Delicious Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Fall Favorite

Introduction:

Pumpkin pie is a timeless dessert that captures the essence of fall with its rich spices, creamy filling, and flaky crust. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving or just looking for a comforting treat to enjoy on a chilly evening, this homemade pumpkin pie will surely satisfy your cravings. It’s the perfect dessert to share with loved ones, and it’s so easy to make from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Pumpkin Filling:

• 2 cups canned pumpkin puree (or fresh pumpkin)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold butter cubes into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough begins to come together.
4. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s large enough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer the dough to the pan, trim any excess, and crimp the edges for a nice finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

1. Mix the Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
2. Fill the Crust: Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a baking sheet in the oven to catch any potential drips.
2. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on the center rack of the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool the Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack to room temperature before slicing.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice the pie into wedges. You can serve it as is or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

Tips for a Perfect Pumpkin Pie:

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough ensures a tender, flaky crust. Don’t skip this step!
• Fresh or Canned Pumpkin: You can use either fresh pumpkin or canned pumpkin puree. Both work well in this recipe, but canned pumpkin provides extra convenience.
• Watch for Overbaking: Keep an eye on the pie towards the end of the baking time to avoid cracking or drying out the filling.
• Make Ahead: This pie can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge. It will only get better as the flavors meld!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Pie:

• Incredibly Flavorful: With a perfect blend of spices and a rich, creamy texture, this pie captures all the cozy fall flavors.
• Made from Scratch: While store-bought versions are available, nothing beats the taste of a homemade pumpkin pie with a flaky, buttery crust.
• Ideal for Special Occasions: Whether for Thanksgiving, a holiday dinner, or just because, this pumpkin pie is sure to please any crowd.
• Great for Leftovers: Leftover pumpkin pie keeps well for several days and makes for an excellent snack or dessert the next day.

Conclusion:

This homemade Pumpkin Pie recipe is a staple of fall desserts. With its delicious spiced filling and buttery crust, it’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgence. Make this pumpkin pie your go-to dessert for all your fall gatherings and celebrations!