Why Make This Recipe
The Great Pumpkin Pie is a classic dessert that many people look forward to each fall. It’s not just delicious; it also brings warmth and joy to gatherings with family and friends. With its creamy filling and spices, this pie is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Plus, making this pie from scratch is an enjoyable experience that allows you to create a comforting treat everyone will love.
How to Make The Great Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients
- 1 cup (100g) fresh cranberries (do not use frozen)
- 3/4 cup (180ml) water
- 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar, divided
- Homemade Pie Dough (full recipe makes 2 crusts: 1 for bottom, 1 for leaf decor)
- Egg wash: 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk
- One 15-ounce can (425g) pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground or freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
Directions
Prepare Sugared Cranberries: Start by preparing the cranberries a day before if you want to decorate your pie with them. Place cranberries in a bowl. In a saucepan, heat water and 3/4 cup sugar until it simmers. Stir until dissolved, then let it cool. Pour this syrup over the cranberries and let them sit covered for 15 minutes. Drain the cranberries, place them on a baking sheet, and allow them to dry for an hour. Coat them in the remaining sugar and let them dry again for at least another hour.
Make the Pie Crust: You can either follow a homemade pie crust recipe or use store-bought. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle and fit it into a 9×2-inch deep dish pie dish. Crimp the edges and brush them lightly with the egg wash.
Par-Bake the Crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Par-bake for 10 minutes, then remove the weights and prick the crust with a fork. Return it to the oven for 7-8 more minutes until just starting to brown.
Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, eggs, and brown sugar until combined. Add the cornstarch, salt, and spices. Then mix in the heavy cream and milk until smooth.
Bake the Pie: Pour the filling into the warm crust, filling it about three-quarters full. Bake for 55-60 minutes. The center should be slightly wobbly. Cover the edges with foil after 25 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool completely for at least three hours before decorating. Top with sugared cranberries and pie crust leaves if desired. Serve with whipped cream, and enjoy!
How to Serve The Great Pumpkin Pie
The Great Pumpkin Pie is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream on top. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few additional sugared cranberries for decoration.
How to Store The Great Pumpkin Pie
Leftover pumpkin pie can be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s placed in an airtight container or wrapped well to keep it fresh.
Tips to Make The Great Pumpkin Pie
- Fresh Cranberries: Always use fresh cranberries for the sugared topping; frozen ones won’t work as well.
- Egg Wash: Brushing the crust with an egg wash helps it achieve a beautiful golden color.
- Check Doneness: Keep an eye on your pie towards the end of the baking time. A little wobble is okay, but it should not be liquid.
Variation
For a twist on the classic, consider adding chocolate chips to the filling or a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. You can also swap out the sugared cranberries for caramelized pecans for a different topping.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pumpkin puree instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works great in this recipe and is often more convenient.How can I make my own pie crust?
You can find a simple pie crust recipe online that typically includes flour, butter, salt, and water.What should I do if my pie cracks while baking?
Cracking can happen if the filling is overbaked. Keep an eye on the pie towards the end of the baking time and consider reducing the temperature slightly if it looks like it’s browning too fast.