Easy & Perfect Joy Of Cooking Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Joy of Cooking’s pumpkin pie brings warmth to any gathering, transforming simple ingredients into a delectable dessert that sparks nostalgia and comfort.

Seasonal baking becomes an art form with this classic recipe that elevates autumn’s most beloved flavor profile.

Creamy, smooth textures blend perfectly with aromatic spices that dance across your palate.

Rich custard-like filling nestles into a golden, flaky crust that crumbles delicately with each forkful.

Generations of home cooks have treasured this traditional dessert, passing down techniques that make each pie unique.

Baking requires patience and precision, turning humble ingredients into a masterpiece that speaks to culinary tradition.

Sharing this pie means creating memories around the table with those you love: prepare to delight everyone’s senses.

Reasons to Love Pumpkin Pie

• Unlock Fresh Flavor Magic: Transform a whole pumpkin into silky homemade puree, delivering an authentic taste that store-bought versions can't match. This method intensifies natural sweetness and connects you directly with seasonal ingredients.
• Master Simple Seasonal Technique: The recipe offers straightforward steps for creating a classic dessert, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Multiple temperature changes and careful baking ensure a perfectly golden crust and creamy filling without complicated techniques.
• Create Make-Ahead Comfort: Prepare pumpkin puree the night before, breaking down the process into manageable steps. This approach reduces day-of stress and allows flavors to develop, making holiday baking more relaxed and enjoyable.
• Customize with Elegant Finishing: Top the pie with freshly whipped cream for a luxurious touch that elevates the entire dessert. This simple garnish transforms a traditional pie into an Instagram-worthy treat that looks as delicious as it tastes.

What’s In Pumpkin Pie

• All-Purpose Flour: Key structural ingredient for the pie base, best when unbleached and fresh.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates flaky texture in the crust.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the pie crust.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the crust ingredients together without developing gluten.

• Pumpkin Puree: Main filling component, preferably fresh or high-quality canned variety.
• Evaporated Milk: Adds creamy richness and smooth consistency to the filling.
• Large Eggs: Binds the filling and provides structure and stability.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the pie filling.

• Ground Cinnamon: Classic warm spice that defines pumpkin pie flavor.
• Ground Ginger: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the spice blend.
• Ground Nutmeg: Provides a deep, slightly sweet aromatic note.
• Ground Cloves: Contributes a strong, distinctive warm flavor.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall taste of the spice mixture.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a light, fluffy topping for serving.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream topping.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Pumpkin Puree

Grab a whole pumpkin and get ready for some pie magic! Use a paring knife or fork to create multiple holes in the pumpkin’s surface. Place the pumpkin on a foil-lined baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 60 to 90 minutes until the skin easily gives when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Cool and Process Pumpkin

Remove the pumpkin from the oven and let it cool completely. Scoop out seeds and strings, then peel the skin. Blend the soft pumpkin flesh in a food processor or blender until smooth. Refrigerate the puree until needed.

Step 3: Mix Pie Filling

• Sugar
• Salt
• Pumpkin pie spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger)

• Fresh pumpkin puree
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 2 large eggs

Stir until all ingredients are well blended.

Step 4: Prepare Pie Crust

Roll out 2 pie crusts to 11 inches in diameter. Carefully line a large pie pan with the crust. Crimp the edges using a fork to create a decorative seal.

Step 5: Fill and Initial Baking

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pie crust. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Bake for 15 minutes, then rotate the pie in the oven.

Step 6: Reduce Temperature and Continue Baking

• Crust reaches 205°F
• Pie center reaches 195°F

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the pie from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Step 8: Optional Finishing Touch

Top with freshly whipped cream just before serving for an extra special dessert.

Helpful Tips for Pumpkin Pie

• Personalize Spice Blend: Mix traditional cinnamon with unexpected hints of cardamom or ginger for a unique flavor profile that surprises taste buds.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Sprinkle ground nuts or breadcrumbs on pie crust before adding filling to create a protective barrier against moisture.
• Crack-Free Surface Strategy: Bake pie at high temperature initially, then lower heat to ensure smooth, crack-free custard texture.
• Boost Pumpkin Depth: Roast fresh pumpkin chunks with a drizzle of olive oil before pureeing to intensify natural sweetness and complexity.
• Slice with Precision: Refrigerate pie for minimum 3 hours, using a heated knife wiped clean between cuts for picture-perfect servings.

