The Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make baking simple for everyone! Get ready to discover a true holiday masterpiece: the best pumpkin pie recipe you will ever make. This isn’t just any pie; it’s an award-winning sensation known for its unbelievably creamy texture. Our secret ingredients create a richness that elevates classic pumpkin pie to extraordinary new heights. Prepare for rave reviews!

Why You’ll Love This Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe

This specific recipe has earned its “best” title for a reason! You’ll adore its incredibly rich and creamy texture, which sets it apart from traditional pumpkin pies. We use special ingredients to achieve this luxurious mouthfeel, transforming every bite into a delightful experience. Plus, this pie is perfect for making ahead, saving you precious time during busy holidays. It’s truly the ultimate dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.

• Award-Winning Taste: Experience a truly exceptional flavor that stands out.
• Rich, Creamy Texture: Our secret ingredients ensure every slice is smooth and velvety.
• Unique Ingredients: A special touch makes this pie uniquely delicious.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare your pie in advance and enjoy a stress-free dessert.
• Holiday Perfection: The ideal sweet ending for any festive gathering.

Ingredients for best pumpkin pie recipe

Gather these quality ingredients to create the best pumpkin pie recipe. These specific measurements ensure a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

For the Creamy Pumpkin Pie Filling:

• 1 (8-ounce) package Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 (15-ounce) can Pure Pumpkin Puree (not pie mix)
• 1/2 cup Butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 3 large Eggs
• 3 1/4 cups Powdered Sugar (may reduce to 2 1/2 cups for less sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Nutmeg or 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• One prepared All-Butter Pie Crust (Find our favorite recipe here: https://www.modernhoney.com/butter-flaky-pie-crust/)

For the Fresh Whipped Cream:

• 2 cups Heavy Cream, cold
• 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar

Notes & Substitutions

Using cream cheese and butter makes this pie incredibly rich and creamy, giving it that luxurious texture. Always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling mix, for the best flavor and consistency. You can easily adjust the powdered sugar amount based on your preference for sweetness, starting with 2 1/2 cups and adding more if desired. A high-quality vanilla extract is crucial for a pronounced, warm flavor, as explained in an article about the science of vanilla in baking. For spices, you can use nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice, depending on what you have on hand or prefer.

Equipment for best pumpkin pie recipe

You don’t need many fancy tools to make this incredible pumpkin pie. Gather these essential items to ensure a smooth baking process.

• Electric Mixer (stand mixer with whisk attachment or hand mixer)
• Large Mixing Bowls
• Deep-Dish Pie Pan (9-inch)
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Rubber Spatula
• Baking Sheet
• Aluminum Foil or Pie Shield (optional, for crust protection)

Instructions for best pumpkin pie recipe

Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create the best pumpkin pie recipe for your next gathering. This guide ensures a perfectly baked pie every time!

First, prepare your all-butter pie crust according to the recipe directions. Ensure the dough chills thoroughly in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped. This step helps create a flaky, tender crust for your delicious filling.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer for a full 5 minutes. Use the whisk attachment to make it light and incredibly fluffy, stopping often to scrape down the sides with your spatula. This creates a wonderfully airy base.

Next, add the pure pumpkin puree to the cream cheese mixture and continue mixing for another 5 minutes. This fully incorporates the pumpkin and keeps the filling smooth.

Pour in the melted butter, ensuring it has cooled slightly so it is not hot, and add the vanilla extract. Mix for just 1 minute until everything is well combined.

Beat in the large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Finally, add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (or pumpkin pie spice), and salt to the mixture. Beat until the filling is smooth and completely combined, but do not overmix at this stage.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your prepared pie dough into a deep-dish pie pan.

Pour the pumpkin pie filling into the pie crust. Depending on the size of your pie pan, you might have a small amount of extra filling. Place the pie plate onto a baking sheet.

Bake the pie at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Then, lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and continue baking for an additional 42 – 48 minutes. Keep a close eye on your crust; if it begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with a pie shield or aluminum foil.

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely to room temperature, which takes about 1 hour. After it reaches room temperature, transfer the pie to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 4 hours. This chilling time is crucial for the pie to set properly.

Just before serving, prepare the fresh whipped cream. In a cold bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Serve generous dollops of the homemade whipped cream on top of your perfectly chilled pumpkin pie. Enjoy every creamy, delicious bite!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect, crack-free pie is easy with a few simple tricks. Always ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you begin mixing; this prevents lumps and ensures a smooth batter. Similarly, allow your melted butter to cool slightly before adding it to the mixture, as hot butter can affect the eggs.

To check for doneness, perform the “jiggle test”: gently shake the pie. The center should have a slight jiggle, like gelatin, while the edges appear set. Gradual cooling is key to preventing cracks, as demonstrated by insights from culinary experts on how to cool pumpkin pie slowly. If your pie crust is browning too fast, shield the edges with foil or a pie crust protector. For the smoothest filling, use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Serve this incredible pumpkin pie chilled, topped generously with freshly whipped cream. The cool temperature truly enhances its creamy texture and flavor.

Store any leftover pie covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. You can also make the pie ahead of time; it tastes even better the next day after a full night of chilling. This pie also freezes well, simply wrap individual slices or the whole pie tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

For a delightful twist, add a touch of maple syrup to your homemade whipped cream for extra fall flavor. You can also bake this recipe into mini pumpkin pies using muffin tins or prepare it as pumpkin pie bars in a larger baking dish.

Nutrition for best pumpkin pie recipe

Enjoying a slice of this delicious pumpkin pie can be part of a balanced diet. Here is a general breakdown of the nutritional content per serving.

Nutrition	Value
Calories	377kcal
Carbohydrates	39g
Protein	3g
Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	15g
Polyunsaturated Fat	1g
Monounsaturated Fat	6g
Trans Fat	0.3g
Cholesterol	108mg
Sodium	144mg
Potassium	66mg
Fiber	0.2g
Sugar	38g
Vitamin A	1279IU
Vitamin C	0.3mg
Calcium	40mg
Iron	0.3mg

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation methods. Actual values may vary.

FAQ about best pumpkin pie recipe

Do I need to chill the pumpkin pie?
Yes, chilling is crucial for the best pumpkin pie recipe to set properly and achieve its firm, creamy texture. Always let it cool completely to room temperature first before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.

Do I need to blind bake the pie crust?
Blind baking the crust is optional for this recipe, as the filling bakes at a high initial temperature that helps cook the crust. If you prefer an extra crispy bottom crust, you can partially blind bake it for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling.

How to prevent cracks in pumpkin pie?
To prevent cracks, avoid overbaking the pie; remove it when the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Also, allow the pie to cool gradually at room temperature before chilling, as sudden temperature changes can cause cracking. Shielding the crust edges can also help.

You now have all the tools and knowledge to create the best pumpkin pie recipe for your family and friends. Its award-winning creamy texture and rich flavor truly make it stand out from the rest. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe for your next holiday gathering, a cozy fall evening, or any special occasion. We can’t wait to hear how much you love it—share your baking triumphs in the comments below!