This Is The Only Pumpkin Pie Recipe You Need For Your Thanksgiving (2024)

Table of Contents
Ingredients Directions FAQs

Of all the Thanksgiving desserts we go crazy for, one reigns supreme: Pumpkin pie. Although this fall dessert is a staple, it can be difficult to get it just right. Our tried and (thoroughly) tested recipe nails every last component, from the flaky, buttery crust to the creamy, pumpkin-packed filling that nails all those fall flavors. Whether you’re a die-hard pumpkin pie lover or are looking for a fan-favorite dessert to bring to Thanksgiving this year, here's everything you need to remember when trying your hand at this classic pie:

The pumpkin pie crust.
While you can use store-bought in a pinch, our homemade pie crust is truly unbeatable. It’s flaky, buttery, and so easy to make ahead of time. Prepare it the week before your holiday and freeze it to take some of the work out of this holiday recipe.

Partially baking the crust before you add filling—especially custardy fillings like pumpkin—will help prevent the bottom from turning into mush. Another key for the best crust? After draping the pie crust into the pie plate and crimping the sides, it’s important to chill the dough to keep the crust from slumping in the oven. Place the whole thing in the fridge for 30 minutes or the freezer for 10 minutes. If you have the extra time, give the crust 15 minutes in the refrigerator after draping into the pie pan before trimming or crimping. This will further help your crust from shrinking once in the oven.

Fresh vs. canned pumpkin.
We call for canned pumpkin purée in this recipe. While fresh pumpkin purée is an option, we prefer the taste, texture (and ease) of using canned pumpkin purée. We also suggest steering away from canned pumpkin pie filling which is pre-seasoned. We prefer to flavor our pumpkin pie filling by ourselves to avoid it being overly sweet or spiced.

The pumpkin pie spice.
We're big fans of making our own pumpkin spice blend—but you don't even need to do that. Instead, just add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon each of ground cloves and ground nutmeg to your pie filling.

Serving pumpkin pie:
Pumpkin pie and whipped cream is a magical combination—in our opinion, the pie isn’t complete without it. That being said, feel free to leave it off if you prefer, or top with a caramel like we did in our caramel pumpkin pie.

Make it ahead.
Once you start making pie dough in advance, your whole life will change. Make a few batches of a double-crust pie dough recipe every few months, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer-safe bag and stash them in the freezer. Simply defrost the dough in the fridge overnight (or at least 5 hours ahead) when you’re ready to start assembling your pie.

The entire pie can also be made ahead of the big day! Once completely cool, wrap it and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before serving.

Storage.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

Made this classic pie? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

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Yields:
6 serving(s)
Prep Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
3 hrs 45 mins
Cal/Serv:
545

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray

  • 1 tbsp.

    all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling

  • 1

    batchbasic pie crust, chilled

  • 3

    large eggs, beaten to blend

  • 1

    (15-oz.) can pumpkin puree

  • 3/4 c.

    packed brown sugar

  • 1 1/4 c.

    heavy cream

  • 2 tsp.

    pumpkin pie spice

  • 1 tsp.

    pure vanilla extract

  • 1/4 tsp.

    kosher salt

  • Whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Directions

    1. Step1Preheat oven to 375°. Place a baking sheet in oven. Lightly grease a 9"-x-1.5" pie dish with cooking spray.
    2. Step2On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a 12" circle. Drape over pie dish and gently press to fit, making sure there are no air bubbles. Trim overhang to 1" and tuck under itself. Crimp edges as desired. Chill in refrigerator until cold, at least 30 minutes or up to 3 hours.
    3. Step3Line dough with foil or parchment and fill with dried beans or pie weights. Bake crust until top and sides are dry and set, 15 to 18 minutes, then remove foil and weights. Continue to bake until the bottom is dry to the touch, about 5 minutes more. Let cool.
    4. Step4Reduce oven to 350º. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, pumpkin, brown sugar, cream, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, salt, and flour until smooth. Pour pumpkin mixture into crust. Carefully place pie dish on heated sheet.
    5. Step5Bake pie until filling is slightly jiggly in the center and crust is golden brown, 45 to 50 minutes. Turn off oven, prop door open, and let pie cool 30 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cool completely.
    6. Step6Serve with whipped cream (if using).

This Is The Only Pumpkin Pie Recipe You Need For Your Thanksgiving (3)

This Is The Only Pumpkin Pie Recipe You Need For Your Thanksgiving (5)

This Is The Only Pumpkin Pie Recipe You Need For Your Thanksgiving (2024)

FAQs

What 4 ingredient did early colonists use to make the first pumpkin pies? ›

Early American settlers of the Plymouth Colony in southern New England (1620-1692) may have made pumpkin pies, of sorts, without crusts. They stewed pumpkins or filled a hollowed out pumpkin shell with milk, honey and spices, and then baked it in hot ashes.

What is pumpkin pie filling made of? ›

Make the filling: Beat pumpkin, evaporated milk, brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer until well combined. Pour into the prepared crust. Bake in the preheated oven until a knife inserted into the filling 1 inch from the edge comes out clean, 40 to 60 minutes.

How many pumpkin pies are made for Thanksgiving? ›

Did you know 50 million pumpkin pies are baked every year? The LARGEST PUMPKIN PIE on record was five feet around. It used 80 pounds of pumpkin and baked for six hours!

What town canceled Thanksgiving because they couldn t make pumpkin pies? ›

In 1705 the Connecticut town of Colchester famously postponed its Thanksgiving for a week because there wasn't enough molasses available to make pumpkin pie.

Who created pumpkin pie? ›

This type of pie appears to have been made by some of the early colonists as well—but, by 1796, when Amelia Simmons' American Cookery, the first cookbook written by an American and published in America, appeared, pumpkin pie had evolved into a familiar form that we would recognize today.

What was the first flavor of pie? ›

The Ancient Egyptians were the first to invent a dish close to what we know as a pie today. They had a honey filling covered in a crusty cake made from oats, wheat, rye or barley.

What is Libby's pumpkin pie filling made of? ›

Pumpkin: Of course, you'll need a can of Libby's pure pumpkin. Evaporated milk: A can of evaporated milk lends richness and helps thicken the pie filling.

Is canned pumpkin pie filling the same as canned pumpkin? ›

They are the same product. Both canned pumpkin puree and pie filling are useful, shelf-stable ingredients that can help speed up your kitchen prep time. Just remember that puree is unsweetened, while pie filling contains sugar and spices. This will help you choose the right pumpkin product for your recipes.

What is healthier apple or pumpkin pie? ›

"Pumpkin is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and immune function. It's also lower in calories and fat compared to apple pie. Pumpkin pie contains more dietary fiber than apple pie, thanks to the pumpkin puree.

Can I eat 7 day old pumpkin pie? ›

According to FoodSafety.gov, homemade pumpkin pie can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. To keep your pie as fresh as possible, be sure to wrap it loosely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Should pumpkin pie be served warm or cold? ›

Pumpkin pie is delicious cold, so you can serve it straight from the fridge (with plenty of homemade whipped cream, if you please). If you prefer serving it at room temperature, take it out of the fridge no longer than a couple of hours beforehand to bring its temperature down safely.

Are Costco pumpkin pies good? ›

Costco's pumpkin pies are wildly popular and wildly delicious, and at the unbeatable price of just $5.99, it's not hard to see why they are one of the top holiday items at Costco. In their research for the book, David and Susan did a deep dive into the Costco pumpkin pie.

What president made Thanksgiving a holiday? ›

President Abraham Lincoln had declared Thanksgiving a national holiday on the last Thursday in November in 1863 and tradition dictated that it be celebrated on the last Thursday of that month.

Which president refused to celebrate Thanksgiving as a national holiday? ›

While Thanksgiving technically isn't a religious holiday, the “giving thanks” part of it struck Jefferson as being far too religious for his tastes. As our nation's third president, he stirred controversy by refusing to recognize Thanksgiving.

Which two foods had not been invented during the first Thanksgiving? ›

It is also worth noting what was not present at the first Thanksgiving feast. There were no cloudlike heaps of mashed potatoes, since white potatoes had not yet crossed over from South America. There was no gravy either, since the colonists didn't yet have mills to produce flour.

What are 4 ways Native Americans used pumpkins? ›

Native Americans enjoyed the inner pulp of the pumpkin baked, boiled, roasted and dried. They added the blossoms to soups, turned dried pumpkin pieces into rich flour, and ate the seeds as a tasty snack. They also dried strips of pumpkin and wove them into mats.

What was the first pumpkin made? ›

Scientists believe that pumpkins originated in North America about 9000 years ago. The oldest pumpkin seeds have been found in Mexico and date back to somewhere between 7000-5550 B.C.. Pumpkins (along with other forms of squash) were a historically important food staple among Native Americans.

What were pumpkins used for during colonial times? ›

served as side dish, dessert, drink, livestock feed, the pumpkin used to support man and beast. A stuffed pumpkin appears as first course on the dining table in the family-focused Powell House on Waller Street.

Why did Americans settlers prefer to make sweet pies? ›

In their new country, the colonists eventually had more access to sweeteners like maple syrup, molasses, cane sugar, and honey. Increased access to local fruits and squashes like pear, apple, quince, pumpkin, and blueberry also helped grow the popularity of sweeter pies.

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