Perfect Pumpkin Pie: The Best Homemade Pumpkin Pie Recipe for Fall

Why This Classic Pumpkin Pie Deserves a Spot on Your Fall Table

There’s something about crisp fall air, golden leaves underfoot, and the warm hum of a family gathering that makes this the perfect season for the ultimate comfort dessert: the Perfect Pumpkin Pie. I still remember helping my grandma sift spices at her kitchen counter—her laugh, the cinnamon scent swirling, and the surprise on everyone’s face when that classic pumpkin pie came out, cinnamon‑wreathed and steaming. That memory stayed with me through dozens of holiday tables, and now I want to share with you a truly satisfying, homemade pumpkin pie recipe.

This traditional pumpkin pie is the kind of dessert that’s simple, flavorful, and always a crowd‑favorite. Whether you’re prepping a Thanksgiving pumpkin pie or a sweet slice for a cozy night in, this one’s reliable and ridiculously good.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pumpkin Pie

• Rich and creamy filling made with pumpkin puree and evaporated milk
  
• Cozy, fall-inspired spices like ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves
  
• Simple, pantry-staple ingredients—no weird stuff
  
• Great make-ahead pie and it freezes beautifully
  

Pie Crust Ingredients: How to Make a Flaky Pie Crust Recipe

For the crust:

• All-purpose flour
  
• Sugar
  
• Salt
  
• Unsalted butter
  
• Ice water
  

For the filling:

• Canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix!)
  
• Sugar
  
• Salt
  
• Ground cinnamon
  
• Ground ginger
  
• Ground cloves
  
• Large eggs
  
• Evaporated milk
  

Ingredient Notes & Pumpkin Pie Baking Tips

• Short on time? Use a store-bought crust—it’ll do in a pinch.
  
• Need dairy-free pumpkin pie ingredients? Sub coconut oil for butter and use a non-dairy evaporated milk.
  
• Wondering about fresh vs canned pumpkin? Stick to canned for texture and flavor consistency.
  
• Don’t forget: the sugar and spice mix is what makes the flavor pop.
  

How to Make Pumpkin Pie from Scratch: Step-by-Step

1. Make the Flaky Homemade Pie Crust

• Mix your dry pie crust ingredients (flour, sugar, salt).
  
• Cut in cold unsalted butter until crumbly.
  
• Add ice water until it just holds together—don’t overwork it.
  
• Roll out the dough, place it in a pie plate, and chill for 30 minutes.
  

2. Mix the Best Pumpkin Pie Filling

• In a large bowl, whisk together canned pumpkin puree, sugar, salt, and spices.
  
• Beat in eggs, then stir in evaporated milk until smooth.
  

3. Assemble and Bake the Perfect Pumpkin Pie

• Pour filling into the chilled pie crust.
  
• Bake at 350°F until edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
  
• Cool completely before slicing.
  

Pro tip: That jiggle and a slight pull at the crust’s edge means it’s done—don’t wait until it’s rock solid or you’ll overbake.

How to Serve This Traditional Pumpkin Pie Like a Pro

• Classic: Whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon
  
• Fancy: Caramel drizzle or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
  
• Festive: Sprinkle chopped nuts or a pinch of nutmeg
  

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Tips for Your Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe

• Make 1–2 days ahead and refrigerate
  
• Freeze the whole pie, well wrapped, for up to a month
  
• Reheat slices in a low oven for 10–15 minutes
  

Pumpkin Pie Troubleshooting Guide: Fix Common Mistakes

• Dry pie? You likely overbaked it. Watch for the jiggle!
  
• Bland filling? Bump up those spices or add a splash of vanilla.
  
• Soggy crust? Blind bake the crust next time to keep it crisp.
  

Creative Pumpkin Pie Variations to Try

• Add-ins: Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even swirls of maple syrup
  
• Texture tweaks: Use heavy cream instead of evaporated milk
  
• Spice it up: Try nutmeg, cardamom, or even a hint of black pepper
  

FAQs About the Perfect Fall Dessert

More Pumpkin Recipes Like This Canned Pumpkin Pie Recipe

• Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
  
• Pumpkin Coffee Cake
  
• Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
  
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares
  
• Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
  
• Pumpkin Chili Recipe
  
• Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
  

Conclusion: This Is the Pumpkin Pie I Want to Eat

This isn’t just any pumpkin pie made from scratch—this is the pie you’ll come back to year after year. The creamy pumpkin pie, the buttery crust, the rich spices—everything just works. So whether you’re perfecting your classic pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving or just craving an easy pumpkin pie recipe, bookmark this one.

And hey, if you’re as into fall baking as I am, follow my Pinterest page for even more cozy, sweet inspiration: https://www.pinterest.com/emiliorecipes/

Print