Cozy Pumpkin Pie Recipe: The Joy Of Cooking Classic

Pumpkin pie from Joy of Cooking transforms ordinary moments into delectable autumn memories with its soul-warming essence.

This classic recipe celebrates seasonal flavors that whisper comfort in every silky slice.

Aromatic spices weave magic through a creamy custard nestled in a buttery, golden crust that practically melts on your tongue.

Generations of bakers have cherished these timeless techniques, turning simple ingredients into culinary poetry.

Each forkful tells a story of tradition, blending nostalgia with the pure joy of home cooking.

Sophisticated yet unpretentious, this pie invites warmth and connection around the family table.

How to Present and Serve Pumpkin Pie

• Garnish with Seasonal Delight: Crown your pumpkin pie with a cloud of freshly whipped cream, sprinkled with a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra festive touch.
• Pair with Complementary Beverages: Serve alongside a steaming mug of hot coffee, spiced chai tea, or a smooth bourbon to enhance the pie's warm, rich flavors.
• Create a Festive Dessert Spread: Arrange the pie on a rustic wooden board with additional autumn-inspired treats like candied pecans, caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a stunning presentation.
• Make Ahead for Convenience: Prepare the pie a day in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify for an even more delicious dessert experience.

Refrigerating and Freezing Pumpkin Pie

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prepare Ahead: Make the pumpkin puree and pie crust up to 3 days before baking, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Refrigerate with Care: Cover the cooled pumpkin pie loosely with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the pie away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate flavor.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap the fully cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the best texture and taste.
• Slice and Serve Smart: Cut clean slices by using a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Wipe the knife clean between each cut to ensure beautiful, precise pieces that showcase the pie's smooth filling.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 327 kcal

Servings: 8

Pumpkin Pie Ingredient List

• Sugar: Choose organic or raw sugar for deeper flavor complexity.
• Salt: Select fine-grain sea salt for balanced seasoning.
• Pumpkin Pie Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger): Opt for freshly ground spices to enhance aromatic intensity.

• Pumpkin Puree: Select sugar pumpkins for sweetest, most velvety texture.
• Evaporated Milk: Pick full-fat version for richer, creamier consistency.
• Eggs: Use large, room-temperature eggs for smoother mixing.

• Pie Crusts: Select all-butter pastry for flakier, more luxurious texture.
• Whipped Cream: Use heavy cream with high butterfat content for stable, pillowy topping.

Tools to Perfect Your Pumpkin Pie

• Paring knife: Sharp, small knife for creating holes in pumpkin.
• Fork: Used for testing pumpkin softness and mixing ingredients.
• Baking sheet: Foil-lined surface for roasting pumpkin.
• Food processor or blender: Perfect for creating smooth pumpkin puree.
• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining pie filling ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Pie pan: 9-inch round dish for baking the pumpkin pie.
• Rolling pin: Essential for flattening pie crust to perfect thickness.
• Pie crust shield: Protects pie edges from burning during baking.
• Cooling rack: Allows pie to cool evenly after baking.
• Oven: Primary cooking equipment for roasting pumpkin and baking pie.
• Refrigerator: Helps chill and set the pie before serving.
• Whisk or spatula: Useful for blending pie filling ingredients smoothly.

Easy-to-Follow Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Craft Homemade Pumpkin Pie

Prepare your kitchen for a delightful baking adventure that will fill your home with warm, spicy aromas and create a dessert everyone will love.

• Roast Pumpkin Goodness

Select a beautiful whole pumpkin and poke several holes across its surface. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast at 350°F for 60-90 minutes until the skin softens completely. The kitchen will smell incredible during this process.

• Transform Pumpkin into Silky Puree

Allow the roasted pumpkin to cool down. Remove seeds and skin, then blend the tender flesh until completely smooth. This fresh puree becomes the heart of your delicious pie.

• Create Magical Pie Filling

Whisk together pumpkin puree with eggs, evaporated milk, and a symphony of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix until the filling reaches a luxurious, creamy consistency that promises incredible flavor.

• Shape and Prepare Crust

Roll out a pie crust and gently drape it into a waiting pie pan. Crimp the edges with playful fork marks, creating a beautiful border that hints at the deliciousness inside.

• Bake to Perfection

Start with a high 425°F blast for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F. Bake until the center sets and crust turns golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like autumn’s most delectable dream.

• Cool and Serve

Let the pie rest and cool completely. For the ultimate experience, top with fluffy whipped cream just before serving. Each slice promises a moment of pure comfort and joy.

Spice Tips and Flavor Hacks for Pumpkin Pie

• Pumpkin Selection Secrets: Choose sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins for sweeter, smoother puree compared to large carving varieties. Smaller pumpkins have more concentrated flavor and less water content.
• Spice Customization Technique: Experiment with spice ratios by adding cardamom, cloves, or allspice to create a unique flavor profile. Adjust ground spices to match personal taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pumpkin puree and pie filling up to 3 days in advance. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator to save time on baking day. Crust can be prepared and refrigerated for 24 hours before assembling.
• Dairy-Free Transformation: Substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a plant-based version. Use egg alternatives like chia seeds or commercial egg replacer to make the pie vegan-friendly.

Heavenly Pumpkin Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade pumpkin pie celebrates autumn’s warmth with rich spices and creamy custard. Familiar ingredients merge into an irresistible dessert perfect for holiday gatherings. Slice and savor each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (473 ml) pumpkin, canned or cooked
• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) milk, evaporated or cream
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• ½ cup (100 g) white sugar
• ¼ cup (55 g) brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg, grated, or allspice
• 1/8 tsp clove, ground
• Whipped cream, sweetened (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Pumpkin Preparation: Pierce a whole pumpkin thoroughly with a paring knife, place on a foil-lined baking sheet, and roast at 350°F for 60-90 minutes until fork-tender. Cool completely, remove seeds, and puree the flesh until silky smooth.
2. Flavor Foundation: Blend ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt with granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Whisk in pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, and eggs until the mixture transforms into a uniform, rich custard.
3. Crust Crafting: Roll out pie crusts to 11-inch diameter, draping carefully into a 9-inch pie pan. Crimp edges decoratively with a fork, creating an elegant border.
4. Temperature Transformation: Initiate baking at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F. Shield pie edges with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
5. Final Baking Stage: Continue baking 40-45 minutes until the center reaches 195°F and crust hits 205°F. This ensures a perfectly set, creamy filling and golden-brown crust.
6. Cooling and Serving: Transfer to a wire rack, allowing the pie to cool completely at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, then garnish with billowy whipped cream and a delicate sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Notes

• Homemade Puree Magic: Roasting a whole pumpkin develops deeper, richer flavors compared to canned alternatives, creating a more authentic and luxurious pie experience.
• Temperature Precision: Strict oven temperature control is crucial – start high at 425°F to set the crust, then lower to 350°F to ensure even, gentle cooking without burning.
• Doneness Detection: Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm pie’s internal temperature reaches 195°F, guaranteeing a perfectly set custard and avoiding potential undercooking.
• Cooling Commitment: Allow pie to cool completely at room temperature for 2-3 hours before refrigerating, enabling the filling to set properly and develop optimal texture and flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 327
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 247 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg