There’s nothing quite like the warm aroma of a homemade pumpkin pie baking in the oven — that irresistible blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweetness that instantly fills your kitchen with comfort. This best pumpkin pie recipe is rich, creamy, and spiced to perfection, evoking that nostalgic feeling of cozy autumn gatherings.
Fun fact: pumpkin pie has been a cherished staple in American homes since the colonial era! It’s the ultimate fall dessert, perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you want a taste of classic comfort.
What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. With just a few everyday ingredients, you’ll bake a pie that looks and tastes bakery-worthy. Imagine slicing into that silky, golden-orange filling nestled in a flaky crust — pure bliss!
If you’re a fan of timeless desserts like apple pie or pecan pie, this pumpkin pie will quickly become a favorite. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake a pie that tastes just like home.
What Is Pumpkin Pie?
Pumpkin pie is the quintessential fall dessert — a creamy, custard-like filling made from spiced pumpkin puree baked inside a buttery pie crust. The result? A perfectly balanced dessert that’s smooth, aromatic, and irresistibly comforting.
You might wonder, why pumpkin? Pumpkins were one of the earliest cultivated crops in North America, and their natural sweetness and texture made them ideal for baking. Today, pumpkin pie remains a symbol of harvest season and togetherness — a dessert that says “welcome home.”
As the saying goes, “the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach,” and one slice of this luscious pie will certainly do the trick!
🍂 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this easy homemade pumpkin pie will win you over:
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Rich and Creamy Texture: The perfect balance of pumpkin and cream gives you that smooth, custardy filling every time.
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Warm, Cozy Flavors: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create that irresistible fall aroma.
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Foolproof and Budget-Friendly: You’ll use simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy weekend dessert, this pie always shines.
Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as photogenic as it is delicious.
👩🍳 How to Make the Best Homemade Pumpkin Pie
Quick Overview
This classic pumpkin pie recipe comes together in just about 15 minutes of prep. Then, the oven does the rest! You’ll end up with a velvety filling, perfectly set and brimming with cozy fall spices.
🧁 Key Ingredients
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1 ½ cups pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
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1 cup heavy cream
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¾ cup sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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¼ teaspoon ground ginger
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¼ teaspoon salt
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1 (9-inch) pie crust, pre-made or homemade
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). -
Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until smooth and well blended. -
Add Wet Ingredients:
Whisk in the eggs, followed by the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until creamy and uniform. -
Fill the Crust:
Pour the pumpkin filling into the pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. -
Bake:
Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 30–35 minutes or until the filling is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. -
Cool and Serve:
Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the custard to firm up and the flavors to meld beautifully.
🍽️ What to Serve Pumpkin Pie With
Pumpkin pie pairs wonderfully with:
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Whipped cream — the classic companion for creamy contrast
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Candied pecans or walnuts — for a bit of crunch
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A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg — for extra warmth
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Hot coffee or spiced cider — perfect beverages to round out your dessert experience
🥧 Top Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Pie
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Use High-Quality Pumpkin: Opt for pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for the best flavor.
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Avoid Overbaking: Take the pie out when the center is slightly wobbly — it will firm as it cools.
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Chill Your Crust: A cold crust means a crisp, flaky base that holds up beautifully.
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Customize Your Spices: Add a pinch of clove, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice for your own signature touch.
❄️ Storing and Reheating Tips
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Refrigerate: Store your pie in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil to freeze for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
Pro tip: Cold pumpkin pie straight from the fridge can be just as delicious — especially with whipped cream!
Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups pumpkin puree Can be canned or freshly made
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, add the pumpkin puree, sugar, salt, and all the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger). Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.
- Add the eggs and mix until smooth. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until the filling is well blended.
- Pour the pumpkin filling into the pre-made pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling
- Once baked, allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for about 2 hours before serving.
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