The Ultimate Pumpkin Pie Recipe

In our pursuit of the perfect pumpkin pie, we've carefully crafted a recipe that combines tradition with a modern twist. This delightful dessert has been a staple on Thanksgiving tables for generations, and with our expert guidance, you can create a pumpkin pie that's not only delicious but also optimized to outrank other recipes on Google.

Ingredients for the Perfect Pumpkin Pie

Before we delve into the recipe, let's gather the ingredients you'll need to create a pumpkin pie that will impress your guests.

You'll Need:

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 3 to 4 tablespoons of ice water.

For the Pumpkin Filling:

• 2 cups of pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
• 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup of evaporated milk

For the Whipped Cream (Optional):

• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Now that you have everything ready, let's move on to the step-by-step process.

Step 1: Preparing the Pie Crust

The foundation of any great pumpkin pie is a flaky, buttery pie crust. Here's how you can create one:

1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter.
3. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough begins to come together.
5. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the Pumpkin Filling

While your pie crust is chilling, let's prepare the delicious pumpkin filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt.
2. Add the eggs and mix until the mixture is smooth.
3. Gradually stir in the evaporated milk.

Step 3: Assembling the Pumpkin Pie

It's time to put it all together:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust on a floured surface to fit your pie dish.
3. Carefully transfer the crust to the pie dish and trim any excess overhang.
4. Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust.
5. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
6. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set.

Step 4: Whipped Cream Topping (Optional)

For an extra layer of decadence, you can top your pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream:

1. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until it begins to thicken.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
3. Continue to whip until stiff peaks form.

Step 5: Serving and Enjoying

Once your pumpkin pie has cooled to room temperature, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream. This classic dessert will surely be the star of your Thanksgiving feast.

And there you have it – a recipe for the perfect pumpkin pie! Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you to create a pumpkin pie that not only delights your taste buds but also impresses your guests.