7 Simple Pumpkin Pie Recipes for Fall Baking Bliss

Embracing the essence of autumn often means indulging in the comforting, nostalgic flavors that fill the air as the season turns. One such quintessential fall flavor is pumpkin, specifically in the form of pumpkin pie. This beloved dessert isn't just a Thanksgiving staple but can be enjoyed anytime during the fall for a slice of warmth and spice. Here are seven simple recipes for pumpkin pie that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring you experience nothing short of baking bliss this fall.

Classic Pumpkin Pie

Let’s begin with the timeless recipe that has graced holiday tables for generations. Here’s how to bake a Classic Pumpkin Pie:

• 1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin puree
• ³⁄₄ cup of 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 pie crust (9-inch)

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Mix well.
3. Add eggs and beat lightly. Gradually stir in the evaporated milk.
4. Pour the filling into the pie crust.
5. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
6. Cool on a wire rack for 2 hours, then serve or refrigerate until ready to serve.

⚠️ Note: Avoid overbaking to prevent the pie from cracking.

Vegan Pumpkin Pie

For those looking for a plant-based alternative, here’s a Vegan Pumpkin Pie recipe:

• 1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin puree
• 1 cup of coconut milk (full-fat)
• ³⁄₄ cup of maple syrup
• ¹⁄₄ cup of cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• 1 vegan pie crust (9-inch)

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a blender, combine all ingredients until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
4. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the filling has set.
5. Allow to cool completely before chilling in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving.

Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake

Merge two favorites into one delightful dessert with this Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 4 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar, and melted butter for the crust, press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, add 1 cup sugar, pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, and spices. Mix well.
4. Pour the filling over the crust.
5. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the center is set. Cool in the pan on a wire rack, then chill for several hours.

💡 Note: For a smoother cheesecake, avoid overmixing the batter.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie

Ensure everyone can enjoy a slice with this Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie:

• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
• ³⁄₄ cup of 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 gluten-free pie crust (9-inch)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Follow the steps for Classic Pumpkin Pie but ensure to use a gluten-free pie crust.

🌾 Note: Verify all ingredients are gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Spiced Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Topping

Infuse your pie with warmth and crunch with this Spiced Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Topping:

• 1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin puree
• ³⁄₄ cup of sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (12 oz) can of evaporated milk
• 1 unbaked pie crust (9-inch)
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ¹⁄₃ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Steps:

1. Follow the steps for Classic Pumpkin Pie.
2. In a bowl, mix pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter for the topping. Sprinkle over the filling before baking.

Maple Pumpkin Pie

Add a touch of maple syrup to create a sweeter, more nuanced flavor with this Maple Pumpkin Pie:

• 1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin puree
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 unbaked pie crust (9-inch)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients except the crust in a large bowl until smooth.
3. Pour into the pie crust.
4. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the filling is set.
5. Cool before serving.

Chai Pumpkin Pie

Blend the warmth of chai spices for an aromatic twist with this Chai Pumpkin Pie:

• 1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon black tea leaves (optional for color and flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (12 oz) can of evaporated milk
• 1 unbaked pie crust (9-inch)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Combine all ingredients, mix well, and pour into the pie crust.
3. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes, or until set.
4. Cool before serving.

As we wrap up this culinary journey through fall's delightful pumpkin pie variations, remember that these recipes not only celebrate the season but also offer a chance to experiment with flavors and techniques. Whether you prefer a classic recipe, need dietary accommodations, or want to add an unexpected twist to your dessert table, these pumpkin pie recipes cater to every palate. Enjoy the process of baking, savor the rich flavors, and share the comfort that a slice of pumpkin pie brings as autumn's chill sets in.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

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Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Cook, peel, and puree the pumpkin until smooth to replace the canned version in equal parts.

What can I do if my pumpkin pie cracks while baking?

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Quickly lower the oven temperature or tent the pie with aluminum foil to prevent further cracking. Small cracks can be covered with whipped cream or nuts.

How do I make sure my vegan pie crust stays together?

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Keep the crust ingredients cold, handle the dough minimally, and chill it before rolling out to help it maintain its shape during baking.