5 from 3 votes
Pin Recipe Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy

When the holidays come around, I get so excited to make this classic pumpkin pie recipe. And my family is even more excited to eat it after Thanksgiving dinner. By far, it’s the pie I’m most requested to make when the leaves outside start changing color.

Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe

I used to be the kind of person that would just pick up a pumpkin pie at the store. But there’s something missing from it. Only the best pumpkin pie is made with love. With this recipe, you’ll be able to add plenty from your heart too.

Best pumpkin pie recipe

Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Do you have 10 minutes? Great! Then you can make this easy pumpkin pie recipe! That’s all it takes to prep it and get it in the oven. That’s faster than going to the store to pick one up!

How do You Make Pumpkin Pie from Scratch

Pumpkin pie really isn’t too difficult to make. Open up your spice cabinet. If you have ground cloves, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and ginger, you’re halfway there. You just need a few other things to pull it all together. In just 5 simple steps, I’ll show you how to make your own homemade pumpkin pie that everyone will love!

To make pumpkin pie from scratch, you COULD smash up your own pumpkin. But I find that’s messy. Plus, fresh pumpkin is better in soups and stews. It has a grittier and earthier taste. When pumpkin is simply pureed and canned (and without added sweeteners), it’s the perfect choice for getting the right creamy and dreamy consistency.

All it takes is 10 minutes to mix everything together. Then you can enjoy the wonderful scent of pumpkin pie as it bakes!

Ingredients for making pumpkin pie

Pumpkin Pie Ingredients

  • Unsweetened pumpkin puree – Don’t use the pumpkin pie mix. It’s got additives in it but this puree is just canned pumpkin without anything else.
  • Sugar – Both brown and regular sugar go into this for that warm, autumn sweet taste.
  • Pie crust – You need the perfect vessel to contain your delicious pumpkin pie, don’t you? If you want to go the extra mile opt for homemade pie crust made from pie dough.
  • Eggs – This recipe calls for 3 eggs plus 1 egg yolk.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pumpkin Pie

  • Don’t overcook it – Doing so will leave you with those cracks on top.
  • Pre-bake the crust – I’m a huge fan of doing this because it keeps the crust from going soggy. Your other option is to use a pie shield to keep the top of the pie crust from burning.
  • Go half and half on sugars – When you use half brown and half white sugar, you get a caramelized flavor that will win you mega-compliments for your pumpkin pie recipe!

How do you make pumpkin pie crust from scratch?

You’ll need a pumpkin pie crust recipe. Generally, that consists of flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, and shortening. It will make a lot of coarse crumbs so you’ll add a little water slowly until it gets more crumbly. Then you’ll roll it together, wrap it, and let it chill for 45 minutes.

Easy pumpkin pie recipe

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Filling

This pumpkin pie recipe makes it so simple to create the best filling. You’ll take your unsweetened pumpkin puree and mix it with the other ingredients as listed. Make sure everything is combined well but there’s no need to go nuts and over-mix it.

Pumpkin pie fixes everything.
Anonymous

What is pumpkin pie filling made of?

Pumpkin pie filling is made from unsweetened pumpkin puree, eggs, an extra egg yolk, granulated and brown sugar, and an array of spices including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and vanilla.

Canned Pumpkin or Fresh Pumpkin for Pumpkin Pie?

Canned pumpkin is best for pies though I encourage you to avoid that sugared-up sweetened version. You’ll be adding your own fresh and healthy seasonings from your spice rack. It tastes so much better than pre-seasoned pie mix. Fresh pumpkin is hard to get to the right consistency for pie which is why I prefer to take my fresh pumpkins and make them into a nice pumpkin soup or stew.

How to make pumpkin pie

Can you use canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?

Believe it or not, canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree are one and the same. Make sure whatever you choose is all natural and doesn’t have any seasonings added in or you’ll have a different flavor than you expected.

What is the difference between canned pumpkin and canned pumpkin pie filling?

The difference is that canned pumpkin pie filling has the spices added in. Canned pumpkin is completely pure and plain, making it the best choice so you can add spices your way.

Is pumpkin pie filling runny before baking?

It is very normal for pumpkin pie filling to be runny prior to baking it. That will all change soon as the heat from your oven cooks up the ingredients to delicious perfection!

Can you make pumpkin pie with any kind of pumpkin?

Not quite. Used the unsweetened canned pumpkin puree is best because it’s natural and all the work has been done for you. If you want to use a fresh pumpkin, don’t use the ones that you’d carve into jack-0-lanterns and instead grab a small variety like Long Pie or Sugar. You will also want to wring the puree you make from excess moisture with a cheesecloth.

What is Pumpkin Pie Spice?

Pumpkin pie spice is simply all the spices for pumpkin pie in one handy shaker. Why do I prefer adding each one individually? Because I can adjust each one to my measurements to ensure it has the perfect flavor.

