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!
More pumpkin recipes you’ll love
- Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Easy Pumpkin Dip
- Pumpkin Bars
- Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Video
Homemade Pumpkin Pie
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
Instructions
- Place the pie crust in a 9 inch pie pan. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Place the pumpkin puree in a food processor along with the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and cloves. Pulse to combine.
- Add eggs 1 at a time, pulsing after each addition. Gradually add the cream in a thin stream, processing just until blended. Process 5 seconds longer.
- Pour the filling into the crust. Place the pie on a sheet pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
- Bake the pie for an additional 40-50 minutes or until center is just set and a toothpick inserted into the filling comes out clean.
- Cool the pie on a rack. Cut into slices and top with whipped cream if desired, or refrigerate the pie for later use.
Would a stand mixer work too?
I think that would be fine you just want the mixture to be very smooth with no lumps!
If using pumpkin pie spice how much would l use? I couldn’t find all thr individual components.
Thank yoi.
It’s 1 1/4 teaspoons!
Has anyone made this with a graham cracker crust? Thinking I will try that today… but I am nervous. Ha. Happy Thanksgiving!
It should work fine with a graham crust!
I’d love to try this, but can I substitute evaporated milk in for the cream? I don’t have cream…
I believe that would work just fine although I haven’t tested it myself!
So excited to make this. How do I store it when made a day in advance? Thank you
Let it cool completely at room temperature. Store it in the refrigerator after that, then take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan to eat it!
Is dark brown sugar ok?
Yes that’s fine!
Hi! This recipe looks amazing! Could I use roasted pie pumpkin instead of puree? Would I puree the roasted pumpkin and use 15 oz? Thanks!
Yes that will work just fine!
How many eggs do I use? I don’t see them in the ingredients list….
It’s 3 eggs, close to the bottom of the list!
My filling was a lot lighter in color and thinner so I’m a little nervous , but the batter tasted fabulous so I’m crossing my fingers.
My batter always darkens when it cooks, it should be fine!
What a delicious pie and so easy to make. We loved it!
My mouth is already watering thinking of pumpkin pie. And your recipe looks great and its so simple too. Keeping it to make it soon.
That is one gorgeous looking pumpkin pie. I want to fast forward to Thanksgiving so I have an excuse to bake this. Or maybe I just need to wait for another month or til September at least, since the weather is crazy hot right now. 🙂
My wife made this and it looks so delicious! Our family loved this pie!
This homemade pumpkin pie has a creamy luscious filling! It will be a big hit during the holidays this year!
I have been craving a good pumpkin pie! I am going to get everything to make this!
This pie is truly amazing! Homemade pumpkin pie is the best!!
mmm…this pumpkin pie looks incredibly delicious! I would LOVE a slice!
This pie is so delicious! My family loves it! It was a big hit here at the house! Can’t wait to make this again!
This pie is really amazing! A huge hit with my family!
This homemade pumpkin pie looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!