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The BEST Pumpkin Pie recipe is perfect in every way, and you can choose to serve it with a simple homemade caramel pecan topping that takes it over the top!
Pie, glorious pie! There are few desserts I love more on this whole planet the pie (other than a good chocolate cake of course!). I've shared most of my favorite pie recipes with you, including my Grandma's Lemon Chiffon Pie, and Chocolate Cream Pie.
We can probably all agree that Pumpkin Pie is the most iconic of Thanksgiving desserts. I've tried so many different recipes and I just love the simplicity and perfect taste and texture from the traditional Libby's pumpkin pie recipe. It's been tried and tested by millions of people to be the best pumpkin pie recipe! If you're serving a large group or looking for something fun to take to a gathering, check out my Pumpkin Slab Pie! This same delicious recipe but baked in a sheet pan that serves 24 people!
You can jazz it up by serving a slice with a spoonful of warm, delicious caramel pecan topping. There's no pie that deserves “Queen Bee” status more! Make sure to try my Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe too!
How to make Pumpkin Pie from scratch:
Combine: Beat the eggs and canned pumpkin puree together. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves, and add to the pumpkin mixture.
Add Evaporated Milk: Evaporated milk could be substituted with half and half or cream.
Bake: Pour into an unbaked pie shell and bake at 425 degrees F for for 15 minutes, to set the crust, then reduce temperature to 350 and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until set.
Make Caramel Pecan Topping (optional): I like to make a simple Caramel Pecan Topping for guests to spoon over their slice of pie, if they'd like. It's made in about 5 minutes, in a saucepan with brown sugar, whipped cream, corn syrup, butter, pecans and vanilla extract. I've included the full recipe in the notes of the printable recipe card.
Pro Tips:
- Use an unbaked crust: Pumpkin pie requires an unbaked pie shell (Homemade is best– here are my step-by-step photos and video tutorial, but store-bought will also work. You'll notice we bake the pumpkin pie at a high temperature to start, which allows the pie crust to set, and then we lower the baking temperature for the remaining cooking time. Because of this, it's not necessary to blind bake (bake the crust beforehand) for this easy pumpkin pie recipe.
- How to tell when Pumpkin Pie is ready: The easiest way to test whether a pumpkin pie is ready, or fully cooked, is to gently jiggle the pan, using an oven mit. If the center is overly jiggly, then it needs more time. It's okay if the center jiggles very slightly, as it will continue to set up as it cools. Or, it is done when a sharp knife inserted in center comes out clean.
- How to avoid cracks your pumpkin pie: The most common reason for cracking on the top of a pumpkin pie is from over-baking. To avoid cracking, check the pie after the first 55 minutes and give it a soft shake, looking for the filling to be set (slightly soft on top but not overly jiggly). Remember it will continue to cook once you've taken it out! Also, don't rush the cooling process, which could also result in cracking. Allow it to cool completely, undisturbed, at room temperature.
- To make Pumpkin Pie using Fresh Pumpkin, use sugar pie pumpkin to make my easy pumpkin puree recipe, and then use the puree as instructed in this pumpkin pie recipe.
Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Instructions:
To Make Ahead: You can make the entire pumpkin pie recipe from scratch the day before and store it the refrigerator, or prepare the pie crust and filling the day before and store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to bake the next day.
To Store: Store-bought pumpkin pie can sit at room temperature because of the preservatives added, but homemade pumpkin pie should be refrigerated if not eaten within 2 hours of sitting out. Leftover pumpkin pie will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be sure to allow pumpkin pie to cool completely and then cover it loosely with plastic wrap, for storing.
To Freeze: A fully cooked pumpkin pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then cover it with a layer of plastic wrap and then a double layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the pie crust for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
More Pie Recipes:
- Lemon Sour Cream Pie
- Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake Pie
- Perfect Apple Pie
- Chocolate Cream Pie
- Banana Cream Pie
- Triple Berry Pie
Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Pie:
- 1 9-inch Homemade pie crust, , or store-bought, deep dish, unbaked
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 large eggs
- 15 ounce can canned pumpkin, or fresh pumpkin puree
- 12 ounce can evaporated milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- In a large bowl beat the eggs and pumpkin together. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves, and add to pumpkin mixture.
- Gradually stir in the evaporated milk. Carefully pour mixture into unbaked pie shell*.
- Bake at 425 degrees F for for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F; bake for 40 to 50 minutes longer, or until the pie is set. Check for doneness by giving the pie a gentle wiggle. The center may jiggle just a tiny bit. It will continue to set up as it cools. Or, it is done when a sharp knife inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a wire cooling rack. Serve immediately with whipped cream and caramel pecan topping, if desired.
Notes
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I originally shared this recipe October 2015. Updated October 2019 and November 2022.
Thanks for the fantastic recipe! My husband and I have made 4 of these pumpkin pies in the past 3 weeks. The first time was for a potluck and it was a total hit then we made 2 for a Halloween party and just baking it another one now for a friend. It has turned out perfect every time with canned pumpkin, pre made crust, and made fresh whipped cream to go with it. One friend who called themselves a pumpkin pie connoisseur, loved it and said the best pumpkin pie he ever had.
I am brand new to baking and this was easy, fun, fast, and absolutely delicious! I ended up making six pies for work, friends, and family. Many people were praising how good this pie was and that it was the BEST pumpkin pie they have ever had. I will definitely be saving this recipe and be making more pies in the future.
If I make this ahead, fully assemble the pie and refrigerate to bake the next day, should I bring the pie to room temp before starting the baking process or should it go from refrigerator right to oven?
Let it sit at room temp for about 20-30 minutes before baking for more even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can bake straight from the fridge! Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the bake time and keep an eye on it!
Does the pre-made pie crust need to be defrosted?
Yes, thaw it first! Most store-bought frozen pie crusts should be thawed before filling (usually 10-15 minutes at room temp). This helps prevent cracking and ensures even baking. Check the package instructions to be sure!
Tastes better from scratch: canned pumpkin puree, pre baked pie crust. OK, got it.
We provide links for both homemade pie crust (which we recommend! Store bought is NOT good!) and homemade pumpkin puree.
I made this yesterday and was not impressed with the flavor.
How far ahead of time can the topping be made?
You can make the topping a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge and warm it a bit before using.
Can you warm it in the microwave or is it better on stove? And should you add anything in warming to make it less solid (e.g., more cream?)
You can warm it in the microwave or on the stove. Heat gently and stir. If it’s too thick, add a small splash of cream.
Excellent recipe.But I messed up and used sweet condensed milk But believe it or not , it turned out excellent little sugary , but awesome.
These reviews have to be bought because this was the most mid pumpkin pie recipe I’ve ever tried.
Great job! I use this minimalist recipe (thank you all for this) but, I drop off one egg and use sweetened condensed coconut milk instead of (it tastes like something I had as a kid, so good) evaporated milk.
I’m making personal pies using this recipe, how long should I cook them? They are 4 inch pies.
For 4-inch pies, start checking around 25 minutes. Pull them when the centers look set.
Thank you!
Can I use this recipe for muffin tin sized pies? Or do I need to alter the recipe? Thank you!
You can use the same recipe. Just bake the mini pies for a much shorter time. Start checking around 15–20 minutes and pull them when the centers look set.