Making pumpkin pie from scratch

How Long to Bake Pumpkin Pie

With this recipe, you’ll only have to wait 35 to 40 minutes until your pumpkin pie is finished. The edges should be set and the center should jiggle. Don’t worry about that because it will finish cooking through when you pull it out. If you leave it in the oven too long, you’ll get that crack on top.

Do you need to blind bake pumpkin pie crust?

You do not need to blind bake pumpkin pie crust. However, if you prefer a crispier crust on your pumpkin pie, you should blind bake. If you choose to blind bake, try using pie weights.

How to Tell When Pumpkin Pie is Done?

The edges will be browned and the center slightly jiggly.

How long does it take a pumpkin pie to set?

You will want to let your pumpkin pie cool for about 2 hours prior to serving. It will set during this time and get that perfect texture.

Why is my pumpkin pie mushy?

Your pumpkin pie might be mushy if your egg ratio is off. This pumpkin pie filling recipe calls for 3 eggs but the size of the eggs comes into play too. As eggs come in varying sizes even by the small, medium, large, and extra large standards, a kitchen scale can help you get the right weight.

How do you keep the bottom crust of a pumpkin pie from getting soggy?        

To keep your pumpkin pie crust from going soggy on you, you will need to do a blind bake. That means baking it briefly first before filling it. This should solve the soggy crust dilemma.

How can I make my pumpkin pie more firm?

You may not have baked your pumpkin pie for long enough. Bake it at 350F for 35 to 40 minutes. The edges should be set but the center will jiggle. Remember, it will keep cooking as it cools so don’t wait for the center to be firm or your pie will crack!

Best Toppings to Serve with Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is always perfect with whipped cream on top. My husband will literally engulf the entire thing in a fortress of whipped cream, a habit he’s had since childhood. Now my kids do the same. Vanilla ice cream is another favorite though if you want to make it look like it came right from a magazine, you can add sugared cranberries on top for the perfect Thanksgiving presentation!

Canned or fresh pumpkin filling

How to Store Pumpkin Pie

After your pumpkin pie comes out of the oven, let it cool down to room temperature. If you’re serving it within 2 hours, you can leave it out but if not, cover it loosely and put it in the fridge. Assuming you have any leftovers, pumpkin pie is good for up to 4 days when refrigerated.

Does Pumpkin Pie Need to Be Refrigerated?

Yes! Pumpkin pie will preserve better in the refrigerator. Please don’t leave it out all day and night.

Can You Freeze Pumpkin Pie?

Yes – and that’s a good plan if you have lots of baking coming up for the holidays. Why stress yourself out more than necessary? You’ll need to bake it first but then once it has cooled completely, you can wrap it up in several layers of plastic wrap. I also like to then slide it in a freezer bag. Then, place it on a level shelf and it will be good for a month.

How to Reheat Pumpkin Pie

My family loves their pumpkin pie chilled or even slightly up to room temperature. But if you or any of your guests would like it warmed, you can take each slice and heat for 10 to 30 seconds just prior to serving.


Watch How To Make Pumpkin Pie (Video)

Classic Pumpkin Pie Recipe

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 226
Delicious homemade Pumpkin Pie is the perfect holiday dessert. Warm pumpkin filling in a sweet flaky crust and baked to golden perfection. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

  • 29 oz can of unsweetened pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 tsp cloves (ground)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 large egg yolk

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350F. Place the frozen pie crust in the fridge to thaw.
  • In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, salt, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and egg yolk. Mix until thoroughly combined.
  • Place pie crust into pie plate and poke holes on the bottom with a fork. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the pie shell and spread evenly.
  • Bake at 350F for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly when shaken.
  • Allow to cool at room temp for 2 hours before serving. Slice and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Calories: 226kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 239mg | Potassium: 337mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 21487IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 3mg

More Pumpkin Pie recipes:

Never Miss A Recipe!

Join thousands of HowToCook.recipes subscribers and get our best recipes delivered each week!

Yes! Send me the newest recipes by email

You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of emails you receive.

Avatar photo
Author

I’m a mom of two, food and wine lover, and recipe creation enthusiast. Good food brings families together. Which is why I’m devoted to sharing my best recipes that are simple enough for even the beginner cook that your family will love!

1 Comment

  1. Nick Patel Reply

    5 stars
    We are pumpkin enthusiasts, love to grow and eat them. Your recipe is pumpkin pie at it’s best. Thank you! I did tweak a couple of ingredients, and used fresh pumpkin. I eliminated the 1/2 cup skim milk (the pie filling was ample without adding more liquid). Instead of adding the 1/2 cup brown sugar, a tablespoon of mollases gave the pie even more depth of flavor. This will be my go to pumpkin pie recipe.

Write A Comment

Recipe Rating