Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe to Sweeten Your Fall Days

Fall is the season for pumpkin, and it would not be complete without the classic pumpkin pie. Here's our easy pumpkin pie recipe to make this classic fall treat at home:

Ingredients:

- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

- 2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)

- 3/4 cup brown sugar

- 2 large eggs

- 1 cup evaporated milk

- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the rack in the lower middle position.

2. Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out your pie dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any extra dough and crimp the edges to make them look neat.

3. Make the Pumpkin Filling: In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, spices, salt, and vanilla. Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

4. Pour and Bake: Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 40-50 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.

5. Cool Before Serving: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to firm up and develop its flavor.

You can serve the pie as is, or top it with whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness. This easy pumpkin pie recipe makes a perfect dessert for Thanksgiving or any chilly fall evening.

Before you start baking, here are some useful tips to make your easy pumpkin pie recipe even better. These practical ideas will help you get the perfect texture and flavor every time.

1. Use Room-Temperature Eggs and Milk: Let your eggs and milk sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. This helps the filling blend more evenly and bake with a smooth, creamy texture.

2. Pre-Bake the Crust for a Crisp Bottom: Blind baking the crust for 10 minutes with pie weights or dry beans helps prevent a soggy bottom and gives your pie a nice, flaky base.

3. Mix the Filling Gently: Stir the filling slowly with a whisk or spatula. Overmixing adds too much air, which can create cracks and uneven baking once in the oven.

4. Add a Bit of Cornstarch: Mixing in a tablespoon of cornstarch helps the filling set nicely. It keeps the pie firm and prevents excess moisture from ruining the texture.

5. Cover the Crust Edges with Foil: If the crust edges start to brown too fast, wrap them with foil. This keeps the edges from burning while allowing the filling to bake properly.

6. Cool the Pie Slowly: Avoid placing a hot pie in the fridge. Let it cool naturally at room temperature to keep it from cracking and to enhance the flavor.

7. Spice It to Your Taste: Everyone likes different spice levels. Add more cinnamon for warmth, nutmeg for richness, or a pinch of ginger for a light, zesty touch.

After baking your easy pumpkin pie recipe, you might want to save some for later. Pumpkin pie tastes even better the next day when the flavors blend together. However, it’s important to store it properly to keep it fresh and safe to eat.

If you plan to eat your pumpkin pie within a few days, the best way to keep it fresh is by refrigerating it. Once the pie has cooled completely, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can enjoy a cold slice straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.

For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Let the pie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Label it with the date and place it in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it slightly in the oven before serving.

With this easy pumpkin pie recipe, you can enjoy the cozy taste of fall any time of year. Whether for a family dinner or a quiet night at home, a slice of homemade pumpkin pie will always bring comfort and joy.