you’d like to save your pie for longer, this Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole pie or individual slices securely in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a warm oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave for shorter times, keeping an eye so it stays moist and creamy. Reheating warms the spices and restores some of that just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Absolutely! If you use fresh pumpkin, roast it until soft, then puree it in a blender. Just make sure to drain excess liquid to keep your pie filling thick and creamy.
What can I substitute for evaporated milk?
If you don’t have evaporated milk on hand, you can replace it with an equal amount of whole milk or half-and-half, though the texture might be a bit lighter.
Is it better to bake the pie immediately, or can I refrigerate it first?
For best results, bake the pie right after assembling to keep your crust crisp and filling smooth. Refrigerating the unbaked pie might make the crust soggy during baking.
How do I prevent cracks on the pumpkin pie surface?
To avoid cracking, don’t overbake your pie. Check for doneness by inserting a knife; it should come out mostly clean but with a little moisture. Letting the pie cool gradually also helps keep the filling intact.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes! A store-bought crust works perfectly with this Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe and saves you time without sacrificing any flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the cozy flavors of this Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe that makes it a must-bake every fall season. It’s simple enough for any home cook but delicious enough to impress your guests and family time after time. So, grab those ingredients and get ready to create a slice of autumn happiness that everyone will adore!
Print
Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe is a classic American dessert perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering. Made with a smooth pumpkin puree filling seasoned with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, baked to perfection in a flaky crust, and optionally topped with whipped cream, this pie is both comforting and delicious. Its straightforward preparation and baking method make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
Filling
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional
- Whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the pumpkin pie.
- Mix Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, granulated sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Filling: Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust.
- Bake Initial Temperature: Place the pie in the oven and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes to help set the crust and start cooking the filling.
- Reduce Oven Temperature: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 40 to 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, indicating the filling is fully cooked.
- Cool the Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly.
- Serve: Once cooled, slice the pie and serve as is, or add a dollop of whipped cream on top if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, replace the individual spices with 1 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice blend.
- This pie can be made a day in advance; store it covered in the refrigerator to keep fresh.
- Serve the pie chilled or at room temperature according to your preference.
