Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Whip up this Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe in just minutes! A classic fall dessert, beloved for its creamy, spiced filling and crisp crust.

Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving dinner or simply craving a taste of autumn, this Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe is sure to become your go-to. With simple ingredients and a few basic steps, you can create a pie that tastes bakery-fresh with minimal effort. Today, we will walk you through everything, from ingredient selection to baking tips, so you get a perfect pie every time. Let’s dive in and discover how simple making a homemade pumpkin pie can be!

Why you’ll love this Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe

• Whip it up in just minutes!
• Can be made ahead of time!
• Refrigerates well!
• Creamy and perfectly spiced!
• A classic Thanksgiving Day pie!

Understanding the Ingredients in this Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe

To make a deliciously smooth pumpkin pie, you’ll need a few key ingredients that contribute to its texture and flavor:

• Pumpkin Puree: Opt for canned pumpkin for consistent results. Canned pumpkin has a dense, smooth texture that helps avoid watery pies. If you prefer, you can use homemade pumpkin puree, but be sure to drain it well to reduce moisture.
• Evaporated Milk: This is essential for a creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, substitute with a thick, unsweetened non-dairy milk like coconut or almond.
• Eggs: Eggs are crucial for binding the filling and giving it structure.
• Sugars: Granulated sugar works well by itself, but we used both granulated and brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like sweetness.
• Spices: Ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves create that classic pumpkin pie flavor. Pre-made pumpkin pie spice is a convenient option, but feel free to adjust each spice to taste.
• Pie Crust: Use a pre-made crust to save time, or go the extra mile with a homemade crust. If you prefer a gluten-free crust, many stores carry great options, or you can make one from scratch using almond or oat flour.

Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe-Ingredients

• 1 can 100% pure pumpkin (15 oz)
• 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 2 eggs
• 1 unbaked pie crust (9″ deep dish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pie Crust

To keep things quick and easy, we used a store-bought crust. However, if you want to try a homemade crust, a basic recipe of flour, butter, salt, and cold water will give you a deliciously flaky base.

• Optional Pre-baking: Pre-bake the crust for 5-7 minutes at 375°F. This helps prevent a soggy bottom and ensures that the crust remains firm and flaky under the filling.
• Positioning the Crust: Place the crust on a baking sheet for stability and easy handling. If using a homemade pie crust, trim the edges and, if desired, use a fork to create a decorative pattern, crimped or fluted edge.
• Pie Shield: Use a pie shield (or make one from aluminum foil) around the crust edges to prevent over-browning during baking.

Mixing the Filling

Creating the filling is a simple one-bowl process, and a few techniques will help it come out smooth and creamy:

• Start with Eggs: Beat the eggs in a large bowl. This helps the pie filling stay light.
• Add Sugar and Spices: Add the sugars and spices, beating thoroughly to ensure they’re evenly distributed. If using pumpkin pie spice, add it here.
• Fold in Pumpkin and Milk: Pour in the pumpkin puree and evaporated milk, gently stirring until the mixture is smooth. Avoid over-mixing, as it can lead to air bubbles and a less creamy texture.

Baking the Pie

The baking process for pumpkin pie is a two-step process that ensures an even bake and avoids overcooking:

• Initial Bake at High Temperature: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the pie in the oven for 15 minutes. This step sets the filling quickly, preventing a soggy texture.
• Lower Temperature and Finish Baking: After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes. Check the pie’s doneness by gently shaking it—if the center jiggles slightly but the edges are firm, it’s ready. You can also insert a knife into the center and if it comes out clean it’s done.
• Shielding the Crust: After the first 15 minutes, add a pie shield to the crust edges if you haven’t already to prevent over-browning.

Cooling and Serving

Proper cooling is essential to help the pie set completely. After removing it from the oven, let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This waiting period allows the filling to firm up for clean, easy slices.

To serve, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or sprinkling a little extra cinnamon for garnish. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added treat. For extra fall flavor, serve with a spiced coffee or chai tea!

Variations and Storage

This recipe can be tailored to your tastes and dietary needs with a few small tweaks:

• Flavor Variations: Try a chocolate swirl, pecans on top, or even a graham cracker crust for a twist. For extra indulgence add some vanilla ice cream.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For long-term storage, wrap the pie in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Let the aroma of warm pumpkin spice fill up your kitchen!

There you have it! This easy pumpkin pie recipe combines simplicity with rich, fall-inspired flavor, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or weeknight treats. Now that you know the steps, give this recipe a try and share your results. Your friends and family will love this classic pie, and it just might become a new holiday tradition! Happy baking! And remember…

Life’s too short to eat bad food!

For other delicious fall desserts try:

Acorn Kiss Cookies

The Best Apple Crisp

Apple Pinwheels

Easy Pumpkin Dessert Dip

Easy Churro Apple Tartlets

Mini Pecan Pie Bites

The Best Pecan Pie Recipe

Pumpkin Roll

Thanksgiving Oreo Turkeys