Easy Paula Deen Pumpkin Pie Recipe: Homemade Fall Magic

Pumpkin pie stands as a quintessential autumn dessert that warms hearts and delights taste buds with its rich, velvety texture.

Family gatherings often revolve around this classic treat, which brings comfort and nostalgia to the table.

Seasonal spices dance through each creamy slice, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable experience.

Bakers cherish this recipe for its straightforward preparation and crowd-pleasing results.

The magical combination of smooth pumpkin and warm spices creates a sensory journey that feels like a culinary embrace.

Homemade pumpkin pie represents more than just a dessert; it symbolizes tradition, love, and the joy of sharing sweet moments together: Get ready to bake a slice of pure happiness!

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Pie

• Pie Dough: Soft, flaky base for the pie that provides a delicate, buttery foundation.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich ingredient that adds creamy texture and depth to the filling.
• Canned Pumpkin: Authentic pumpkin puree that gives the classic autumn flavor and vibrant orange color.
• Sugar, Salt: Essential sweeteners and flavor enhancers that balance the pie's taste.

• Eggs: Binding agent that helps set the pie filling and provides structure.
• Half-and-Half: Creamy dairy that adds richness and smooth consistency to the filling.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
• Vanilla Extract: Warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm, sweet spice that defines the classic pumpkin pie flavor.
• Ground Ginger: Optional spice that adds warmth and depth to the pie's taste.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Pie

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Set your oven to 180°C / 350°F, ensuring it’s perfectly heated for your delicious pie.

Step 2: Create the Perfect Crust

• Pie dough
• 9-inch (23cm) pie pan
• Foil
• Pie weights or dried beans

Carefully place the pie dough into the pan, gently pressing along the bottom and sides. Crimp the edges with your fingers for a beautiful finish. Freeze the crust for 1 hour to firm it up. Line the crust with foil and fill with pie weights. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove weights and foil. Continue baking for another 10 minutes until the crust turns a light golden color.

Step 3: Whip Up the Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Canned pumpkin
• Sugar
• Salt
• Eggs
• Half-and-half
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Optional ground ginger

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until silky smooth. Add pumpkin and mix thoroughly. Incorporate sugar and salt, stirring until completely blended. Gently mix in the eggs, half-and-half, and melted butter. Stir in vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger (if using) until the mixture is perfectly combined.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Carefully pour the filling into the warm pie crust. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes. The pie is ready when the center is set and looks slightly firm.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack. When ready to serve, slice and top with a generous dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Tip: For best results, let the pie cool to room temperature before serving to allow the filling to set completely.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Pie

• Prevent Crust Cracking: Brush the edges with egg wash to create a protective barrier that prevents splitting and maintains a golden, glossy appearance.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Use paper towels to blot excess liquid from canned pumpkin, ensuring a firmer, less watery filling texture.
• Balance Spice Subtly: Freshly ground spices enhance flavor more intensely than pre-ground versions, so reduce quantity when using fresh ingredients.
• Protect Pie Edges: Wrap aluminum foil around crust edges halfway through baking to prevent over-browning and burning.
• Cool Gradually: Let pie rest at room temperature for two hours after baking, allowing filling to stabilize and develop rich, deep flavors without cracking.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Pie

• Wrap Smart: Shield your pie from absorbing other refrigerator odors by using a dedicated pie container with a tight-sealing lid. Create a protective barrier that maintains the pie's delicate flavor and prevents moisture loss.
• Slice First: Before storing, consider cutting the pie into individual portions. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. This method allows you to thaw only the amount you want to enjoy, keeping the rest perfectly preserved.
• Defrost Gently: When ready to serve frozen pie, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly overnight. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent potential bacterial growth and maintain the pie's original texture and taste.

Creative Variations on Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Pie

• Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie: Enhance the classic recipe by adding 1/4 cup maple syrup to the filling and sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking for a nutty, rich flavor profile.
• Spiced Chai Pumpkin Pie: Infuse the filling with 2 tablespoons of chai tea spice blend, creating a warm and aromatic alternative that brings exotic notes to the traditional dessert.
• Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Pie: Drizzle melted dark chocolate through the pumpkin filling before baking, creating beautiful marbled patterns and adding deep chocolate undertones to the classic pie.
• Cream Cheese Swirl Pumpkin Pie: Create additional cream cheese swirls by reserving some cream cheese mixture and carefully threading it through the pumpkin filling for a tangy, luxurious texture.

