Cozy Classic Pumpkin Pie Recipe for Fall Sweetness

Autumn whispers comfort with every slice of this classic pumpkin pie recipe that captures the essence of cozy seasons.

Warm spices dance through a silky, golden filling nestled in a perfectly flaky crust.

Rich and creamy textures blend traditional flavors into a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Generations have cherished this beloved recipe, passing down its simple yet magical preparation from kitchen to kitchen.

Each forkful promises a nostalgic journey through sweet, aromatic memories of gatherings and celebrations.

Bakers of all skill levels can confidently create this timeless treat that turns ordinary moments into delectable experiences.

Dive into this delightful recipe and let the magic of homemade pumpkin pie fill your kitchen with warmth and joy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes (excluding cranberries)

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes (including cooling and cranberries)

Calories: 303 kcal

Servings: 9

Classic Pumpkin Pie Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the flaky, tender base that holds the pie's delicate structure and provides a classic texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, golden flavor and ensures the crust becomes wonderfully crisp and layered.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the buttery richness of the crust.
• Ice Water: Helps bind ingredients without developing gluten, maintaining the crust's delicate texture.

• Pumpkin Puree: Provides the signature autumn flavor and creamy, smooth foundation for the pie.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and helps create a luscious, moist filling with complex sweetness.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent, creating structure and helping the filling set perfectly.
• Heavy Cream: Introduces luxurious richness and contributes to the silky, custard-like consistency.
• Whole Milk: Softens the filling and helps achieve a delicate, smooth texture.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves: Blend classic warming spices that capture the quintessential pumpkin pie aroma and taste.
• Cornstarch: Ensures the filling sets properly without cracking and provides a velvety smooth texture.
• Salt: Balances and elevates the sweet and spicy flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle, unexpected warmth that enhances the spice blend.

• Fresh Cranberries: Bring a tart, vibrant contrast to the rich, sweet pie.
• Granulated Sugar: Creates a sparkling, crisp coating for the cranberries.
• Whipped Cream: Optional topping that adds light, airy richness to each slice.

Tools Required for Classic Pumpkin Pie

• Pie Dish: 9×2-inch ceramic or glass dish for perfect pie shape and even baking.
• Whisk: Essential for blending filling ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Mixing Bowls: Medium-sized for preparing pumpkin filling and other ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for sugar, spices, and liquids.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll out pie crust evenly on a floured surface.
• Slotted Spoon: Transfers sugared cranberries without excess liquid.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps with weight-blind baking.
• Pie Weights or Dried Beans: Keeps crust flat during par-baking.
• Wire Rack: Allows pie to cool completely without soggy bottom.
• Baking Sheet: For drying and preparing sugared cranberries.
• Fork: Used for pricking pie crust and mixing ingredients.

How to Make a Classic Pumpkin Pie

Festive Cranberry Sparkle

• Cranberry Prep Overnight magic happens when you soak fresh cranberries in sweet syrup, creating a glistening garnish that will make your pie look stunning.
• Sugar Coating Transformation After the cranberries dry, roll them in sparkling sugar crystals, turning them into jewel-like decorations that add a festive touch.
• Pastry Foundation Select a silky smooth pie crust, either homemade or store-bought, and gently press it into a deep pie dish with delicate, wavy edges.
• Crust Protection Create a protective shield by lining the crust with parchment and weighing it down, ensuring a perfectly crisp base that won't get soggy.
• Pumpkin Flavor Blend Whisk together pumpkin puree with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a rich, aromatic filling that speaks of autumn comfort.
• Oven Transformation Slide the pie into a preheated oven, watching as the filling sets and the kitchen fills with an irresistible warm, spicy aroma.
• Cooling Moment Let the pie rest and settle, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to become perfectly smooth and creamy.

