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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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