Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe: Your New Go-To for the Holidays

Are you ready for the ultimate holiday dessert that’s both simple and incredibly delicious? This easy pumpkin pie recipe is an absolute game-changer, perfect for busy parents and beginner bakers. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a creamy, perfectly spiced pie that requires minimal effort. With quick prep and no-fail results, this will quickly become your favorite way to make pumpkin pie.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pumpkin Pie

You’ll adore this easy pumpkin pie because it truly makes holiday baking a breeze.

• It’s a super simple recipe with very few ingredients, making your grocery run effortless.
• This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, guiding you to success without stress.
• It is foolproof, ensuring consistent, delicious results every single time.
• Expect a creamy, smooth, and perfectly spiced pie that melts in your mouth.
• This easy pumpkin pie recipe is also ideal for making ahead, freeing up your holiday schedule.

Ingredients

To make this delightful easy pumpkin pie recipe, gather these simple ingredients:

• 1 refrigerated pie crust, from a pack of two (or use a frozen crust)
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• Whipped cream, for serving

Notes & Substitutions

Sweetened condensed milk is key here; it adds richness and sweetness without extra sugar. Do not use evaporated milk as a direct substitute; it is unsweetened and will change the pie’s texture and flavor significantly. Ensure you use pure canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling has added spices and sweeteners, which would throw off this recipe’s perfect balance.

According to Martha Stewart, sweetened condensed milk is intensely sweet and thick due to added sugar, unlike unsweetened evaporated milk.

If you are out of store-bought pumpkin pie spice, you can easily make your own. Combine 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ginger, and ⅛ teaspoon cloves for a homemade blend. For the crust, a refrigerated or frozen pie crust keeps things simple. However, feel free to use your favorite homemade crust or even a graham cracker crust for a different twist.

Equipment

You will need a few basic kitchen tools to make this fantastic easy pumpkin pie:

• 9-inch pie plate
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Baking sheet (optional, but recommended)
• Aluminum foil or a pie shield (optional)

Instructions

Our easy pumpkin pie recipe guides you through each step for a flawless dessert. Follow these simple instructions for the best results:

First, preheat your oven to a precise 425°F. This initial high heat helps to set the crust and filling properly. Next, carefully place your refrigerated pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges as you like; this adds a lovely decorative touch and helps hold the filling. Once prepared, chill the pie crust until you are ready to pour in the filling. This prevents the crust from shrinking while baking.

In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, two large eggs, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. There should be no lumps. Pour this creamy filling directly into your prepared, chilled pie crust. For easier handling and cleanup, place the pie plate onto a baking sheet before transferring it to the oven. Cover the edges of the pie crust with strips of aluminum foil or a pie shield. This prevents the crust from browning too quickly or burning.

Bake the pie at 425°F for exactly 10 minutes. This initial high temperature helps the crust to brown and the filling to begin setting. After 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F without opening the oven door. Continue baking for an additional 30-40 minutes. The pie is done when it looks almost set but still has a slight jiggle in the very center, like gelatin.

The edges might even start to show tiny cracks. Remove the pie from the oven once it reaches this stage. Let it cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature before you even think about slicing it. Then, chill the pie thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving. This allows the filling to fully set for that perfect slice.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Mastering this easy pumpkin pie is simple with a few key tips. To prevent a soggy bottom crust, chilling the crust before filling and baking helps. You can also lightly brush the bottom with egg white and bake it for 5 minutes before adding the filling. Your pie is perfectly baked when the edges are set, and the center still has a slight wobble. A knife inserted halfway between the center and the edge should come out clean.

If your pie filling looks watery, it might be underbaked or not fully cooled and set. Always cool completely at room temperature, then chill for several hours. To achieve perfect crimped edges, use your thumb and forefinger to create a “V” shape with the dough, then use the index finger of your other hand to press into the “V” from the outside. Proper cooling is crucial for setting; patience ensures a firm, sliceable pie.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Once cooled, your easy pumpkin pie is ready to be the star of the show! Serve generous slices with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat. This pie is also delightful served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Store any leftover pie covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it is sealed well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors. For longer storage, you can freeze this entire pie for up to one month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Variations

Feel free to customize your easy pumpkin pie recipe. You can add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the filling before baking for a chocolate chip pumpkin pie. Experiment with different spice blends like adding a pinch of allspice or cardamom for a unique flavor. For crust variations, consider a gingersnap crust by crushing gingersnap cookies and mixing with melted butter for a spicy, crunchy base.

Nutrition

Enjoying this delectable dessert is part of the holiday fun! Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving of this easy pumpkin pie recipe. Please note these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Name	Value
Calories	120 kcal
Carbohydrates	11 g
Protein	3 g
Fat	7 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Cholesterol	53 mg
Sodium	253 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	1 g

FAQ

Why is pumpkin pie watery?

A watery pumpkin pie usually means it’s underbaked. The center needs more time to set and solidify, so continue baking until only a slight jiggle remains. Ensure proper cooling and chilling also helps the pie firm up.

What is the difference between evaporated and sweetened condensed milk?

Evaporated milk is unsweetened, simply milk with about 60% of its water removed. Sweetened condensed milk is also concentrated but has sugar added, making it sweet and thick. For this easy pumpkin pie recipe, always use sweetened condensed milk.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! This pumpkin pie is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare and bake the pie up to 2-3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen overnight.

Should I blind bake the crust for this pie?

Blind baking is not typically required for this specific easy pumpkin pie recipe as the high initial baking temperature helps the crust set. However, if you are prone to soggy bottoms, a quick 5-minute pre-bake of the crust can offer extra insurance.

Conclusion

This easy pumpkin pie recipe truly proves that holiday baking does not need to be complicated to be delicious. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a perfectly creamy, spiced, and utterly satisfying dessert that everyone will adore. It’s the ultimate classic holiday treat, made simple for every home baker. We encourage you to try this recipe for your next gathering! Let us know in the comments how your pie turned out and share this fantastic recipe with your loved ones.