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Pumpkin pie, a quintessential autumn delight, captures the essence of fall with its rich, spiced filling encased in a flaky crust. This easy homemade recipe ensures a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, making it a comforting treat for seasonal gatherings or cozy nights by the fire.
- Colonial Roots: Pumpkin pie is often associated with American Thanksgiving, but its roots date back to early colonial times when settlers made pies by hollowing out pumpkins, filling them with milk, honey, and spices, and then baking them in hot ashes.
- Native American Influence: Native American tribes were known to incorporate pumpkins into various dishes, and it’s likely that the early colonists learned about pumpkin-based recipes, including pie, from them.
- Evolution of Recipe: The earliest pumpkin pies were quite different from the modern version. Early recipes involved hollowing out the pumpkin, filling it with spiced milk, and then baking it. The transition to the more familiar pie form happened gradually.
- Thanksgiving Staple: Pumpkin pie became a staple of the Thanksgiving menu in the early 19th century, and by the mid-19th century, it had solidified its place as a must-have dessert during the holiday season.
- Canned Pumpkin Convenience: While many still enjoy making pumpkin puree from scratch, the availability of canned pumpkin puree revolutionised the ease with which pumpkin pie could be prepared, making it a more accessible and convenient dish.
- Spice Blend Significance: The classic spices used in pumpkin pie, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, contribute not only to the flavour but also to the nostalgic, comforting aroma associated with fall and Thanksgiving.
- Libby’s Role: Libby’s, a brand of canned pumpkin puree, played a significant role in popularizing pumpkin pie. The company’s recipe for pumpkin pie on its canned labels became a go-to for many home bakers.
- National Pumpkin Pie Day: December 25th is National Pumpkin Pie Day in the United States, recognizsng the enduring popularity of this beloved dessert even beyond the Thanksgiving season.
- World Records: In 2017, a team of bakers in Canada set a world record for the largest pumpkin pie ever baked. The pie weighed over 2,020 pounds and used around 1,200 pounds of canned pumpkin.
- Versatility in Modern Cuisine: While pumpkin pie remains a classic, chefs and home bakers today often experiment with variations, incorporating different spices, toppings, and even creative crusts to put a unique spin on this traditional treat.
Crafting a delightful pumpkin pie requires a few essential pieces of equipment to ensure a seamless and flavorful creation. A reliable 9-inch PIE DISH provides the perfect vessel for the luscious filling, while MIXING BOWLS and a WHISK or ELECTRIC MIXER are crucial for achieving a smooth and well-incorporated pumpkin mixture. For the perfect pie crust, a ROLLING PIN, PASTRY CUTTER, or FOOD PROCESSOR are indispensable tools. If opting for a flaky, blind-baked crust, PIE WEIGHTS or DRIED BINS, along with PARCHMENT PAPER, prove useful. A BAKING SHEET provides stability during the baking process. With these tools at your disposal, the process of creating a pumpkin pie becomes a delightful culinary venture, promising a perfect slice of holiday bliss.
Pumpkin Pie Perfection: Easy Homemade Recipe
Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Rolling Pin
- Pastry cutter or food processor
- Pie weights or dried beans for blind baking
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 unbaked pie crust store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Pie Crust:
- Roll out the pie crust and place it in the pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Blind Bake (Optional):
- To prevent a soggy crust, you can blind bake it. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Mix Pumpkin Filling:
- In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- Add eggs and mix well.
- Gradually add evaporated milk, stirring until smooth.
- Fill Pie Crust:
- Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake:
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the pie for 50-55 minutes or until the center is set.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- For a homemade touch, consider making your own pie crust using a blend of butter and shortening.
- Spice quantities can be adjusted to personal taste preferences.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Did you make this recipe?
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