Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie: A Recipe for the Ultimate Fall Dessert
The crisp autumn air, the vibrant fall foliage, and the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice – nothing says fall quite like a slice of pumpkin pie. But this isn't just any pumpkin pie; this is the Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie, a recipe that elevates the classic to a whole new level of deliciousness. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unforgettable dessert.
What Makes This Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie Special?
Milk Bar is known for its innovative and intensely flavorful desserts, and this pumpkin pie is no exception. Instead of relying on canned pumpkin puree, this recipe uses fresh pumpkin, resulting in a richer, more complex flavor. The addition of brown butter adds depth and nutty notes, while the spiced crumble topping provides a delightful textural contrast. The secret ingredient? A touch of cornmeal, which adds a subtle sweetness and pleasing texture.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe may seem a bit long, but trust us, each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect pie.
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (or 1 1/2 cups homemade pumpkin puree)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons brown butter, cooled slightly (see instructions below)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon fine cornmeal
For the Brown Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
For the Spiced Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
Instructions:
This is a step-by-step guide ensuring your pumpkin pie turns out perfectly.
Making the Brown Butter:
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a light brown color and has a nutty aroma. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it!
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Making the Pumpkin Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and milk.
- Add the wet ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and whisk until combined.
- Stir in the cooled brown butter, flour, and cornmeal.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Pour the pumpkin filling into a 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought).
- Make the crumble topping by combining the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pumpkin filling.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Tips for Pumpkin Pie Perfection:
- Use fresh pumpkin: The flavor difference is truly remarkable.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry pie.
- Let it cool: Allowing the pie to cool completely allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set properly.
- Serve chilled: For the best experience, serve your Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie chilled.
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of the rich pumpkin filling, the nutty brown butter, and the delightful spiced crumble topping makes it a truly exceptional pumpkin pie. Enjoy!