Pumpkin Pie Storage Guide

• Vacuum Seal Method: Extract air completely from sealed bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain pie's original texture. Invest in a quality vacuum sealer for optimal preservation, ensuring each slice remains fresh and delectable for longer periods.
• Individual Slice Wrap Method: Protect each slice separately using wax paper or parchment paper before wrapping in aluminum foil. This technique prevents moisture accumulation and maintains the pie's structural integrity during storage, allowing easy retrieval of single servings.
• Temperature Control Method: Store pie at consistent 40°F in refrigerator, placing it on the middle shelf away from strong-smelling foods. Use airtight containers with tight-sealing lids to prevent flavor absorption and maintain the pie's delicate taste profile.

Different Takes on Pumpkin Pie

• Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie: Add chopped pecans to the bottom of the pie crust and drizzle maple syrup into the pumpkin filling for a rich, nutty flavor profile.
• Spiced Chai Pumpkin Pie: Incorporate chai tea spices like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon into the traditional pumpkin pie mixture for a warming, aromatic experience.
• Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Pie: Create a chocolate ganache and swirl it through the pumpkin filling before baking, adding a decadent chocolate undertone to the classic recipe.
• Coconut Cream Pumpkin Pie: Replace evaporated milk with coconut milk and top the pie with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired dessert variation.

Pumpkin Pie Recap

Pumpkin pie embodies classic American culinary heritage, weaving generations of delightful memories through its rich, spiced essence.

Warm cinnamon and nutmeg whispers hint at autumn’s nostalgic embrace, connecting family traditions across kitchen counters.

Homemade pumpkin puree elevates this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary, showcasing personal care and dedication.

Each carefully crafted slice tells a story of seasonal comfort and cultural celebration.

Bakers passionate about authentic flavors will discover pure satisfaction in mastering this timeless recipe.

Craving a slice of deliciousness?

Share this recipe, comment with your family’s secret twist, and spread pumpkin pie love across social media networks!

Joy Of Cooking Pumpkin Pie Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

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

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Description

Homemade pumpkin pie brings classic autumn comfort straight from American kitchens. Rich spices and creamy custard nestled in a flaky crust promise delightful warmth that welcomes family gatherings around seasonal tables.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) pumpkin, canned or cooked
• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) milk, evaporated or cream
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• ½ cup (100 grams) white sugar
• ¼ cup (55 grams) brown sugar, firmly packed

Spices and Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ginger
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, grated, or allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon clove, ground
• Whipped cream, sweetened (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pumpkin puree a day in advance by piercing a whole pumpkin thoroughly with a paring knife or fork, then placing it on a foil-lined baking sheet.
2. Roast the pumpkin in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 60 to 90 minutes until the skin easily yields to a fork and the flesh becomes tender.
3. Remove the pumpkin from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp, then process the soft flesh in a blender or food processor until smooth. Refrigerate the puree.
4. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt with granulated sugar. Incorporate the prepared pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, and large eggs, stirring until the mixture is completely homogeneous.
6. Roll out two pie crusts to approximately 11 inches in diameter, ensuring they’re large enough to line a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the crust to the pie pan, crimping the edges decoratively with a fork.
7. Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly to the edges.
8. Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Cover the pie edges with an aluminum foil shield to prevent over-browning.
9. Continue baking for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 195 degrees Fahrenheit (90 degrees Celsius) at the center and the crust reaches 205 degrees Fahrenheit (96 degrees Celsius).
10. Transfer the pie to a wire cooling rack and allow it to cool completely at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours.
11. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Optionally, garnish with freshly whipped cream and a light dusting of ground cinnamon.

Notes

• Homemade pumpkin puree offers a richer, more vibrant taste compared to canned alternatives.
• Straining the puree removes excess moisture, ensuring a firmer pie filling.
• Toasting whole spices before grinding releases deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and evenly.
• Ceramic pie weights prevent crust from bubbling during blind baking.
• Cool pie completely on a wire rack to maintain crisp bottom crust texture.
• Refrigerating overnight allows flavors to meld and intensify.
• Sharp serrated knife creates cleanest slices through delicate filling.
• Store leftovers covered in refrigerator for up to four days.
• Serve slightly warm with freshly whipped cream for ultimate comfort.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg