Pumpkin Pie Recipe

5 from 19 votes
22 Comments

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This Pumpkin Pie Recipe is a delicious holiday dessert. Learn to make the Perfect Pumpkin Pie – it’s easy with this recipe and step-by-step photos.

Two slices of pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.
Featured with this recipe
  1. Step 1: Gathering the Ingredients
  2. Step 2: Pie Crust
  3. Step 3: Mix the Filling
  4. Step 4: Fill and Bake
  5. Step 5: Serve – Easy as Pie!
  6. Frequently Asked Questions
  7. More Pumpkin Recipes
  8. How to Make a Pumpkin Pie Recipe
  9. Traditional Pumpkin Pie Recipe

There is something about making your own pumpkin pie that you just don’t get when you buy your pie from a store. I think some of it is the amazing way that your house smells when it is baking, but more importantly, it just tastes so much better! We have eaten a LOT of pumpkin pies in our time, and we believe this is the best pumpkin pie recipe. In addition to being delicious, it’s really such an easy pumpkin pie recipe. There are also some cheats to make it even easier, like pre-made pie crusts and canned whipped cream, Cool Whip, or vanilla ice cream.

Step 1: Gathering the Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll just need a few simple ingredients. 

  • Pie Crust (See Step 2)
  • Canned Pumpkin Puree – This is the base of the whole recipe. Make sure you are using pure, 100% pumpkin purée NOT pumpkin pie filling. 
  • Evaporated Milk – This adds moisture and creaminess to the filling. 
  • Sugar – The sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the pie filling. 
  • Eggs – Make sure to use large eggs. These act as a binder and add a fluffy texture to the filling. 
  • Spices – For this pumpkin pie recipe we use cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and cloves. You can also use pumpkin pie spice in a pinch! 
  • Whipped Topping or Ice Cream for Serving – Use store-bought or make your own with whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.

Step 2: Pie Crust

For this pumpkin pie recipe, you can use a store-bought crust, or make it yourself. We have done it both ways and it is always delicious. If you want to make your own crust, we recommend using our Perfect Pie Crust Recipe. We prefer our pumpkin pie with a single crust and no top crust. Sometimes we use the extra pie dough to make decorations around the side of the crust, as you can see below. For the decorations, we just cut out shapes using cookie cutters and placed the shapes around the sides. Then, brush the cutouts with some milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar for even baking and added flavor.

An unbaked pumpkin pie with maple leaf and acorn decorations around the outside.


Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk until blended. Then, add the sugar and spices and whisk again. Add the pumpkin puree and stir until combined. Then, slowly pour in the evaporated milk while stirring.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Pour the filling mixture into the uncooked pie shell. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes and then turn the oven temperature down to 350 and bake for 40 to 50 minutes until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. If the top of the crust starts to look too brown before the middle is done, you can cover the top with aluminum foil.

A baked pumpkin pie using our homemade pumpkin pie recipe.

Step 5: Serve – Easy as Pie!

Pumpkin Pie is one of those “some like it hot, some like it cold” type of recipes. My husband’s parents actually prefer it right at room temperature. I like it cold with lots of whipped cream, as you can see in the picture. I love it for dessert and my husband loves to eat it for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving. However, no matter how you prefer to eat it, you are going to love this sweet and spiced pumpkin pie! To get a perfect slice, score the top of the pie and cut through the filling with a serrated knife. Then, to get through the crust, use a paring knife. Finally, use an offset spatula to serve that perfect slice. The last step is, of course, to top with whipped cream or ice cream.

a slice of pumpkin pie with a bite taken out of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of pumpkin pie?

It is a symbol of harvest time, harkening back to the days of the pilgrims. Pumpkin pie is usually eaten in fall and winter. The spices are warming. It is typically prepared for Thanksgiving, sometimes Christmas.

Is pumpkin pie a healthy dessert?

I MEAN, although it contains less sugar and calories than some desserts on the table, pumpkin pie is by no means a healthy choice. Although pumpkin itself is full of nutrients like vitamin A, fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, it is still heavy with sugar.

Read More: The BEST Pumpkin Dessert Recipes for Fall

More Pumpkin Recipes

If you are in the mood for more pumpkin treats after this pumpkin pie recipe, try out these delicious pumpkin recipes.

  • Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins – These muffins are the perfect treat with moist pumpkin cake and little pockets of chocolate.
  • Pumpkin Steamers – This pumpkin drink with warm you on a cold, autumn day. The drink is rich and creamy with flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  • Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Coffee Cake – This delicious coffee cake has a cream cheese layer and crumb topping that is out of this world. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, snack, or dessert.
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse Cups – A smooth and creamy mousse that is simple to make, but looks elegant and tastes heavenly!
  • Pumpkin Cobbler – This is a traditional fall dessert at our house. A creamy pumpkin pie-like layer is topped with a crunchy, buttery, crust. It is incredibly served warm with homemade whipped topping or vanilla ice cream.
  • Pumpkin Drop Cookies – With only 3 ingredients, these cookies are quick and easy to make.
  • Pumpkin Roll – This tasty Pumpkin Roll recipe is easy to make with an even easier homemade cream cheese filling! It is a delicious addition to your Fall baking checklist.

How to Make a Pumpkin Pie Recipe

a slice of pumpkin pie with a bite taken out of it

Traditional Pumpkin Pie

5 from 19 votes
This pumpkin pie recipe is a delicious holiday dessert. Learn to make the perfect pumpkin pie – it’s easy with this recipe and step-by-step photos.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Video

Ingredients

For the filling:

For the whipped topping:

  • 1 pint whipping cream
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla, almond, or amaretto flavoring

Instructions

For the filling:

  • Crack the eggs into a large bowl and stir until blended (I like to use a wire whisk). Then add the sugar and spices and stir again.
    Stirring together pumpkin pie spices
  • Blend in the pumpkin and gradually stir in the evaporated milk. 
    stirring evaporated milk into pie filling
  • Pour the pumpkin mix into the unbaked pie crust and bake for 15 min at 425 degrees, then turn the oven down to 350 degrees and bake for 40 to 50 more minutes or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. 
    An unbaked pumpkin pie with maple leaf and acorn decorations around the outside
  • Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting.
    A cooked pumpkin pie

For the whipped topping:

  • Beat the whipped topping ingredients until stiff peaks form. Spoon onto cooled pie and sprinkle with cinnamon.
    a slice of pumpkin pie with a bite taken out of it

Notes

Top if off – ways to top your pumpkin pie:
  • Homemade whipped cream
  • Drizzle of honey
  • Chopped nuts – walnuts, pecans, peanuts
  • Dash of cinnamon

Nutrition Information

Calories: 512kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 9gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 591mgPotassium: 431mgFiber: 1gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 5130IUVitamin C: 6.1mgCalcium: 199mgIron: 2mg

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About the author

Emily Walker

Emily lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband, Beau, a physician assistant, and her three incredible children: a son and two daughters. Travel is one of her favorite ways to experience new cultures and cuisines, and she has a love for all things Disney.

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Comments

  1. This is the PERFECT recipe, except for the cloves. I dont’ like to add clove to anything I bake. But that’s just me. My pumplkin pies always take forever to get the pumpkin baked and the crust always burns while the center is cooking, even though I cover it with foil. Any suggestions to get the pumpkin to cook quicker?

    1. Maybe try baking it at a lower temperature so that the pumpkin has more time to cook and the crust cooks slower.

  2. 5 stars
    Yum! I’m a huge pumpkin pie fan so I know I’ll love your recipe! I love making pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving or fall get-togethers! The creaminess and spices all tie in together perfectly! I can’t wait to make a pumpkin pie this year!

  3. 5 stars
    I never understood the pumpkin pie craze until I lived in American for a few years – SO good!! Defo giving your recipe a go.

  4. 5 stars
    This is definitely the pie to make a few times this season. The recipe seems easy to follow, and the looks are absolutely amazing – just what I need! 🙂

  5. 5 stars
    This pie was amazing, the filling so creamy; this is a must make classic for the fall. I love how easy this recipe was to follow.

  6. 5 stars
    I think it’s so funny that you say that you love pumpkin pie for dessert, while your husband loves eating it for breakfast … because I do both! And lucky me – now I don’t have to rely on other family members to bring the pie to Thanksgiving (and hope for leftovers), since I have your wonderful recipe in my back pocket! 😉

  7. 5 stars
    Such a delicious recipe; my all time favorite dessert to enjoy on Thanksgiving! Can practically smell it from here; delish!

  8. 5 stars
    Just like the pumpkin pie my mom made every Thanksgiving when I was growing up. So yummy! The fresh whipped cream is a must!

  9. This is very much like my Mom’s recipe I make for our Canadian Thanksgiving. Brown sugar gives it that rich brown colour and taste and a most as far as my Mom was concerned.
    This year, I added Molasses to the pie filling for even a richer and darker color