The Perfect Pumpkin Pie Recipe for Fall Sweetness

When autumn whispers its golden pumpkin pie secrets, memories of cozy kitchens and warm spices dance through my mind.

Crisp leaves crunch beneath my feet as I pull out grandma’s cherished cookbook.

Memories of childhood thanksgiving gatherings flood back with each ingredient I measure.

Fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg swirl together, promising a dessert that speaks directly to comfort and tradition.

Sweet pumpkin puree awaits its magical transformation into a creamy, smooth filling.

Layers of rich flavor will soon emerge from a flaky, buttery crust.

You can create this classic dessert that captures the essence of fall’s most beloved pie.

One slice promises to transport you to a moment of pure, delicious nostalgia.

Libby’s Pumpkin Pie Classic Styles

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie: Swap traditional wheat flour pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crust for celiac and gluten-sensitive bakers.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace evaporated milk with coconut milk or almond milk to create a creamy texture suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegan Pumpkin Pie: Use silken tofu or cashew cream instead of eggs, and substitute condensed milk with coconut cream for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining classic pumpkin pie flavor profile.

FAQs

• What makes Libby's pumpkin pie crust perfectly flaky?

The secret is using cold butter and minimal handling of the dough. Overworking the dough can develop gluten, making the crust tough instead of tender and crisp.

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

While fresh pumpkin works, Libby’s recommends their specific canned pumpkin puree because it has consistent moisture and texture, ensuring a reliable pie every time.

• How do I prevent my pie from cracking?

Avoid overbaking and sudden temperature changes. Let the pie cool gradually at room temperature, which helps the custard settle smoothly without developing unsightly cracks.

• Is this pie suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The traditional recipe contains eggs and dairy, so it’s not naturally vegan or dairy-free. However, you can explore alternative ingredient substitutions like plant-based milk and egg replacers.

Libby’s Pumpkin Pie That Brings Classic Holiday Warmth

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this classic pumpkin pie in under an hour with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Holiday Showstopper: Impress family and friends with a traditional dessert that screams autumn comfort, making it ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and fall gatherings.
• Foolproof Baking Method: The two-temperature technique ensures a perfectly cooked pie with a crisp crust and smooth, creamy filling that never disappoints, even for novice bakers.
• Nostalgic Family Favorite: Recreate cherished memories with this timeless recipe that connects generations through its classic flavor and comforting aroma.

Libby’s Pumpkin Pie (Classic) Ingredients

• Unbaked Pie Crust: Flaky base that holds the creamy pumpkin filling, store-bought or homemade works well, ensures a crisp and delicious foundation for the pie.

• Canned Pumpkin, Evaporated Milk: Smooth, rich pumpkin mixture that creates the signature pie texture, Libby's pumpkin puree recommended for consistent flavor and texture.
• Large Eggs: Bind the filling and provide structure, room temperature eggs mix more easily.

• Sugar, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Cloves, Salt: Warm spices that enhance the pumpkin's natural sweetness, freshly ground spices offer more intense flavor, balances the creamy filling.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Optional blend that combines classic pie spices, convenient alternative to measuring individual spices.

Pumpkin Pie Classic Baking Directions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Arsenal

Gather your pie dish, mixing bowls, and baking equipment.

Ensure your oven rack is positioned in the center to guarantee even baking.

Preheat the oven to a toasty 425°F, creating the perfect environment for your pie’s magical transformation.

Step 2: Create the Silky Pie Filling

Whisk together your pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, spices, and salt until the mixture becomes smooth and perfectly blended.

Pour the velvety mixture into your prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly with gentle, loving strokes.

Step 3: Initiate the Baking Magic

Slide the pie into the preheated oven and start with an intense 15-minute blast at 425°F.

This initial high heat helps create a beautiful, crisp crust and jumpstarts the pie’s cooking process.

Step 4: Gentle Baking Finale

Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 40-50 minutes.

Watch for subtle signs of doneness: the edges should puff up slightly, and the center will have a gentle, subtle wobble when softly nudged.

Step 5: Cool and Savor

Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest on a cooling rack.

The pie will continue to set as it cools, developing deeper flavors and a perfect texture.

For the ultimate experience, serve slightly warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream.

Dessert Prep Tips for Libby’s Pumpkin Pie

• Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F for the perfect initial high-heat blast that sets the pie's structure.
• Watch for a golden-brown edge that indicates proper baking and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Use the knife test by inserting near the center – a clean knife means your pie is perfectly cooked through.
• Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours to help the filling set and achieve the ideal slice.
• Prevent surface cracks by not overbaking and removing the pie when there's still a slight wobble in the center.

Pumpkin Pie Leftovers

• Store leftover pumpkin pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in the freezer flat to maintain its shape.
• Remove the pie from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the pie's delightful warmth and crisp crust.

Best Foods With Classic Pumpkin Pie

• Pair with Warming Spiced Mulled Wine: Complement the pie's autumnal flavors with a rich, spiced red wine infused with cinnamon, star anise, and orange peel, enhancing the pumpkin's warm spice notes.
• Create a Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream: Elevate the classic pie by topping it with homemade vanilla bean whipped cream, adding a luxurious, creamy counterpoint to the dense pumpkin filling.
• Match with Bourbon Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a smooth, slightly smoky bourbon caramel sauce over each slice, introducing a sophisticated depth that accentuates the pie's traditional sweetness.
• Serve with Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: Brew a robust coffee infused with ground cinnamon, creating a comforting beverage that echoes the pie's warm spice profile and provides a perfect after-dinner companion.

Pumpkin Pie Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Libbys classic pumpkin pie delights taste buds with its rich, creamy filling nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this iconic American dessert brings warmth and comfort to holiday tables and everyday celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) Libbys 100% pure pumpkin
• 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a high temperature of 425°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heat distribution.
2. Prepare the pie crust by carefully nestling it into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges decoratively and creating a beautiful fluted pattern.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and warm autumn spices until the mixture becomes smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Gently pour the silky pumpkin custard into the prepared pie shell, taking care not to splash or disturb the delicate crust edges.
5. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake at the initial high temperature for 15 minutes, which helps create a golden, crisp crust.
6. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for an additional 40-50 minutes, watching for subtle signs of doneness.
7. Test the pie’s readiness by inserting a knife near the center – it should emerge clean with minimal custard clinging to the blade.
8. Look for slightly puffed edges and a center that still maintains a gentle, subtle wobble, indicating perfect custard consistency.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack, where the filling will continue to set and develop its rich, smooth texture.
10. Serve at room temperature or chilled, optionally garnished with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Notes

• Check pie crust edges with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning during initial high-temperature baking phase.
• Allow pie to cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours to help filling set properly and develop richer flavor profile.
• Swap evaporated milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture and adds subtle tropical note.
• Refrigerate overnight to enhance spice integration and create firmer, more sliceable pie consistency for cleaner presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg