Perfect Pumpkin Pie Recipe from Genius Kitchen

Pumpkin pie is a beloved dessert, especially during the fall season and Thanksgiving. The blend of pumpkin, spices, and a buttery crust makes it a timeless favorite. Here's a comprehensive guide to creating the Perfect Pumpkin Pie from Genius Kitchen, ensuring your pie will be the talk of the table.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie

Before diving into the preparation, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin puree
• ³⁄₄ cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (12 oz) can of evaporated milk
• 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie shell, homemade or store-bought

🍂 Note: For the best pumpkin pie, use fresh pumpkin puree when available, but the canned version works wonderfully too.

Steps to Make Pumpkin Pie

Preparation of the Pie Crust

If you’re making your own pie crust, follow these steps:

1. Combine 1 ¹⁄₄ cups of all-purpose flour, ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of salt, and ¹⁄₂ cup of cold, cubed butter.
2. Work the butter into the flour with a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add ¹⁄₄ cup of cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
4. Form the dough into a disk, wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and fit into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges.
6. Prick the bottom with a fork, and if desired, blind bake for 10 minutes at 425°F (220°C).

Making the Pumpkin Filling

Here’s how to prepare the filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they are well incorporated.
4. Gradually stir in the evaporated milk until the mixture is smooth.
5. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.

Baking the Pie

Now, let’s bake your perfect pumpkin pie:

1. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
2. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40 to 50 minutes.
3. Check the pie: it’s done when the center is set but still has a slight jiggle and the crust is golden brown.
4. Cool the pie on a wire rack for 2 hours before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to fully set.

Tips for the Perfect Crust

Here are some additional tips to ensure your pumpkin pie has that perfect crust:

• Chilling: Always chill your pie dough before rolling it out to prevent shrinking during baking.
• Blind Baking: If you decide to blind bake, use pie weights to keep the crust from puffing up.
• Decoration: Use a fork or knife to create decorative edges for a professional touch.

Final Touch and Serving

After your pie has set:

• Serve it chilled or at room temperature.
• Enhance your pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Your Perfect Pumpkin Pie is now ready to grace your table, with its golden crust and silky, spiced filling. This dessert is not only a feast for the palate but also a nod to tradition, perfect for autumn gatherings or any time you crave that comforting flavor.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

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Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Simply roast, peel, and puree a sugar or pie pumpkin, ensuring you have the same amount as a 15 oz can.

How do I store pumpkin pie?

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Cover and refrigerate your pumpkin pie. It will keep well for up to 4 days. Freezing is possible, but the texture might change slightly upon thawing.

Why did my pumpkin pie crack?

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Pie cracking can result from overbaking or rapid temperature changes. Ensuring the pie cools slowly can help prevent this.