The Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe for Thanksgiving
Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving classic that completes any holiday feast. With its rich, spiced filling and flaky crust, this dessert is the perfect blend of warmth and sweetness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this easy recipe will help you create a pumpkin pie that your family and friends will love.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Pie Filling:
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together.
- Roll the dough into a ball, flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll and Pre-Bake the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Place the crust in the pan and trim the edges, leaving a small overhang.
- Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. Line with parchment paper, add pie weights or dried beans, and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Gradually stir in the evaporated milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
- Let the pie cool completely before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful finish. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or candied pecans for extra flair.
Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Pie
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices elevate the flavor of the filling.
- Don’t Overbake: The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the oven.
- Make Ahead: Pumpkin pie tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
This pumpkin pie recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table. Its creamy texture, warm spices, and buttery crust make it the ultimate holiday dessert. For more Thanksgiving recipes and tips, check out our blog!
SEO Keywords: pumpkin pie recipe, Thanksgiving desserts, easy pumpkin pie, holiday pie recipes, best pumpkin pie, classic Thanksgiving recipes.