Pumpkin pie is a quintessential fall dessert, known for its rich, velvety pumpkin filling with a perfect balance of sweet and warm spices, all nestled in a buttery pie crust. It’s a classic treat that embodies the essence of autumn.

Here’s a delicious pumpkin pie recipe that’s sure to impress your friends and family. This recipe makes one 9-inch pie.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Pumpkin Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup evaporated milk or half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
• Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough starts to come together. You may not need all the water.
• Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Roll Out the Pie Crust:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
• Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch pie dish. Press it gently into the bottom and sides of the dish, trimming any excess overhang.

3. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves), and salt until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the evaporated milk or half-and-half and vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the egg mixture to the pumpkin mixture, whisking until smooth and well combined.

4. Fill the Pie Crust:

• Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust.

5. Bake the Pie:

• Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes.
• Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 40-50 minutes or until the pie is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean when the pie is done.

6. Cool and Serve:

• Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
• You can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired.

Enjoy your homemade pumpkin pie! It’s perfect for fall gatherings and Thanksgiving celebrations.