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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Elevate the oven temperature to 180°C / 350°F, ensuring optimal baking conditions for a perfectly crisp pastry foundation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack, permitting the filling to set and flavors to intensify.
- 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