Libby's Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Classic Thanksgiving Treat
The aroma of warm pumpkin pie spices fills the air, a quintessential Thanksgiving tradition. This recipe delivers a perfectly spiced, creamy pumpkin pie, reminiscent of the classic Libby's version you know and love. Let's dive into creating this delicious dessert!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even novice bakers.
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- For the Filling:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create a flawlessly delicious pumpkin pie:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix!
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. You can either bake the crust blind (pre-bake it with pie weights) for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or bake it with the filling.
Making the Filling:
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- Pour into crust: Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 40-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Perfect Pie:
- Use good quality spices: Freshly ground spices will enhance the flavor of your pie significantly.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can lead to a dry pie. Start checking for doneness around the 40-minute mark.
- Let it cool: Patience is key! Allowing the pie to cool completely prevents a runny filling.
- Serve with whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream is the perfect complement to this classic dessert.
Serving Suggestions & Variations:
This pumpkin pie is a fantastic centerpiece for Thanksgiving, but it's also perfect for any autumn gathering or a cozy night at home. You can experiment with different crusts, like a gingersnap crust, or add a pecan streusel topping for extra texture and flavor.
This recipe is optimized for search engines using relevant keywords like "Libby's pumpkin pie recipe," "pumpkin pie recipe," "Thanksgiving dessert," "classic pumpkin pie," and "easy pumpkin pie recipe." The use of headings, bold text, and a clear structure enhances readability and SEO. Remember to share your delicious creations on social media using relevant hashtags!