Classic Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Robyn Stone

on Nov 16, 2015, Updated Oct 30, 2023

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4.91 from 11 votes

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This old-fashioned Pumpkin Pie recipe is a family favorite for the holidays or anytime! Perfect topped with a dollop of whipped cream, this classic pie is rich, delicious, and easy to make!

Slice of Pumpkin Pie on white plate with a fork with dollop of whipped cream on top.

Pumpkin makes some of the most delicious sweet and savory recipes. From Pumpkin Bread Pudding to Pumpkin Muffins to flavorful Creamy Pumpkin Soup it’s always a favorite ingredient. But without a doubt, Pumpkin Pie is a favorite in this family and a much loved Thanksgiving dessert in many homes. It’s one of the iconic recipes we always enjoy for Thanksgiving along with a golden Roast Turkey, southern cornbread dressing, cranberry sauce, sides and casseroles. Along with Pecan Pie, this Pumpkin Pie is a must on our holiday table.

And Pumpkin Pie is such a simple and humble recipe. It doesn’t require a lot of fanfare to create. Starting with my amazing Pie Crust, this pie is made simply with a mixing bowl, a wooden spoon, a few more ingredients, and a little time in the oven. But I think that’s what I love most about it. This pie is simple, comforting, and delicious.

Pumpkin Pie Recipe

White pie plate holds a pumpkin pie with slice cut and served on a plate with fork and whipped cream on top.

What I Love Most About this Pumpkin Pie

Simple Ingredients. This pie has such wholesome, common ingredients like pumpkin puree, eggs, butter, brown sugar, vanilla and a few others. No need to go on a search as most of these are common staples found in many kitchens.
Easy to Make. Starting with the perfect homemade pie crust to the pumpkin pie filling, this pie is easy as can be. No electric mixer is needed for this – just a large mixing bowl, a wooden spoon and an oven.
Delicious, Rich Taste. The pumpkin’s unique flavor becomes so smooth, rich and satisfying as it’s combined with the perfect amount of pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, butter, vanilla and more. And the flaky, golden pie crust gives this pumpkin creation the perfect partner for the most comforting, best pumpkin pie I’ve ever tasted!

How to Make the Best Pumpkin Pie

My pie recipe is very much like the one both of my grandmothers made as I was growing up. Like them, I use homemade pumpkin puree and my own homemade pumpkin pie spice. Then, I add the other simple ingredients and bake in my homemade pie crust. It’s really simple and delicious and makes the BEST pumpkin pie!

Here’s how I make it.

Ingredients

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Pumpkin puree – I like to use my own homemade pumpkin puree in this pie because I like the delicious pumpkin flavor. I recommend straining it through a cheesecloth to thicken and prevent the pie filling from shrinking when baked. You can use 15 ounces of canned pumpkin if you wish.
Brown sugar – Use packed brown sugar and you can use either light or dark. Dark brown sugar has more molasses, so it gives the pie a darker, richer flavor.
Salt – enhances the flavor of the pie.
Pumpkin pie spice – You can use either my homemade spice or store-bought.
Half and half – adds a creamy richness to the pie.
Eggs – Use room temperature eggs for better mixing into your pie mixture.
Vanilla extract – I love to use my homemade vanilla. If not using homemade, use a brand of high-quality pure vanilla extract.
Butter – I use salted butter. Melt it and allow it to cool slightly after it’s melted so it’s not so hot that it may cook the raw eggs in the mixture.
Unbaked pie crust – this pie crust takes this pie to another level! Flaky, buttery, golden and delicious all describe it. I like to make a few ahead and keep them in they freezer, especially during holidays. I’ve got a step-by-step video to go along with the pie crust recipe.
Whipped cream – (Optional) Incredibly delicious on top of this pie!

Unbaked, fluted pie crust filled with pumpkin pie filling in a white pie plate on a light stone counter.

Step by Step Instructions

Prep. Preheat oven to 425º F.

Make the Pie Filling. Mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium mixing bowl until well blended. In a separate bowl, pour half and half, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended. Then add to the bowl with the pumpkin mixture and stir until well combined to make the pie filling.

Image of glass bowl and wooden spoon with mixed pumpkin pie filling.

Add to Pie Crust. Pour the pumpkin pie filling into the unbaked pie crust.

Bake. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350º F and bake for 30 minutes or until set in the center. Don’t over bake as the pie filling may crack.

Cool. Once the pie is done and set in the center, allow the pie to cool.

Serve. Slice the pie and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

There’s just nothing like a slice of this delicious pie with a cup of coffee to round out the meal. But I have to admit, I always secretly hope there is at least a slice left for breakfast the next morning!

Slice of pumpkin pie with whipped cream on top with a bite cut onto a fork, surrounded by scattered pie crust crumbs, on a white plate - addapinch.com

Fresh Pumpkin Puree or Canned Pumpkin for Pumpkin Pie?

You can use either fresh pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin. I like to use homemade puree for the amazing pure pumpkin taste. You can use a quality canned pumpkin. If using homemade puree for the pie, make sure to strain through a cheesecloth so that the filling won’t shrink as the pie is cooked.

Great Pie Crust Makes the Best Pumpkin Pie!

Delicious pumpkin pie begins with an amazing crust. And this pie crust recipe is just that. This crust has the perfect combination of butter and shortening to give it a scrumptious buttery flavor and the perfect amount of flakiness. I’ve got lots of tips and a step-by-step video to show how to make the perfect homemade pie crust every time. And the perfect pie crust is the perfect start to this Pumpkin Pie!

Make Ahead Instructions

I recommend a couple of other tricks that work well as a time saver for Thanksgiving or when making other big meals.

Make the pie crust ahead. Follow the directions for the pie crust and place it in the freezer unbaked. Store it in the freezer ready to be filled and baked. Actually, my freezer has a few already, just waiting for filling!
Make the pumpkin pie filling ahead. I also mix my pumpkin pie filling and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days before making my pie.
Bake pie on the day of serving. Then, on the day I plan to serve the pie, I preheat the oven to 425 degrees, remove the pie crust from the freezer, and pour my already mixed filling into the pie shell. I bake it as directed in the recipe, but it may take an extra few minutes at the end since you are starting from a chilled pie filling rather than one at room temperature.

How to Store Pumpkin Pie

According to the USDA, all “egg-rich pies” must be stored in the refrigerator once they have cooled. This includes pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and other custard-type pies. Wrap tightly with foil, plastic wrap, or your favorite wrap and store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Can You Freeze Pumpkin Pie?

You can freeze both baked and unbaked pumpkin pie. If baked, allow the pie to cool completely. Then, wrap well with wrap and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.