Oh, Thanksgiving! A time for family, gratitude, and of course, the most delicious *dessert thanksgiving* experience! For me, nothing says holiday cheer quite like a warm slice of pumpkin pie. The rich, creamy filling bursting with spiced flavors transports me back to cozy family gatherings where laughter fills the air and the smell of freshly baked treats lingers. I love how this pumpkin pie embodies the spirit of the season, with its inviting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the kitchen. It’s truly a tradition in my home, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you, so you can create those same cherished memories around your table this year!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this heavenly pumpkin pie. Trust me, the ingredients are simple, but the flavors are anything but! Make sure to gather the following:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree – You can use canned or fresh, just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
- 1 cup sugar – This adds the perfect sweetness to balance the spices.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – For that lovely caramel flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – The warm, cozy spice we all love during the holidays.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg – Adds a lovely depth; don’t skip this one!
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger – Just a touch for a little zing!
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves – For that warm, aromatic kick. A little goes a long way!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – To enhance all the flavors in the pie.
- 3 large eggs – These will give your filling that rich, creamy texture.
- 1 cup evaporated milk – This is the secret to achieving a silky smooth consistency.
- 1 pre-made pie crust – Go for a deep dish if you can; it holds all that delicious filling perfectly.
How to Prepare Instructions
Making this pumpkin pie is a breeze! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be one step closer to your *desert thanksgiving* masterpiece:
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect crust.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Give it a good mix until everything is well blended.
- Add the eggs: Crack in the 3 large eggs and mix well. This helps to create that smooth and creamy texture we all love!
- Incorporate the milk: Now, stir in the evaporated milk until everything is combined beautifully. It should be a lovely, smooth mixture.
- Fill the crust: Pour this delicious filling into your pre-made pie crust, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Bake it up: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool it down: Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a bit before slicing. This helps the filling set up nicely.
And there you have it! A warm, inviting pumpkin pie ready to become the star of your *desert thanksgiving*. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This pumpkin pie comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday!
- Delightful Flavor: The combination of warm spices and creamy pumpkin creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible and perfectly festive.
- Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: This pie is a crowd-pleaser! Every slice is bound to evoke smiles and happy memories around the table.
- Traditionally Loved: It’s a classic Thanksgiving dessert that brings nostalgia and warmth, making your celebration feel truly special.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it a day in advance, giving you one less thing to worry about on the big day!
- Versatile Serving: Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream, or enjoy it cold. Either way, it’s delicious!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s make sure your pumpkin pie turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my best tips to avoid any hiccups and ensure a delightful *desert thanksgiving*:
- Use room temperature eggs: This is key! Room temperature eggs mix better and help create that smooth texture you want.
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the eggs and milk, mix just until combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air and cause cracks in your pie.
- Check for doneness: The pie should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
- Let it cool completely: Patience is a virtue here! Allow the pie to cool for at least an hour before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slices.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your palate! If you love nutmeg, add a bit more. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a pinch of allspice!
- Whipped cream is a must: Don’t skip the whipped cream topping! It adds a delightful creaminess that balances the spices perfectly.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning pumpkin pie that everyone will rave about at your *desert thanksgiving*! Happy baking!
Variations
Now, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to put your own twist on this classic pumpkin pie, I’ve got some fabulous variations to share! These ideas will let you customize your *desert thanksgiving* and make it uniquely yours:
- Spice it Up: Try adding a teaspoon of cardamom or a pinch of allspice for a different flavor profile. You can even swap out the cinnamon for chai spice mix to give it a warm, aromatic twist!
- Nutty Crust: Instead of a traditional pie crust, use crushed pecans or walnuts mixed with butter for a nutty, gluten-free option. It adds a lovely crunch that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin filling.
- Chocolate Delight: For chocolate lovers, mix in half a cup of mini chocolate chips into the filling. Chocolate and pumpkin is a surprisingly delicious combo that elevates your dessert!
- Maple Pumpkin Pie: Replace half of the sugar with pure maple syrup for a richer, more complex sweetness. It gives the pie a beautiful caramel hue and flavor that’s just divine.
- Sweet Potato Twist: Swap out half of the pumpkin puree for sweet potato puree. It gives a different flavor and texture while still keeping that classic holiday vibe!
- Coconut Cream: Add a 1/2 cup of coconut cream to the filling for a tropical twist. It adds a rich creaminess and a hint of coconut flavor that’s simply delightful.
These variations not only keep things exciting but also let you cater to different tastes and dietary preferences at your *desert thanksgiving*. So, feel free to mix and match, and let your creativity shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your delicious pumpkin pie, you might find yourself with some leftovers—lucky you! Storing your pie properly is key to keeping that wonderful flavor intact. Here’s how to do it:
- Refrigerate: Make sure your pie is completely cooled before storing. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the pie! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to keep out any freezer burn. It should stay good for up to 2 months. Just remember, the texture might change a bit once thawed, but it’ll still taste great!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend doing it gently to preserve that creamy filling:
- Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Microwave method: If you’re short on time, you can microwave a slice for about 30-60 seconds. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overheating, which can make the filling rubbery.
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, your pumpkin pie will stay delicious and ready to be enjoyed even after Thanksgiving dinner! Happy indulging!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each slice of this delightful pumpkin pie. Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredients used, so they might vary a bit based on specific brands or substitutions you make:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
These numbers give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying when you indulge in a slice of this scrumptious *desert thanksgiving*. Just remember, it’s all about balance and enjoying every bite with family and friends!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Absolutely! If you want to use fresh pumpkin, just make sure to roast it until tender, scoop out the flesh, and puree it until smooth. It adds a lovely, homemade touch to your *desert thanksgiving*!
What if I don’t have evaporated milk? No worries! You can substitute with an equal amount of whole milk or even half-and-half for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but it’ll still be delicious!
How do I know when my pie is done? The pie is ready when the edges are firm, and the center has a slight jiggle—think jello! It will continue to set as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a bit wobbly when you take it out. Trust me, it’ll be perfect!
Can I make this pumpkin pie gluten-free? Yes, you can! Just use a gluten-free pie crust, and you’re all set. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also make a crust using ground nuts or oats!
How should I serve my pumpkin pie? While it’s fantastic on its own, I highly recommend serving it with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. It adds a lovely creaminess that perfectly complements the spiced pumpkin filling. Enjoy your *desert thanksgiving* to the fullest!
Drucken
Desert Thanksgiving: 7 Ways to Delight in Pumpkin Pie
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A delightful dessert for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Zutaten
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 pre-made pie crust
Anweisungen
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugars, spices, and salt.
- Add eggs and mix well.
- Stir in evaporated milk until combined.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-50 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 60 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 200mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 2g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 35g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: desert thanksgiving, pumpkin pie, holiday dessert
