Thanksgiving is one of my absolute favorite times of year! I still remember the warm, cozy feeling of gathering around the table with my family, the air filled with the delicious aroma of roasted turkey and baked pies. Each year, we’d have a little friendly competition over who could bring the most scrumptious dessert. That’s where this *easy dessert* comes in—it’s my go-to pumpkin pie recipe! It’s simple yet so delightful, and it never fails to impress my relatives. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s a breeze to whip up, leaving me more time to enjoy the festivities. Trust me, this pumpkin pie is the perfect sweet ending to a hearty Thanksgiving meal, and it’ll fit right into your family traditions too!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree – make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not the spiced pie filling!
- 1 cup of sugar – this adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the pumpkin.
- 1/2 cup of milk – whole milk works best for a rich, creamy texture.
- 2 large eggs – these will help bind everything together and add a lovely fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon – it’s not Thanksgiving without a hint of warm spice!
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg – this adds a beautiful depth of flavor that complements the pumpkin.
- 1 pre-made pie crust – for ease, but feel free to use homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because starting with a hot oven helps the pie set perfectly!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, milk, eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I like to use a whisk for this part—it really helps get everything nice and smooth. You want to make sure there are no lumps, so whisk away!
- Once your mixture is beautifully blended, it’s time to pour it into the pie crust. Be careful here, as it can be a bit sloshy—no one wants a pumpkin spill!
- Now, pop your pie in the preheated oven and bake it for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the edges start to brown too much, just cover them with a little foil.
- After baking, take the pie out and let it cool at room temperature. This is key! Letting it cool lets all those lovely flavors mingle and makes it easier to slice. I recommend waiting at least an hour before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to put together—even for novice bakers!
- Deliciously Classic: It captures that traditional pumpkin pie flavor we all crave during Thanksgiving.
- Quick Prep Time: You can whip this up in just 15 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities with your loved ones.
- Perfectly Cozy: The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg fill your kitchen with a comforting aroma that screams holiday spirit!
- Impressive Presentation: Serve it up with a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
- Great for Leftovers: This pie stays delicious for days, making it a perfect treat to enjoy after the big meal.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your pumpkin pie turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you nail this *easy dessert*:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother filling and ensures everything blends together beautifully.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture—nobody wants that in their pie!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the pie as it bakes. Ovens can vary, so start checking a few minutes before the 45-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s ready.
- Cool Completely: Resist the urge to slice right after baking! Letting it cool completely is crucial for the filling to set properly. Plus, it gives those flavors a chance to deepen.
- Layer on the Whipped Cream: Don’t skimp on the whipped cream for serving! It adds a delightful creaminess that perfectly balances the spices in the pie.
- Experiment with Spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of ginger or cloves for an extra kick! It’s a fun way to personalize your pie.
Trust me, following these tips will elevate your *easy desserts thanksgiving* experience and make you look like a pro in the kitchen!
Variations
Now, let’s spice things up a bit! One of the best parts about this *easy dessert* is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun variations to keep your pumpkin pie fresh and exciting every Thanksgiving:
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pie: Fold in a cup of chocolate chips into the pumpkin mixture for a sweet surprise. The chocolate adds a rich depth that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin!
- Maple Pumpkin Pie: Swap out the sugar for maple syrup to give your pie a lovely, earthy sweetness. Just be sure to reduce the milk slightly to keep the filling from getting too runny.
- Spiced Up Pumpkin: Add a teaspoon of ginger or allspice for an extra kick! These spices enhance the warm flavors and give your pie a little twist.
- Nutty Crust: Instead of a traditional pie crust, use a crust made from crushed pecans or walnuts mixed with a bit of butter. It adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness!
- Vegan Pumpkin Pie: Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water (1 tablespoon of seeds + 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use coconut milk in place of regular milk for a delicious plant-based option.
- Caramel Drizzle: After baking, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top before serving. It adds an indulgent touch that everyone will love!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own signature version of this *easy desserts thanksgiving*. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear what you come up with!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve got this delicious pumpkin pie, it’s important to know how to store it properly so you can enjoy it for days to come! Here’s how to keep your *easy dessert* fresh:
- Storing Leftovers: Once your pie has cooled completely, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you have an airtight container, that works beautifully too! Just make sure it’s sealed to prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in.
- Refrigeration: Store your pumpkin pie in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. This will keep it fresh and tasty, so you can savor those wonderful flavors!
- Freezing for Later: If you find yourself with extra pie (which is rare, but it happens!), you can freeze it! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze it for up to 2 months without losing flavor!
- Thawing: When you’re ready to indulge again, just move a slice to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can leave it at room temperature for a couple of hours. Just don’t rush it—thawing slowly helps maintain that perfect texture!
- Reheating: If you prefer your pie warm, you can pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat it, though! You want it just warm enough to enhance that cozy flavor.
Following these storage and reheating tips will ensure your pumpkin pie remains delicious, making it an enjoyable treat long after Thanksgiving dinner is over!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in this delightful *easy dessert*? Here’s a quick rundown of the typical nutritional values for each slice of pumpkin pie! Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but they’ll give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: Approximately 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
With this pumpkin pie, you get a delicious slice of tradition that doesn’t compromise too much on the taste or the nutritional front. Plus, it’s a lovely way to treat yourself during the holidays while still keeping things in check!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! If you want to use fresh pumpkin, just make sure to cook it down and puree it until smooth. It’s a bit more work, but the fresh flavor is totally worth it!
What if I don’t have nutmeg?
No worries! If you don’t have nutmeg, you can simply leave it out or substitute it with more cinnamon. You could even add a pinch of allspice or ginger for a different twist!
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can definitely make this *easy dessert* a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge after it cools completely. It will taste even better as the flavors meld together!
What’s the best way to serve this pie?
I love serving it with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top! You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra touch of holiday flair. It’s a classic combination that never disappoints!
Can I freeze the pumpkin pie?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before putting it in the freezer. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
easy desserts thanksgiving: 5 Simple Ways to Impress Family
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious dessert perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1 pre-made pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, milk, eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until set.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream.
- Chill leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: easy desserts thanksgiving
