Ah, pumpkin pie—the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert! It’s like a warm hug on a chilly fall day. I remember gathering around the table with my family, the rich aroma of spices filling the air, and that moment when the pie was finally cut. The first slice, with its velvety filling nestled in a flaky crust, was always the highlight of the meal. Trust me, there’s something magical about the blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg that just screams “holiday joy!” Whether you’re hosting a big family feast or enjoying a cozy dinner with friends, this pie is sure to steal the show. It’s easy to whip up and makes your home smell amazing, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. Let’s get baking, shall we?
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create a delicious pumpkin pie that will have everyone asking for seconds!
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade, your choice!)
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go before you start mixing—trust me, it makes the whole process so much smoother! Happy baking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your pie bakes evenly from the start, giving you that perfect, golden crust. While the oven warms up, you can get everything else ready!
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, start by mixing together the pumpkin puree, sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg. I love the smell of those spices coming together—it’s like a warm embrace! Stir until everything is well combined, and make sure there are no lumps. This is your flavor base, so take a moment to enjoy the aroma before moving on!
Add Eggs and Milk
Now, it’s time to add the eggs—one at a time! Beat each egg into the mixture until it’s fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps create that smooth, silky texture we all love. Once the eggs are in, stir in the evaporated milk and mix until everything is beautifully smooth and creamy. You’re really going to love how it looks!
Bake the Pie
Pour your luscious pumpkin filling into the pie crust and pop it into the oven. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for the first 15 minutes. Then, carefully reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool on a wire rack for a bit before serving—trust me, it’s worth the wait for that perfect slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to prepare—perfect for busy holiday cooks!
- Classic flavors that bring back warm memories of family gatherings.
- A true crowd-pleaser that everyone loves!
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for all your guests.
- It’s the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert that never goes out of style!
Honestly, it’s hard to beat this pie when it comes to comfort and nostalgia!
Tips for Success
To make sure your pumpkin pie turns out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, if you’re using a store-bought crust, let it thaw completely before using it to avoid cracking. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a pinch of cloves for an extra depth of flavor! Also, be careful not to overmix the filling after adding the eggs—just mix until smooth. For a beautiful crust, brush it with an egg wash before baking to get that lovely golden color. Finally, let the pie cool completely before slicing; this helps it set nicely and makes for cleaner slices. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one slice of this delicious pumpkin pie:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 250mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your slice guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, just roast it until tender, then puree it. It’ll give your pie a lovely, fresh flavor!
What can I do if my pie cracks?
Cracks can happen if the pie is overbaked. To avoid this, keep an eye on it towards the end of baking and take it out when the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pumpkin pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. It should stay fresh for up to four days—if it lasts that long!
Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Pumpkin pie actually tastes even better the next day, so feel free to bake it a day or two in advance!
Is this pumpkin pie gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free pie crust, then yes! The filling itself is gluten-free, making this a great option for gluten-sensitive friends.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious pumpkin pie fresh, store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It’ll stay tasty for up to four days—if you can resist the temptation to eat it all at once! When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, simply serve it cold or warm it up in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Thanksgiving dessert: 5 Reasons Pumpkin Pie Steals Hearts
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious pumpkin pie perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Stir in evaporated milk until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- For a spicier pie, add more cinnamon and ginger.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: thanksgiving dessert
