Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make baking simple for everyone! There’s nothing quite like a slice of homemade pumpkin pie, especially when it’s made using the time-honored libbys pumpkin pie recipe. This iconic dessert is a true symbol of comfort and tradition, gracing holiday tables for generations.
Since the 1950s, Libby’s has famously printed their reliable pumpkin pie recipe on their canned pumpkin labels, making it a household staple.
This recipe is famous for its reliability and delicious results, making it perfect for bakers of all levels. Get ready to bake a perfectly spiced, creamy, and irresistible pie that will impress everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Classic libbys pumpkin pie recipe
You’ll adore this classic libbys pumpkin pie recipe for many wonderful reasons.
- It offers timeless, comforting flavors that evoke cherished memories.
- The preparation is simple and straightforward, ideal for beginners.
- This pie makes a perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
- It uses accessible pantry ingredients you likely already have.
- You can count on consistently delicious results every time you bake it.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your perfect Libby’s pumpkin pie. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich, creamy texture and classic taste. This reliable libbys pumpkin pie recipe starts with high-quality ingredients, ensuring a delicious outcome.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 large eggs
- 15 ounces Libby’s Pure Pumpkin, canned
- 12 fluid ounces Nestle Carnation evaporated milk
- 1 unbaked deep dish 9-inch pie crust
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this classic pie recipe to suit your preferences. If you’re using a regular pie crust, you might have a little extra filling; you can bake it in a ramekin. For convenience, substitute the individual spices with 1 ¾ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice blend. Need a gluten-free option? Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pie crust. For a dairy-free version, use evaporated coconut milk in place of the regular evaporated milk.
Using canned pumpkin provides a consistent moisture and texture, which is often recommended for baking.
While homemade pumpkin puree can be used, canned pumpkin provides consistent moisture and texture, which is recommended for the authentic libbys pumpkin pie recipe.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy tools to make this delicious Libby’s pumpkin pie. Just a few standard kitchen items will do the trick.
- Standard mixing bowls (one small, one large)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch deep dish pie plate
- Wire cooling rack
- Pie crust shield (optional, but helpful for preventing overbrowning)
Instructions
Baking this classic libbys pumpkin pie recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly baked pie every time.
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare your unbaked deep dish 9-inch pie crust by placing it in the pie plate. If desired, you can crimp the edges to create a decorative finish.
In a small bowl, combine the dry spices: granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Stir these together thoroughly to ensure they are well-mixed. This creates the flavorful foundation for your Libby’s pumpkin pie.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, beat the two large eggs until they are well scrambled and lightly frothy. This helps incorporate air and ensures a smooth custard.
Now, stir the 15 ounces of Libby’s Pure Pumpkin into the beaten eggs. Mix until the pumpkin and eggs are fully combined. Then, add the dry spice mixture from the small bowl to the pumpkin and egg mixture. Stir it in thoroughly, ensuring all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the pumpkin base.
Gradually whisk in the 12 fluid ounces of Nestle Carnation evaporated milk into the pumpkin mixture. Whisk until the filling is smooth and fully blended. Be careful not to overmix, as this can introduce too much air, which might lead to cracking later.
Carefully pour the creamy pumpkin filling into your prepared unbaked pie crust. Ensure the filling is evenly distributed.
Bake the pie in the preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 15 minutes. This initial high temperature helps to set the crust and the edges of the filling.
After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue to bake the pie for another 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center of the pie comes out clean. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with a pie crust shield or small strips of aluminum foil.
Once baked, carefully remove the pie from the oven. Cool it completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This crucial cooling time allows the custard to fully set. Serve your delicious Libby’s pumpkin pie immediately, or refrigerate it until ready to enjoy. Chilling the pie further enhances its firm, creamy texture.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a reliable recipe, sometimes things go awry. Here’s how to fix common pie problems. If your pie cracks, it’s often due to overbaking or cooling too rapidly. To prevent this, avoid overbaking and allow the pie to cool slowly at room temperature. For a soggy crust, try blind baking your pie crust before adding the filling. If your pie edges are overbrowning, use a pie crust shield or foil to protect them. An undercooked center might need a few more minutes in the oven; cover the edges if needed to prevent further browning.
