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A delicious slice of homemade Pumpkin Pie is displayed as the featured image for this article.
Lady Maria

Best Classic Pumpkin Pie

This recipe delivers a consistently perfect pumpkin pie by incorporating scientific principles to balance starch gelatinization, protein coagulation, and water activity. The result is a creamy, spiced, and comforting slice of autumnal bliss with a tender crust and smooth filling.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup vegetable shortening, cold
  • 4-6 tablespoons ice water
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • whisk
  • Pastry blender or fingers
  • Plastic wrap
  • Rolling Pin
  • 9-inch pie plate
  • parchment paper
  • Pie weights or dried beans
  • Oven
  • wire rack
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the butter and shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Prebake the Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and weights, and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
  3. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, heavy cream, milk, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
  4. Bake the Pie: Pour the filling into the prebaked crust. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
  5. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Serve chilled, with whipped cream if desired.

Notes

Chilling the crust is essential to prevent shrinkage. Pre-baking the crust prevents a soggy bottom. Baking at a lower temperature helps prevent cracks. Don't overbake; the filling should be slightly wobbly in the center. Cool completely to prevent condensation. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld. Freshly grated nutmeg enhances the spice flavor. The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.