Oh, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the scent of spices and sweetness. One of my favorite traditions is gathering with family and friends, sharing laughter and stories around the table, and of course, indulging in delicious *thanksgiving pie ideas*. I remember my grandmother’s pumpkin pie that would steal the show every year; it was creamy, spiced perfectly, and had a crust that melted in your mouth. Creating these memorable desserts has become my passion, and I can’t wait to share my go-to recipe with you. Trust me, this pie will be the highlight of your holiday!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Pie
Prepping the Pie Crust
Let’s start with the pie crust, because a great pie begins with a great crust! First, in a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. This is where the magic begins! Then, add the chilled, diced butter. You want to mix it in until it resembles coarse crumbs; I usually just use my fingers for this, but a pastry cutter works well, too. Trust me, the colder the butter, the flakier your crust will be, so don’t skip that chilling step!
Next, stir in the ice water—start with 6 tablespoons and add more if needed. You want the dough to come together without being sticky. Once it’s formed, divide it in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap them in plastic wrap, and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial for a tender crust!
Making the Pumpkin Filling
While your crust is chilling, let’s whip up that luscious pumpkin filling! In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, and all those delightful spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. I love how the aroma fills the room—it’s like a warm hug! Next, crack in the eggs one by one, mixing gently after each addition. Then pour in the heavy cream and give it a good stir until everything is well combined. You want that filling to be smooth and creamy, so take your time here!
Baking the Pie
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out your chilled dough on a floured surface and fit it into your pie pan. Trim any excess and crimp the edges for that lovely homemade look. Pour the pumpkin filling into the crust, and you’re almost there! Bake it at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40 to 50 minutes. To check if it’s done, look for the filling to be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Let it cool completely before serving; this is key for the flavors to really meld together. I promise, the anticipation is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients
- Classic pumpkin flavor that everyone loves
- Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings and holiday celebrations
- Homemade crust that’s flaky and delicious
- Can be made ahead of time for stress-free entertaining
- Delightful aroma that fills your home with warmth
- Impressive dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds
Tips for Success
To ensure your pumpkin pie is a showstopper, here are a few pro tips! First, make sure your butter is really cold—this helps create that flaky crust we all love. When rolling out the dough, don’t overwork it; just enough to get it into the pie pan. For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of maple syrup to the filling; it makes a world of difference! And finally, let your pie cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set nicely and makes for a cleaner slice. Trust me, these little details make all the difference!
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you can expect from each delicious slice of this pumpkin pie. Please keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in:
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
These values can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but I think you’ll find this pie is a lovely balance of sweet and satisfying without going overboard. Enjoy every bite guilt-free during the holiday festivities!
FAQ Section
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a pre-made pie crust can save the day. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for baking.
What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?
If you can’t find pumpkin puree, you can use butternut squash puree or sweet potato puree as a tasty alternative. Both work wonderfully!
How do I store leftover pie?
Store any leftover pumpkin pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It should last about 3 to 5 days!
Can I freeze the pumpkin pie?
Yes! To freeze, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
What toppings go well with pumpkin pie?
I love to serve mine with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious pumpkin pie, storing the leftovers properly is key to keeping that flavor intact! Simply cover the pie with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the pie! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and it’ll last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For a warm slice, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Trust me, the aroma will bring back all those cozy holiday memories!
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Thanksgiving Pie Ideas: 7 Ways to Delight Your Guests
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious pie recipes perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add diced butter and mix until crumbly.
- Stir in ice water until dough forms.
- Roll out dough and fit into pie pan.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, spices, eggs, and cream.
- Pour filling into the crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40 to 50 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin for a richer flavor.
- Serve with whipped cream on top.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: thanksgiving pie ideas, pumpkin pie, holiday desserts