Pro Tips for the Best libbys pumpkin pie recipe
Achieving the perfect pie is simple with a few smart techniques. Use room temperature eggs; they blend more smoothly into the filling, creating a silkier texture. Do not overmix the filling, as excessive air can lead to cracks and a less dense texture. Avoid overbaking at all costs; an overbaked pie will be dry and crumbly, not creamy. Always chill your pie thoroughly for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, to allow the custard to fully set for perfect slices. For an extra crisp crust, consider blind baking your pie crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This classic Libby’s Pumpkin Pie Recipe is incredibly versatile, perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your freshly baked pie with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream. For an extra touch of flavor, add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top. You can also pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate any leftover pie promptly, ideally within two hours of baking. Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. The pie will last for 3-4 days when properly stored in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze whole pies or individual slices for up to 1 month. Thaw frozen pie in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Chai Spice Pumpkin Pie: Amp up the spice blend by adding ¼ teaspoon each of ground nutmeg and ground cardamom to the dry spices. This creates a warm, aromatic flavor profile for your Libby’s pumpkin pie.
- Bourbon Pumpkin Pie: For an adult twist, stir in 2 tablespoons of good quality bourbon with the evaporated milk. This adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- Toppings: Experiment with different toppings such as a drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, or a dollop of maple-flavored whipped cream.
Nutrition Information for libbys pumpkin pie recipe
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delightful Libby’s pumpkin pie. These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrition Facts | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving | |
| Calories | 239 kcal | |
| Calories from Fat | 90 | |
| Total Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.003g | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | |
| Cholesterol | 43mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 249mg | 11% |
| Potassium | 231mg | 7% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Total Sugar | 20g | 22% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 6751IU | 135% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 116mg | 12% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate based on ingredients used. Individual results may vary.
FAQ about libbys pumpkin pie recipe
Is this the recipe with sweetened condensed milk?
No, this authentic libbys pumpkin pie recipe specifically uses Nestle Carnation evaporated milk, not sweetened condensed milk. Evaporated milk provides a lighter, creamier texture and allows for better control over sweetness.
Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead?
Yes, you can easily substitute the individual spices. Use 1 ¾ teaspoons of a pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice blend for convenience and similar flavor.
Why did my pumpkin pie crack?
Pie cracking often occurs due to overbaking, which dries out the custard, or from cooling the pie too rapidly. Ensure you don’t overbake and let it cool slowly on a wire rack at room temperature.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree. Be aware that fresh pumpkin might have more moisture, so you might need to slightly adjust baking time or pre-bake your puree to reduce water content.
How long does pumpkin pie last?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, a baked pumpkin pie will last for 3 to 4 days. Always keep it covered tightly to maintain freshness.
This classic libbys pumpkin pie recipe offers a perfect blend of simplicity, tradition, and deliciousness. It’s truly a timeless dessert that brings warmth and joy to any occasion, especially during the holidays. We hope this step-by-step guide helps you create a beautiful and flavorful pie with confidence. Don’t hesitate to give this iconic recipe a try this season. We’d love to hear about your baking success in the comments below!
The Classic Libby’s Pumpkin Pie Recipe

A timeless and easy-to-make pumpkin pie recipe, perfect for holidays or any occasion, featuring Libby’s Pure Pumpkin and Carnation evaporated milk for a rich and creamy dessert.
- Small bowl
- Large bowl
- 9-inch pie dish
- Oven
- Wire rack
Pie Filling
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 large eggs
- 15 ounces Libby’s Pure Pumpkin (canned)
- 12 fluid ounces Nestle Carnation evaporated milk
- 1 unbaked deep dish 9-inch pie crust
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and cloves. Beat eggs in a large bowl, then stir in pumpkin and the sugar-spice mixture, followed by the evaporated milk.
- Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 2 hours before serving or refrigerating.
For best results, ensure the pie is completely cooled before slicing to allow it to set properly.