Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Delicious Fall Treat
Autumn is here, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a warm slice of homemade pumpkin pie? This recipe makes a delicious and surprisingly easy pumpkin pie, perfect for even novice bakers. Forget complicated instructions and long baking times; this recipe is designed for simplicity and delicious results.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session. You probably already have most of these in your pantry!
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
- For the Filling:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Making the Perfect Crust: A Step-by-Step Guide
A flaky, buttery crust is essential for any great pumpkin pie. Here's how to achieve that perfect texture:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix!
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Roll and Bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. You can pre-bake the crust for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for a crispier crust, or bake it blind with pie weights for a truly professional result.
Assembling and Baking Your Pumpkin Pie:
This is where the magic happens! Follow these steps carefully for a perfectly baked pie:
- Whisk the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Pour into Crust: Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven 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 Pumpkin Pie Perfection:
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will give your pie a more intense and flavorful aroma.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry pie. Start checking for doneness around the 40-minute mark.
- Chill Completely: Allowing the pie to cool completely is crucial for the filling to set properly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This easy pumpkin pie recipe is perfect for any autumn gathering or a cozy night at home. Enjoy the delicious flavors of fall with this simple and satisfying dessert! Remember to share your baking success on social media using #EasyPumpkinPieRecipe. Happy baking!
