Name: Homemade Pumpkin Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 pie crust (for a 9 inch pan, homemade or store bought); 1 15 ounce can pumpkin puree; 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed ); 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ((freshly grated is best)); 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves; 3 eggs; 1 1/4 cups heavy cream; whipped cream for serving (optional)

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This homemade pumpkin pie recipe is a flaky crust with a smooth and creamy pumpkin filling, all baked to perfection. Pumpkin pie is a classic dessert during the fall months, and this version is the best I’ve ever had!

When Thanksgiving rolls around, I offer a variety of fall desserts such as apple cobbler, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, and of course a classic pumpkin pie. My recipe includes some secret ingredients that really make it special.

Homemade pumpkin pie is a must-have on any holiday table. Skip the recipe that comes on the back of the can of pumpkin, and try this version instead. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the end result!

How do you make homemade pumpkin pie?

This recipe starts with a pie crust. Use a homemade crust or a pre-prepared crust, whichever you prefer. This pie filling is a combination of pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, spices and heavy cream, which all get pureed together in the food processor. The filling is poured into the crust, then everything baked together until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. Let the pie cool, then cut into slices and serve.

Tips for the perfect homemade pumpkin pie

I typically use a frozen pre-made pie crust for this recipe. It literally saves hours of prep time. My local store even sells a frozen pie crust that’s made with butter, so it tastes as good as homemade.
Using a food processor is the key to getting a silky smooth filling. If you don’t own a food processor, a blender will also work just fine.
The heavy cream is the secret ingredient in this recipe. Most pumpkin pie recipes call for evaporated milk, but the cream gives this pie the best texture and flavor. Half and half can be substituted for heavy cream, but the texture may suffer.
This pie can be made up to 3 days before you plan to serve it. Store it loosely covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.

Pie Variations

This is a classic pie recipe, but there are plenty of toppings you can add to your pie to customize it to your tastes.

Caramel Sauce: Drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of caramel sauce over each slice.
Whipped Cream: This is a classic topping, you can use freshly whipped cream, the aerosol can version, or even thawed whipped topping.
Nuts: Add a sprinkle of chopped candied pecans or walnuts on top of your pie.
Toffee: Chop up 2 chocolate covered toffee candy bars, and sprinkle the candy pieces over the pie.
Meringue: Add a brown sugar meringue on top of your pie such as the one in this recipe.

Does pumpkin pie set after baking?

The filling of a pumpkin pie is a custard, and the custard will continue to firm up and set as it cools. Your pie may be a little jiggly in the center when you take it from the oven, but it shouldn’t be runny or liquid.

How do you know if pumpkin pie is cooked through?

The best way to gauge if your pie is cooked through is to insert a toothpick into the center of the pie. A toothpick should come out clean. If the toothpick has liquid batter attached to it, try placing the pie in the oven for another 5-8 minutes, then test the pie again.

This is the best homemade pumpkin pie I’ve ever had, and your friends and family are sure to agree!

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