Closing Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Pie

Silky pumpkin pie emerges as Paula Deen’s signature holiday masterpiece, blending classic southern charm with seasonal comfort.

Classic ingredients dance together, creating creamy perfection in each delectable slice.

Warm spices whisper memories of cherished family gatherings around festive tables.

Cream cheese adds luxurious richness, elevating traditional pumpkin pie beyond ordinary expectations.

Culinary magic happens when passionate bakers craft this mouthwatering dessert with care and precision.

Slice, savor, share this delightful creation – you’ll spark joy, spark conversations, and spark delicious moments that connect hearts through Paula Deen’s irresistible recipe.

Why Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Pie Is a Fall Essential

• Create Creamy Comfort: This pumpkin pie delivers an incredibly smooth, velvety texture that melts in your mouth, thanks to the perfectly blended cream cheese and pumpkin mixture.
• Elevate Holiday Baking: Impress family and friends with a professional-looking dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a stunning centerpiece for autumn gatherings and Thanksgiving celebrations.
• Foolproof Flavor Explosion: Paula Deen's recipe guarantees a rich, warmly spiced pie with deep cinnamon notes and a perfectly balanced sweetness that captures the essence of fall in every single bite.
• Stress-Free Dessert Magic: With straightforward steps and minimal complicated techniques, even novice bakers can confidently create a restaurant-quality dessert that looks like it took hours to prepare.

Paula Deen Pumpkin Pie Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

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

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Description

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Pie embodies classic Southern comfort with creamy spiced filling nestled in a flaky homemade crust. Rich autumn flavors and delicate warming spices deliver a quintessential holiday dessert you’ll savor to the last delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (226 grams / 8 ounces) softened cream cheese
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) mashed canned pumpkin
• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
• 1 piece pre-made pie dough

Spices and Flavorings:

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon optional ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Liquid and Egg Ingredients:

• 1 plus 2 egg yolks, slightly beaten egg
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) half and half
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) melted butter
• whipped cream for topping

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Instructions

1. Elevate the oven temperature to 180°C / 350°F, ensuring optimal baking conditions for a perfectly crisp pastry foundation.
2. Carefully drape the pie dough into a 9-inch (23cm) pie pan, meticulously pressing the delicate pastry against the bottom and sides. Artfully crimp the edges for an elegant presentation, then nestle the crust in the freezer for 60 minutes to achieve a robust structure. Delicately line the chilled crust with aluminum foil, strategically placing pie weights or dried beans to prevent unwanted rising during the initial baking phase.
3. Bake the weighted crust for 10 minutes, then gently remove the weights and foil. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the crust develops a light golden hue.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously whip the cream cheese until achieving a silky smooth consistency. Introduce the canned pumpkin, blending thoroughly until completely integrated. Gradually incorporate sugar and salt, stirring until the mixture reaches a velvety texture.
5. Gently fold in the eggs, half-and-half, and melted butter, ensuring each ingredient melds seamlessly. Infuse the mixture with vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and optional ground ginger, stirring until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
6. Transfer the luxurious filling into the warm, pre-baked crust, creating an even layer. Position in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, watching for a subtle jiggle in the center that indicates perfect doneness.
7. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack, permitting the filling to set and flavors to intensify.
8. When ready to serve, slice with precision and crown with a delicate dollop of freshly whipped cream for a sublime finishing touch.

Notes

• Bake with confidence by preventing crust shrinkage through a pre-freezing technique that stabilizes your pie shell’s delicate structure.
• Create silky-smooth filling by allowing cream cheese to reach room temperature, eliminating pesky lumps that can disrupt your cheesecake’s luxurious texture.
• Gentle mixing becomes crucial when incorporating eggs, protecting your dessert from unwanted air pockets that lead to unsightly surface cracks.
• Strategic pie weight usage during pre-baking guarantees a crisp, even crust that serves as the perfect foundation for your delectable creation.
• Master the art of doneness by observing a slight jiggle in the center, knowing the filling will gracefully set during its cooling process.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 573 kcal
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 415mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 160mg