Easy Julia Child Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Classic Fall Favorite

Julia Child’s pumpkin pie embodies the quintessential autumn dessert with its velvety texture and aromatic warmth.

Generations of home bakers have celebrated this iconic recipe for its comforting flavors and nostalgic appeal.

Seasonal ingredients transform simple pantry staples into a magical culinary experience that delights the senses.

Delicate spices dance through the silky custard, creating layers of complex, inviting taste.

Baking this pie connects you to time-honored traditions of sharing love through food.

The golden, tender crust cradles a filling so smooth it almost whispers memories of family gatherings.

Each slice promises a moment of pure, indulgent pleasure: come savor the magic.

Indulge In The Seasonal Charm Of Julia Child Pumpkin Pie

• Capture Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a slice of warm, spiced pumpkin pie that wraps you in cozy autumn memories, bringing the essence of harvest festivals right to your dinner table.
• Effortless Elegance: Create a sophisticated dessert with minimal prep time, using simple ingredients that blend together seamlessly, making you look like a professional baker without breaking a sweat.
• Sensory Delight: Experience a perfect harmony of silky smooth filling and flaky crust, packed with rich, warming spices that dance on your taste buds and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Must-Have Ingredients For Julia Child Pumpkin Pie

• Unbaked Pie Crust: A buttery base that holds the pumpkin filling, store-bought or homemade works perfectly.

• Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that gives the pie its signature orange color and rich flavor, use 100% pure pumpkin puree.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps create a smooth, rich texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the filling together, fresh large eggs are best.

• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg: Classic warm spices that create the traditional pumpkin pie flavor profile, use freshly ground spices for maximum aroma.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the pie, a small pinch makes a big difference.

How To Bake Julia Child Pumpkin Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 425°F (220°C). Gather all ingredients and baking tools for a smooth pie-making experience.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Filling

• Pumpkin puree
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Large eggs
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

Whisk ingredients until the mixture becomes silky smooth and completely combined.

Step 3: Fill the Pie Crust

Gently pour the pumpkin mixture into an unbaked pie crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly, ensuring no air pockets remain.

Step 4: Initial High-Temperature Baking

Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. This initial high heat helps create a crisp crust.

Step 5: Finish Baking at Lower Temperature

Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35-40 minutes. To check doneness, insert a knife 1 inch from the crust – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours. This helps the filling set perfectly. Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Useful Tips For Julia Child Pumpkin Pie Success

• Shake for Stability: Gently test pie firmness by wiggling the pan. A slight jiggle in the center indicates perfect baking, preventing overdone or underbaked results.
• Rest and Settle: Allow pie to cool completely before cutting, ensuring filling sets properly and slices hold their beautiful shape without running.
• Protect Pie Edges: Wrap aluminum foil around crust edges to prevent burning while keeping the delicate pastry golden and crisp during baking.
• Spice with Freshness: Crush whole spices moments before mixing to release maximum flavor. Fresh cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg transform ordinary pumpkin pie into an extraordinary dessert.
• Deep Dish Magic: Select a deeper pie dish to accommodate luxurious filling and prevent messy overflow during baking, creating a professional-looking dessert every time.

Guidelines For Storing Julia Child Pumpkin Pie Perfectly

• Preserve Whole Pie: Seal the freshly baked pumpkin pie in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Keep refrigerated for maximum flavor retention and prevent soggy crust deterioration. Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Slice and Store: Individually wrap pie slices in plastic wrap or place in separate sealed containers. This method prevents flavor transfer and maintains each slice's integrity. Refrigerate and enjoy within 2-3 days for peak deliciousness.
• Freeze for Later: Carefully wrap the entire pie in two layers – first plastic wrap, then aluminum foil – to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 2 months for convenient make-ahead dessert. Thaw overnight in refrigerator, allowing gradual temperature adjustment to preserve filling's smooth consistency and crust's crisp edges.

Delightful Variations For Julia Child Pumpkin Pie

• Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the pie before baking and drizzle with pure maple syrup for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the classic pumpkin base.
• Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Pie: Create a decadent marbled effect by swirling melted dark chocolate through the pumpkin filling before baking, adding depth and complexity to the traditional recipe.
• Spiced Rum Pumpkin Pie: Enhance the warmth of the spices by adding a splash of dark rum to the filling, bringing out deeper, more intense flavors that elevate the classic dessert.
• Coconut Cream Pumpkin Pie: Top the finished pie with toasted coconut flakes and a dollop of coconut whipped cream, transforming the traditional recipe into a tropical-inspired treat.

Parting Thoughts On Julia Child Pumpkin Pie

Julia Child’s pumpkin pie embodies classic American dessert traditions with rich, comforting flavors that dance across palates.

Sweet spices weave through creamy pumpkin filling, creating an extraordinary sensory experience.

Culinary enthusiasts can savor this masterpiece as a hallmark of autumn’s delightful cuisine.

Professional bakers and home cooks will appreciate the straightforward yet elegant recipe technique.

Complex layers of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg elevate this traditional dessert beyond ordinary expectations.

This recipe promises warmth, nostalgia, and pure deliciousness that compels you to share its magic, snap beautiful photos, and spread joy through delectable seasonal baking.

Julia Child Pumpkin Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Julia Child’s pumpkin pie embodies classic American autumn comfort with French culinary elegance. Silky custard nestled in buttery crust promises a holiday dessert that welcomes guests to savor each spiced, creamy slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can pumpkin puree
• 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Seasoning:

• 0.5 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 425°F (220°C), ensuring all ingredients are measured and ready for seamless integration.
2. Create a silky smooth filling by whisking pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt in a medium mixing bowl until the texture becomes uniform and free of lumps.
3. Carefully transfer the velvety pumpkin mixture into an unbaked pie crust, using a spatula to distribute the filling evenly across the entire surface.
4. Position the pie in the preheated oven and maintain the high temperature of 425°F (220°C) for the initial 15 minutes, allowing the crust to begin setting and developing a golden foundation.
5. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-40 minutes, monitoring the pie’s progress by inserting a knife near the crust’s edge – a clean withdrawal indicates the custard has reached perfect consistency.
6. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature, which enables the filling to set and stabilize, ensuring clean and precise slices when serving.

Notes

• Spice Magic: Grab those fresh cinnamon sticks, ginger roots, and whole nutmeg to transform your pie’s flavor profile with intense, vibrant notes that pre-ground spices can’t match.
• Baking Precision: Watch your pie closely after 35 minutes, aiming for perfectly set edges with a subtle center jiggle – preventing dry texture requires careful monitoring during the final baking moments.
• Cooling Wisdom: Patience is key when letting your pie rest completely before slicing, ensuring the filling sets beautifully and stays wonderfully intact when served.
• Doneness Detective: Gently shake the pie to reveal its readiness – a subtle center movement signals more baking time is needed for that perfect creamy consistency.
• Crust Strategy: Choose a deep dish pie crust to provide ample space for your luscious filling and prevent any messy overflow during baking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 308
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 154 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 68 mg