Expert Tips for Classic Pumpkin Pie Success

• Replace traditional pumpkin pie spice with freshly ground whole spices for a more vibrant, complex flavor profile that will make your pie taste extraordinarily rich and aromatic.
• Sprinkle ground nuts or graham cracker crumbs on the bottom of the pie crust before adding filling to create a protective barrier that keeps the crust crisp and prevents moisture absorption.
• Transform this recipe for dietary needs by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or almond cream, and using egg replacer for a delicious vegan version that doesn't compromise on texture or taste.
• Cut extra pie crust into festive leaf shapes, brush with egg wash, and arrange around the pie's edge or on top for a stunning presentation that turns your dessert into a showstopping centerpiece.

Serve Classic Pumpkin Pie Like a Pro

• Festive Cranberry Crown: Elegantly arrange sugared cranberries around the pie's edge, creating a sparkling winter-inspired border that adds color and delightful texture to your classic dessert.
• Creamy Whipped Dream Topping: Dollop freshly whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon directly in the center of the pie, allowing guests to swirl and enjoy a luxurious cloud-like complement to the rich pumpkin flavor.
• Rustic Pastry Leaf Accent: Cut small leaf shapes from extra pie crust, brush with egg wash, and bake until golden brown, then strategically place these delicate decorative elements around the pie's surface for a charming, homemade touch.
• Warm Spice Companion: Serve alongside a steaming mug of spiced chai or cinnamon-infused coffee to enhance the pie's warm autumnal notes and create a complete sensory dessert experience.

How to Store Classic Pumpkin Pie

• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep your pumpkin pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cool environment helps maintain the creamy texture and prevents filling from spoiling quickly.
• Freezing Flavor Strategy: Wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the best taste and texture.
• Room Temperature Timing: After baking, allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for 3-4 hours. This helps the filling set properly and prevents a soggy or wet bottom crust when slicing.
• Make-Ahead Masterplan: Prepare the pie crust and sugared cranberries up to 2 days in advance. Store the pie crust in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic, and keep cranberries in an airtight container. This strategy saves time and reduces day-of cooking stress.

Silky Pumpkin Pie

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• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes (including cooling and cranberries)
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

This classic pumpkin pie showcases rich autumn flavors with a buttery, flaky crust and silky spiced filling. Homemade dessert perfection awaits you with each delectable slice of comfort and tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 15 oz (425 g) pumpkin puree
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups (250 g) brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
• 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground or freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• homemade pie dough (1 crust for bottom, plus extra for leaf decor if desired)
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
• 1 cup (100 g) fresh cranberries
• ¾ cup (180 ml) water
• 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Cranberry Preparation: Submerge fresh cranberries in warm sugar syrup, allowing sweet absorption for 15 minutes, then air-dry on parchment-lined tray and coat generously with granulated sugar overnight.
2. Crust Formation: Roll dough into a 12-inch circle, delicately drape into pie dish with crimped edges, brush periphery with egg wash for golden enhancement, and line with parchment paper and ceramic weights.
3. Initial Baking: Par-bake crust at 375°F for 10 minutes, remove weights, continue baking until edges turn golden, creating a sturdy foundation for the filling.
4. Filling Creation: Vigorously whisk pumpkin puree with eggs and brown sugar, integrating cornstarch, warming spices, salt, and liquid components until achieving a silky, uniform mixture.
5. Pie Assembly: Pour filling into warm crust, reaching three-quarters dish depth, and bake at 350°F for 55-60 minutes, shielding edges with aluminum foil midway to prevent excessive browning.
6. Cooling and Presentation: Allow pie to cool completely on wire rack for minimum three hours, enabling filling to set, then garnish with sugared cranberries and optional pie crust decorative leaves before serving alongside lightly whipped cream.

Notes

• Sugared Cranberry Prep: Create decorative cranberries one day ahead, allowing ample time for sugar coating and drying, which elevates visual appeal and texture.
• Crust Protection Technique: Use ceramic weights and parchment paper during par-baking to maintain crust structure and prevent unwanted rising or shrinking.
• Precise Baking Indicators: Watch for subtle center wobble when checking pie doneness, signaling perfect custard-like consistency without overbaking.
• Cooling Commitment: Allow full three-hour cooling period to ensure filling sets completely and flavor complexity develops, transforming good pie into exceptional dessert.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (excluding cranberries)
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 303
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 155 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg