Classic Pumpkin Pie

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Classic Pumpkin Pie. The most classic pie of them all.

We love all kinds of pie, from Homemade Apple Pie, to Classic Pecan Pie, and Sweet Potato Pie with Pecan Topping. But if there’s one pie to make this holiday, you’ve just got to go with Classic Pumpkin. And you won’t believe how easy it is to prepare!

A slice of pumpkin pie on a white plate next to a whole pumpkin pie.

CLASSIC PUMPKIN PIE IS SIMPLE TO MAKE AT HOME

The ingredients list is not extensive to homemade pumpkin pie.

Blending the ingredients in stages helps to produce a smooth, luxurious pie.

Watch us show you how easy it is to make Classic Pumpkin Pie in your own kitchen!

 

MAKE THE DOUGH FOR THE CRUST AHEAD OF TIME

Homemade crust is a must when you’re making pumpkin pie from scratch.

You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance, or even 1 month when frozen.

EXPERT TIP: Be careful to not over-work the dough. And also, don’t handle the dough too much. The warmth from your hands will warm the butter in the dough, which will not make the dough as flaky as we like. Folding the dough into quarters makes it easier to transfer to the pie dish.

Two hands rolling out pie dough for classic pumpkin pie.

In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together the eggs with the pumpkin puree.

We like to add one egg at a time, and fully incorporate the mixture before adding the next egg.

EXPERT TIP: Make sure to get 100% pumpkin puree from the market, not pumpkin pie mix. If you want to cook and puree your own pumpkin, don’t use field pumpkins (used for jack-o-lanterns), go with the sugar pumpkins or Long Island cheese pumpkins. Honestly…we find the canned variety is delicious and works perfectly.

A large bowl filled with pumpkin puree, with a hand holding a whisk in the bowl.

WORK OUT ANY LUMPS IN THE SPICE MIXTURE

We love using either dark or light brown sugar in this Classic Pumpkin Pie.

Sometimes, however, small chunks of the brown sugar will be present. This is just a little moisture that has caused the sugar to clump.

Use a fork to work the spices until they are uniformly fine.

A hand using a fork in a white bowl to blend together spices for classic pumpkin pie.

Evaporateed milk can be found in the baking section of almost all supermarkets.

We think the taste and texture are perfect for this pie, but you could also use half-and-half, or light cream.

EXPERT TIP: Be sure to fully incorporate each round of ingredients as you are building the batter. If you see clumps of pumpkin or spices, use a fork, or your fingers, to fully mix them with the other ingredients. This results in a perfectly smooth and uniform-appearing pie.

A hand pouring in cream into pumpkin pie batter in a large glass bowl.

Be sure to spray the pie dish with cooking spray before laying in the pie dough.

No need to blind, or pre-bake the dough.

Just pour the gorgeous batter directly into the prepare pie dish.

Two hands pouring pumpkin pie batter into a pie dish lined with pie dough.

HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM IS AWESOME

So folks, you can’t have Classic Pumpkin Pie without whipped cream topping, right?

Well, if you’re making the pie and the crust from scratch, let’s make the topping, too! It’s so easy!

All you need are a couple cups of heavy cream, some sugar, and a dash of vanilla extract.

EXPERT TIP: Placing a metal bowl in the freezer for 15 minutes before mixing the cream helps it become nice and thick, and quicker, too. We use a hand mixer on high to blend it all together, and within minutes, you’ve got the best tasting whipped cream you’ll ever taste!

A mixer with whipped cream covering the attachments.

BAKE CLASSIC PUMPKIN PIE ON HIGH AT FIRST

You’ll want to bake the pie in an oven pre-heated to 425°F for just 15 minutes.

This begins the process of cooking the pie and helps to set the filling.

After lowering the temperature to 350°F and cooking for another 40 to 45 minutes, it’s time to take the pie out of the oven.

EXPERT TIP: Though it’s tempting to eat the pie right out of the oven, it still needs to cool, which will allow the pie to set and become the silky pie that we all know and love.

A fully cooked classic pumpkin pie in a white pie dish sitting on a baking rack.

THE PERFECT HOLIDAY DESSERT

There is just something so comforting and heart-warming about enjoying a slice of Classic Pumpkin Pie with loved ones after a beautiful Thanksgiving or any kind of holiday feast.

The spices, and the whipped cream topping, along with the flaky homemade crust all work together to make a dessert that is truly magnificent.

And the pie can easily be prepared 1 to 2 days in advance. You can even freeze the pie for up to 1 month before thawing and serving. Another great pumpkin recipe is our Pressure Cooker Pumpkin Bread Pudding!

A slice of pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream on top on a white dessert plate.

