Cozy Autumn Magic: Julia Child’s Simple Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Julia Child’s pumpkin pie reigns supreme in the world of autumn desserts, boasting a velvety custard that melts on your tongue.

Generations of food lovers have cherished this legendary recipe for its soul-warming flavor profile.

Seasonal ingredients weave a tapestry of comfort and nostalgia in every single bite.

Fragrant spices waltz through the silky filling, creating an orchestra of sensational taste.

This classic dessert transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece that beckons with irresistible charm.

The buttery, golden crust cradles a filling so luscious it tells stories of cherished family moments.

Check out this decadent slice of pure bliss and let the flavors transport you to cozy, comforting memories.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Julia Child’s Pumpkin Pie

• Unbaked Pie Crust: Choose a buttery, flaky crust that complements the rich pumpkin filling, ensuring a golden and crisp texture.

• Pumpkin Puree: Select 100% pure pumpkin puree for the most authentic and smooth autumn flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Look for a rich, creamy variant that adds luxurious sweetness to the pie.
• Large Eggs: Pick fresh, room-temperature eggs for better blending and a silky smooth consistency.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg: Choose freshly ground spices from a reputable brand to maximize aromatic depth and warmth in your pie.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt to enhance and balance the sweet and spicy notes of the filling.

Bakeware and Tools to Create This Pie

• Oven: Essential for baking the pumpkin pie at different temperatures.
• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for blending and whisking filling ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients until silky and well-incorporated.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading filling evenly in the pie crust.
• Pie crust (unbaked): Serves as the base for the delicious pumpkin filling.
• Knife: Helps check pie doneness by testing filling consistency.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate amounts of spices and salt.
• Measuring cups: Helps measure pumpkin puree and condensed milk precisely.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie the Julia Way

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 425°F and grab your baking gear for a pumpkin pie adventure.

• Whip Together the Silky Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and blend pumpkin puree with creamy condensed milk, cracking in eggs and sprinkling warm spices. Whisk until the mixture looks like liquid velvet, ensuring every ingredient dances together smoothly.

• Craft the Pie Base

Pour the luscious pumpkin mixture into your pie crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly and banish any pesky air bubbles. Make sure the filling reaches every corner with love.

• Bake with Precision

Start with a blazing 425°F for 15 minutes to give your crust a golden crunch. Then lower the heat to 350°F and continue baking. Check doneness by sliding a knife near the crust – it should emerge clean as a whisper.

• Perfect the Finish

Let the pie rest and cool completely for about two hours. This magical waiting period helps the filling set into a dreamy, creamy texture. When ready, slice and top with a cloud of whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.

Spice Tips for a French Pumpkin Twist

Experiment with different proportions of ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to create a personalized flavor profile that matches your taste preferences.

Swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative for a delicious vegan-friendly version of the classic pumpkin pie.

Cover pie edges with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and ensure a golden, evenly cooked crust.

Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling mixture to create an extra-smooth, silky texture that holds its shape beautifully when sliced.

Serve Pumpkin Pie at the Perfect Temperature

• Serve with Creamy Clouds: Top each slice with a generous swirl of freshly whipped cream, creating a dreamy contrast to the warm, spiced pumpkin filling.
• Chill for Perfect Slices: Refrigerate the pie for 2-3 hours before serving to help it set completely and make cutting clean, picture-perfect slices easier.
• Spice Up Your Garnish: Sprinkle a light dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the whipped cream for an extra burst of autumn flavor and elegant presentation.
• Pair with Warm Beverages: Complement the pie with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai tea, or rich hot chocolate to enhance the cozy seasonal experience.

How to Store and Chill Pumpkin Pie

• Preserve Fresh Flavors: Store the pumpkin pie in the refrigerator, tightly covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 4 days. Chilling helps maintain its creamy texture and prevents bacterial growth.
• Freezing for Future Enjoyment: Wrap the cooled pie completely in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to keep its delightful taste and smooth consistency.
• Slice and Serve Smart: Cut clean slices using a sharp, warm knife wiped between each cut. Remove individual pieces carefully to maintain the pie's beautiful appearance and prevent crumbling.
• Cream Topping Tip: Add fresh whipped cream just before serving to keep it light and fluffy. Avoid adding cream too early, as it can become watery and lose its delicious texture.

Rustic Julia Child Pumpkin Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Legendary chef Julia Child’s pumpkin pie recipe blends classic American autumn flavors with French culinary precision. Her approach guarantees a silky smooth filling and perfectly flaky crust that will delight seasonal dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) pumpkin puree
• 1 (14 oz / 397 g) Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp ground ginger
• 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
• 0.5 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Calibrate the oven to 425°F (220°C), positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat distribution.
2. Filling Creation: Whisk pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl until the mixture achieves a luxurious, velvety consistency with no visible lumps.
3. Crust Filling: Gently pour the spiced pumpkin mixture into the unbaked pie crust, using a spatula to ensure an even, smooth layer that reaches the edges without overflowing.
4. Initial Baking Phase: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes to establish a crisp, golden crust foundation, allowing the edges to set and begin caramelizing.
5. Final Baking Stage: Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35-40 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a knife near the crust’s edge – it should emerge clean, indicating the custard has reached perfect firmness.
6. Cooling and Setting: Transfer pie from oven and let cool completely at room temperature, allowing the filling to stabilize and develop a smooth, elegant texture perfect for precise slicing and serving.

Notes

• Temperature Precision: Start with high heat at 425°F for the first 15 minutes to create a crisp, golden crust foundation.
• Filling Smoothness: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a silky, uniform texture that guarantees a creamy pie.
• Doneness Test: Use the knife method near the crust’s edge – a clean blade signals perfectly set custard and ideal baking completion.
• Cooling Technique: Allow pie to cool completely at room temperature, which helps filling stabilize and ensures clean, picture-perfect slices.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg