Easy Pumpkin Pie

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that warms the heart and soul, this Easy Pumpkin Pie is just what you need. There’s something so comforting about a slice of pumpkin pie, especially when it’s homemade with love. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, a family gathering, or just a sweet treat on a chilly evening, this pie will surely become a favorite in your home.

What I adore about this recipe is how simple it is. You can whip it up quickly using canned pumpkin or take the extra step to make your own puree. The lightly spiced filling offers a wonderful balance of flavors, making it perfect for everyone at the table. Trust me; once you try this Easy Pumpkin Pie, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious pie ready to bake.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves pumpkin pie! It’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare this pie in advance for stress-free entertaining.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of spices creates a warm and inviting taste that feels like home.
• Versatile base: Feel free to customize the spices to suit your family’s taste preferences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Pumpkin Pie uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delightful dessert!

For the Crust

• 1 (9 inch) single crust homemade pie crust (our recipe makes enough for 2 single crust pies)

For the Filling

• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (65g) light brown sugar
• 1 (15oz) can of pure pumpkin puree or 2 cups (440g) homemade pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup (175ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

For Serving

• Homemade whipped cream

Variations

One of the best parts about this Easy Pumpkin Pie recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add some nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
• Swap the sweetener: Try maple syrup or coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Mix in chocolate chips: For a decadent twist, fold in some mini chocolate chips into the filling before baking.
• Spice it up: Increase the amount of cinnamon or add nutmeg for an extra holiday spice kick.

How to Make Easy Pumpkin Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preparing your homemade pie crust if you haven’t already. A flaky crust is essential for holding all that delicious filling together. Make sure it’s chilled before rolling it out; this helps create a tender texture.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth. Then gently mix in the pumpkin puree along with heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. This step is crucial as it combines all those lovely flavors into one creamy mixture.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Now it’s time to add those warm spices! Stir in the ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and fine sea salt. This is where your Easy Pumpkin Pie gets its signature flavor! Make sure everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Pour into Crust

Carefully pour your filling into the prepared pie crust. Give it a gentle shake to level out the filling—it’ll look beautiful once baked!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven and bake the pie for about one hour until set. The edges should be firm but still slightly jiggly in the center. This ensures every slice has that perfect custard-like texture.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your Easy Pumpkin Pie cool completely before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully! Top with homemade whipped cream just before serving for an extra special touch.

Enjoy every bite of this delightful dessert!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Pumpkin Pie

Making the perfect pumpkin pie is easier than you think! Here are some tips to help you achieve a delicious and creamy dessert.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: If you’re up for it, making your own pumpkin puree from scratch can enhance the flavor of your pie. Fresh pumpkins have a natural sweetness and rich flavor that canned varieties sometimes lack.

• Chill your crust: Before baking, chill your pie crust for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking and ensures a flaky texture that holds up beautifully.

• Mix ingredients well but don’t overbeat: Combine your filling ingredients until just blended. Overbeating can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the finished pie as it cools.

• Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the pie; if it comes out mostly clean (with just a little filling clinging to it), it’s done! This avoids overbaking, which can lead to a dry texture.

• Let it cool completely before serving: Allowing your pie to cool completely on a wire rack helps it set properly and enhances the flavors. Plus, serving it at room temperature makes each slice easier to cut!

How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Pie

Serving your easy pumpkin pie is an opportunity to get creative! Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or just a weekend treat, here’s how you can make it shine on your table.

Garnishes

• Homemade whipped cream: A classic topping that adds rich creaminess and balances the spices beautifully.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top of the whipped cream not only looks pretty but also enhances the warm flavors of the pie.
• Caramel drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin.

Side Dishes

• Apple crisp: The tartness of apples combined with a sweet crumbly topping complements the pumpkin’s flavors perfectly, making for a delightful dessert duo.
• Vanilla ice cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream serves as a refreshing contrast to the spiced warmth of pumpkin pie, providing a nice temperature contrast.
• Roasted pecans: Their crunchy texture and nutty flavor provide an excellent textural balance when served alongside smooth pumpkin pie.
• Maple glazed carrots: These sweet and savory carrots add color and complement the spices in your pie, creating an inviting plate that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

This easy pumpkin pie recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a slice of fall goodness any time you like. You can make it in advance and store or freeze it for later. Here’s how:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pie to cool completely.
• Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Before freezing, let the pie cool completely.
• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding whipped cream.

Reheating

• Thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Serve with homemade whipped cream after reheating for that fresh-baked taste!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious easy pumpkin pie.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for this Easy Pumpkin Pie?

Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh pumpkin, simply roast your pumpkin until tender, scoop out the flesh, and blend it into a smooth puree. This will give your Easy Pumpkin Pie a wonderful homemade taste.

How do I know when my Easy Pumpkin Pie is done baking?

Your Easy Pumpkin Pie is ready when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. It will continue to firm up as it cools.

What can I serve with my Easy Pumpkin Pie?

This pie pairs beautifully with homemade whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness!

Can I make this Easy Pumpkin Pie dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk mixed with cornstarch to thicken.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this easy pumpkin pie recipe as much as I do! It’s a comforting dessert that brings warmth and smiles to any gathering. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy fall evening, this pie is sure to delight your family and friends. Enjoy making it and savoring each slice—happy baking!