A pumpkin pie with a slice missing in a white pie dish.

Classic Pumpkin Pie

This Classic Pumpkin Pie is about as classic as they come. The Loon could eat this pie year round. It is really good, and surprisingly easy to make! Be sure to use plain pumpkin puree, and not pumpkin pie filling. Enjoy!
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemad pumpkin pie, Pie, Pumpkin, Thanksgiving recipes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Resting time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 341kcal

Ingredients

FOR THE PIE FILLING

  • 1 15 oz. can pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup brown sugar light or dark
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground allspice
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 12 oz. can evaporated milk

FOR THE CREAM TOPPING

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 4 tbsp sugar
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Pre-heat the oven to 425F.
  • Make the Perfect Pie Crust (or use store bought) and place in a lightly greased pie dish.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the pumpkin and the eggs, one at a time, until evenly combined.
  • In a separate bowl, using a fork, stir together the sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg until completely mixed. Use back of fork, or your fingers, to break apart any clumps.
  • Stir the sugar/spice mixture into the pumpkin/egg mixutre. Stir until completely combined.
  • Add the evaporated milk and again stir until smooth and full combined.
  • Pour the filling into the unbaked pie shell.
  • Bake for 15 minutes and then reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 40 to 45 minutes, until the filling is set around the edges, but still soft in the middle (The pie will firm up as it cools).
  • Remove the pie from the oven and place on a rack to cool. Let cool for at least 2 hours.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the topping by placig a large metal bowl in the freezer for 15 minutes.
  • Then, remove the bowl and add the cream, sugar and vanilla extract.
  • Using a handheld mixer, mix on high until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Use a pastry bag to pipe the whipped cream along the edges of the pie, or slice, and spoon a dollop of cream on top of each slice.

Video

Notes

Be sure to use pureed pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
If you can't find ground allspice, simply increase the nutmeg to 1/2 tsp.
Be sure to work any clumps out of the sugar/spice mixture before adding to the pumpkin/egg mixture.
Adding the ingredients in stages helps to ensure everything is completely blended, which will yield a luxurious, and uniform looking pie.
Store the pie in an airtight container for up to 3 days to 1 week.  The pie will also freeze nicely for up to 1 month.  
The whipped cream can be made up to 4 hours in advance.  Keep chilled in the refrigerator. 

Nutrition

Calories: 341kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 160mg | Sodium: 204mg | Potassium: 101mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 1008IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Take a Picture!Mention @HowToFeedALoon or tag #HowToFeedALoon!

8 Comments

  • 5 stars
    Well, I made the pie again today. My husband requests it for every holiday no matter what we are eating. It’s just out of the oven and he’s wanting a piece already. I told him that he had to wait until tomorrow. He is always the one crabbing at all of the cooking that I do, particularly at holiday time. He says to just get one at Publix that how can you beat their pies? And then he eats this and retracts his comments. When I made it for Thanksgiving, my elderly mom crabbed that I didn’t make my grandmothers pumpkin chiffon pie. Then she had this! Never asked today! LOL. That is a true testament of a fantastic pie guys. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year. My deepest gratitude for you both for the amazing recipes even on the membership site that I am loving! Just renewed it for another year. XXOO

  • 5 stars
    Well it was a perfect Loon Thanksgiving. We started with chicken salad earlier in the day. Then had the most incredible perfect turkey, gourmet green bean casserole and the best mashed potatoes. The day ended with this delicious classic pumpkin pie! My husband said it was the best that he has ever had. I actually made it with a graham cracker pie crust because that is what we prefer and it was just a delicious pumpkin pie. Thanks for helping me pull of the best thanksgiving dinner and again making me look like a way better cook than I really am. Hoping that you had a great Thanksgiving. So thankful for the both of you.

    • Diane!! We can’t even begin to tell you how much that means to us!! It sounds like you had an amazing feast and pulled it off perfectly! We are thrilled that we were able to help in any way. Thank you for letting us know and for the great review. WE are very thankful for that!!! Kris & Wesley

    • Hi Stacy! We are so so happy you enjoyed the pumpkin pie!! And thanks for letting us know and for the great review! That always means so much to us!! All the best, Kris & Wesley

  • 5 stars
    Omg, that’s right up my alley. I’m a sucker for this classic pumpkin pie. It’s so smooth and delicious. No, seriously, the taste is just phenomenal. Plus, the recipe is really easy to follow. Highly recommend everyone to give this a try (even those who hate pumpkin).
    Thank you for sharing this idea with us and all of your useful expert tips. They’ll surely help your followers avoid mistakes. Look forward to your new awesome recipes. I’m so happy to have stumbled across your wonderful blog. You put so much love into what you’re doing. Keep it up!

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