Oh, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family, friends, and a whole lot of deliciousness come together. And let me tell you, nothing says “holiday spirit” quite like a glorious Thanksgiving dessert pie. Picture this: a perfectly flaky crust cradling a rich, spiced pumpkin filling that’s just sweet enough to make your taste buds dance. Trust me, the moment you take a slice, you’ll be transported to cozy memories of gatherings around the table, laughter echoing, and that warm, comforting aroma wafting through the air.
Growing up, my family had this wonderful tradition of baking pies together, and it was always a race to see who could sneak the first slice right out of the oven! My favorite part? Watching the filling bubble up and knowing that each slice would be a perfect blend of spices and sweetness. This pie is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of togetherness, warmth, and the joy of sharing something homemade. So, let’s dive into this recipe and create our own delicious memories this Thanksgiving!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Desserts Pie
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful pie:
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought, your choice!)
- 2 cups pumpkin puree (canned is fine, but fresh is always a treat!)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (just the right amount of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (this is where the warmth comes from)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for that lovely holiday flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (it adds a nice zing!)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (don’t skip this; it balances the sweetness)
- 4 large eggs (these are going to help set the filling)
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk (for creaminess that makes it oh-so-smooth)
Make sure to have everything ready before you start mixing; it makes the process so much smoother! You’ll be on your way to a scrumptious Thanksgiving dessert pie in no time!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Desserts Pie
Now that we’ve got our ingredients all lined up, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to the fun part! I promise, making this pie is easier than it looks, and the end result is pure comfort in a slice. Let’s break it down step by step!
Preparing the Pie Crust
First things first—let’s get that pie crust ready! If you’re using a store-bought crust, just roll it out gently to fit your pie dish. If you’re feeling adventurous and making your own, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully lift it and place it in your pie dish, pressing it down gently into the corners. Don’t worry if it tears a little; just patch it up with some extra dough. Trim any overhanging edges, and if you want to get fancy, crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork! This will not only look beautiful but also help keep that delicious filling from leaking out.
Making the Filling
Next up, let’s whip up that luscious filling! In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Give it a good stir until all the spices are evenly distributed and you can smell that amazing holiday aroma filling your kitchen. Now, crack those eggs one at a time into the mixture, mixing well after each addition. This ensures everything gets combined smoothly. Then, pour in the evaporated milk and mix until you have a lovely, silky filling. Trust me, the texture is key here—no lumps allowed! If you have a whisk, now’s the time to use it; it really helps to achieve that perfect creaminess.
Baking the Pie
Alright, it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and pour that beautiful pumpkin filling into your prepared pie crust. Bake it for about 15 minutes to get things started. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and let it bake for an additional 40-50 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, you’re all set! Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool on a rack. This is the hardest part—waiting for it to cool down before slicing into it! But I promise the wait is worth it.
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Desserts Pie
- Quick to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have this pie in the oven in no time!
- Rich flavor: The combination of warm spices and creamy pumpkin puree creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Perfect for gatherings: This pie is not just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece that brings everyone together at the table.
- Can be made in advance: You can whip this pie up a day ahead, leaving you more time to spend with family and friends on the big day.
Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Desserts Pie
Now that you’re all set to make this delicious Thanksgiving dessert pie, here are some pro tips to ensure your pie turns out absolutely perfect:
- Avoid overmixing: When you’re mixing the filling, be gentle! Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which might lead to cracks in your pie as it cools.
- Check your spices: Fresh spices make a world of difference! If your spices have been sitting in the pantry for a while, consider getting some new ones for that vibrant flavor boost.
- Even baking: To ensure even baking, place your pie on the center rack of the oven. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, you can cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool it down: Let your pie cool completely at room temperature before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly, ensuring clean slices and a beautiful presentation.
- Serve with flair: Don’t forget the whipped cream! A dollop on top adds a delightful creaminess that complements the spiced filling beautifully.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your guests with a Thanksgiving dessert pie that’s not only delicious but also a showstopper on your holiday table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious Thanksgiving dessert pie, and now you’ve got some leftovers (if that’s even possible!). Here’s how to store it properly so you can enjoy every last bite later on:
First off, make sure the pie is completely cooled before you store it. This is super important because if you put a warm pie in the fridge, it can create condensation, making the crust soggy. Once it’s cool, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy a slice or two (or three!) whenever the craving strikes.
Now, if you want to save it for a longer period, you can freeze the pie! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It’ll last for about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat if you love it cold, but if you prefer it warm, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will revive that lovely flaky crust and make the filling all cozy again!
Trust me, there’s nothing quite like a slice of leftover Thanksgiving dessert pie to brighten up a chilly day!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Hey there, friends! Just a quick note about the nutritional information for this Thanksgiving dessert pie. Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I’ve provided some general estimates, they may not be precisely accurate for your pie. Always feel free to adjust based on your favorite brands or any substitutions you make!
Remember, this pie is all about enjoying the wonderful flavors and sharing moments with loved ones. Happy baking!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Desserts Pie
Got questions about this Thanksgiving dessert pie? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my answers to help you out!
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin can give you a wonderful flavor, but it does require some extra prep. Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. You’ll want about 2 cups of fresh puree, similar to the canned version.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
Great question! The pie is done when the edges are set, but the center has a slight jiggle. A good test is to insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, you’re all set! Just remember, it will continue to firm up as it cools.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just use a gluten-free pie crust, and you’re good to go. The filling is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this delicious Thanksgiving dessert pie without any worries.
How can I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, make sure to pre-bake (or blind bake) the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps set the crust and creates a barrier against the moisture from the filling. Plus, it gives it that lovely golden color!
What can I serve with this pie besides whipped cream?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You could serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a lovely crunch. Get creative and make it your own!
Thanksgiving Desserts Pie: 5 Reasons to Indulge Today
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Thanksgiving dessert pie with a rich filling and flaky crust.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the pie crust and place it in a pie dish.
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, spices, and salt.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the evaporated milk until fully combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes.
- Check for doneness by inserting a knife; it should come out clean.
- Let the pie cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream if desired.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: thanksgiving desserts pie
