Making pumpkin pie doesn’t have to be an intimidating process, with the right ingredients and cooking time, it’ll be simple and delicious. Pumpkin pie is perfect for a Thanksgiving dessert and making it can be stress free. Preparing the pumpkin pie is quick, so you’ll have more time to do other things while it’s baking.
“The filling comes together with minimal prep,” wrote Molly Allen on The Kitchn. There are not too many ingredients going into the filling. Most recipes just use one bowl to create it. The most intense part of baking a pumpkin pie is when it’s in the oven, but fear not, even when it comes to this it’s easy.
Pumpkin pie gets baked for about an hour at 350 F (See picture for measurements by Live Well Bake Often). Most recipes recommend not baking the pie crust before and just begin baking the pie at a higher temperature. Baking it with the filling prevents the need of baking beans or rice to make sure the crust doesn’t rise too much.
Telling if the pie is done is as simple as reaching in, with an ovenmitt, and jiggling the pie a little. “If the center is overly jiggly, then it needs more time,” wrote Lauren Allen on Tastes Better From Scratch. The pie can be slightly jiggly because it’ll set as the pie cools down.
Pumpkin pies can easily crack, so make sure not to overcook or rush the cooling process. Lauren Allen writes, “Allow it to cool completely, undisturbed, at room temperature.” After it cools at room temperature, it’s able to go into the fridge until serving. Unlike store bought since those contain certain preservatives to allow it to sit at room temperature.
If you want your pie to stand out, add some fun toppings. They can be homemade or store bought but adding a topping will add extra flavor and pizazz. Some toppings could be caramel pecan topping, caramel, or some pumpkin or vanilla ice cream. Pumpkin pie goes amazingly with candied nuts and cranberry sauce too. These sides make the pumpkin pie flavor pop.
Your pie can also be frozen for up to three months if you want to prepare it ahead of time. There are many recipes out there but using these tips, or even these recipes, from Lauren Allen on Tastes Better From Scratch, Molly Allen on The Kitchn, and Danielle Rye on Live Well Bake Often, will help you perfect your pie. Bake a pie, add a topping, and your pumpkin pie will be the talk of the town.
