Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie: Easy Recipe

Name: Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (for crust); 1 tablespoon sugar (for crust); ½ teaspoon salt (for crust); 1 stick (½ cup) cold, diced butter (for crust); 3-8 tablespoons ice water (for crust); 3 large eggs (room temperature, for filling); ½ cup brown sugar (for filling); ¼ cup granulated sugar (for filling); 15 ounces pumpkin puree (for filling); 12 ounces evaporated milk (for filling); ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling); ¾ teaspoon ground ginger (for filling); ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (for filling); ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (for filling); ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice (for filling); Pinch of salt (for filling)

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There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie filling your kitchen. This classic American dessert is the ultimate fall treat, combining a velvety smooth pumpkin custard with a flaky, buttery crust. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, a cozy family gathering, or just a weekend baking project, this homemade fresh pumpkin pie is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie ready to serve

Why Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie is a Must-Make

What makes Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie so irresistible is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The creamy, spiced pumpkin filling melts in your mouth, while the golden, flaky crust adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s not only delicious but also packed with vitamins like vitamin A and calcium, making it a wholesome indulgence. With easy-to-follow steps, this pie brings the warmth of fall right to your kitchen.

Ingredients for Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie

For the Pie Crust:
• Flour: Provides the base structure and texture for the crust.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Butter: Creates a rich, flaky texture in the crust.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough and makes it easier to roll out.

For the Pumpkin Pie Filling:
• Eggs: Act as the binding agent and provide structure.
• Brown Sugar: Offers deep, molasses-like sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a light sweetness and balances the richness of the brown sugar.
• Pumpkin Puree: The key ingredient that gives the pie its distinct flavor.
• Evaporated Milk: Provides creaminess and helps the filling set.
• Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves, Allspice): Create the warm, aromatic flavor that defines pumpkin pie.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to customize your Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie, there are several ingredient swaps you can try:
• Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk.
• Pumpkin Spice: If you’re short on individual spices, you can substitute 1 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie

Make the Pie Crust: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut cold, diced butter into the flour mixture until it resembles pea-sized crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch pie pan. Roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle and transfer it to the pie pan. Press the dough into the pan and crimp the edges. Chill for 20 minutes.
Blind Bake the Crust: Line the dough with parchment paper and fill with dry rice or pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper. Set the crust aside to cool.
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and salt. Add the eggs and whisk until smooth, then stir in the pumpkin puree. Gradually add the evaporated milk, whisking until fully incorporated.
Bake the Pie: Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40 minutes or until the center is just set and slightly jiggles.
Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool completely before slicing. Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Fresh Homemade Pumpkin Pie ready to serve

Tips & Tricks for the Best Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie

• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overworking the pie crust dough can lead to a tough texture. Handle the dough as gently as possible.
• Check for Doneness: The pie is done when the center is slightly jiggly but set. Avoid overbaking, as the filling can crack.
• Chill the Crust: Always chill the crust before baking to ensure it holds its shape and doesn’t shrink.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it with a variety of toppings and pairings:
• Toppings: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of toasted pecans.
• Beverage Pairing: Complement the rich flavors of the pie with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee.
• Gluten-Free: Swap out the regular pie crust for a gluten-free alternative to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Why Fresh Pumpkin Pie is a Fall Favorite

Pumpkin pie is synonymous with fall, especially around Thanksgiving. The comforting aroma of warm spices and baked pumpkin is enough to make anyone feel at home. Plus, making your Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie from scratch allows you to enjoy it with the freshest flavors possible, ensuring that each bite is as flavorful as the last.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe for Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie will be a hit at any fall gathering. Try it today and enjoy the flavors of the season!

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie recipe brings the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and warmth to your table. With a smooth, creamy filling and a flaky, buttery crust, it’s the ultimate dessert to celebrate the fall season. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, the steps are simple, and the end result is nothing short of impressive. Serve it warm or chilled, and watch as this pie becomes a family favorite that’s requested year after year. Don’t forget the whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for that extra touch of indulgence.

Enjoy this Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie, and savor the comforting flavors of autumn in every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh pumpkin! To make your own pumpkin puree, roast a small sugar pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. Using fresh pumpkin will add an extra layer of depth to the flavor of your Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie.

How do I know when the pumpkin pie is done baking?

The best way to check if your pie is done is by gently shaking it. The filling should be set around the edges but jiggle slightly in the center. If the edges are golden and the center is mostly firm but still slightly wobbly, the pie is ready.

How can I prevent my pie crust from shrinking during baking?

To prevent the crust from shrinking, ensure you chill the dough thoroughly before rolling it out. Also, be sure to chill the pie crust after placing it in the pie pan, before baking. Using a blind-baking technique (baking with weights) will also help keep the crust in place.

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