Pumpkin pie is a dessert that everyone looks forward to when the weather turns crisp and the holidays approach. Its warm, spiced aroma and creamy texture make it the ultimate celebration treat. Whether it’s a cozy autumn dinner, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, a slice of classic pumpkin pie brings the perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and nostalgia. This Pumpkin Pie recipe, with a delightful walnut crumble topping, is the perfect addition to your dessert table. It’s rich, creamy, and topped with a crunchy, sweet walnut layer that takes the traditional pie to the next level.
Let’s take a closer look at how to make this easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this pie is simple enough for anyone to make while still impressing your guests!
The Key Ingredients for a Perfect Pumpkin Pie Recipe
The beauty of a this pumpkin pie recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating a delicious, comforting dessert that you’ll want to make every holiday season.
Main Ingredients:
- Pumpkin Puree (2 cups): The heart of the pie! Pumpkin puree provides a smooth, velvety texture and a subtly sweet, earthy flavor that defines the pie. It’s the base that holds all the spices together.
- Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can): This ingredient adds both sweetness and creaminess to the filling. It’s a key part of achieving that silky, custard-like consistency that pumpkin pie is famous for.
- Large Eggs (2): Eggs bind the filling, giving it structure and that custard-like quality we all love. They also help the pie firm up as it bakes.
- Ground Ginger (1 tsp): Ginger adds a zesty, spicy note to the pie, complementing the sweetness of the pumpkin and the creaminess of the condensed milk.
- Pumpkin Spice (1 tsp): A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, pumpkin spice is the essential spice blend that brings the warmth of fall into every bite of this pie. It’s aromatic and perfectly balanced.
- Unbaked Pie Crust (1): A buttery, flaky crust is the perfect vessel for this creamy filling. You can make your own from scratch, or use a store-bought crust for a quick and easy option.
Walnut Crumble:
- 1 ¼ cups chopped walnuts: Walnuts add texture and a rich, nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pumpkin filling.
- ¾ cup brown sugar: Brown sugar enhances the crumble’s sweetness and adds a bit of caramel-like depth that pairs well with the spices in the pie.
- 3 tbsp melted butter: Butter gives the crumble that irresistible richness and helps bind the sugar and nuts together.
Essential Kitchen Tools
To make this delicious pumpkin pie recipe, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Large Mixing Bowl (at least 5 quarts): For mixing all your ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: To help blend your wet ingredients together smoothly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements to ensure the flavors are just right.
- Spatula: Perfect for scraping the bowl and spreading the filling evenly in the pie crust.
- Pie Dish (9 inches): Essential for baking the pie and creating that perfectly crisp, golden crust.
- Oven Mitts: To safely handle hot baking dishes and avoid burns.
- Aluminum Foil: Use it to cover the edges of the pie crust while baking to prevent them from over-browning.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20-30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 3 minutes (includes both baking and broiling)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make This Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating, place your unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and set it aside. If you’re using a homemade pie crust, be sure to refrigerate it for at least an hour before rolling it out.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is the base for your pumpkin filling, so be sure everything is well-combined.
Step 3: Add the Spices
To the wet mixture, add the ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and pumpkin spice. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Before pouring the pumpkin mixture into the pie crust, sprinkle about ¾ of the walnut crumble mixture over the bottom of the crust. This adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch. Then, pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Cover the edges of the pie crust with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 40-50 minutes. The pie is done when the center is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
While the pie is baking, prepare the remaining walnut crumble by combining the melted butter with the remaining crumble mixture. Once the pie is baked, distribute the crumble evenly over the top of the pie. Place the pie under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to get a nice, golden, crunchy topping.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This cooling time helps the pie set and makes it easier to slice. Don’t rush this step—your patience will be rewarded with perfect slices!
Alternate Ingredients: Sweet Potato Swap
If you’re unable to find pumpkin puree, sweet potatoes are a great substitute. Simply peel and chop 4 large sweet potatoes, boil them until tender, and mash them until smooth. Use this mash in place of the pumpkin puree in the recipe for a slightly different but equally delicious take on the classic pumpkin pie.
Storing Your Pumpkin Pie
If you have leftovers (or want to prepare in advance), you can refrigerate the pie to keep it fresh. Once the pie has cooled, cover it loosely with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To serve, simply bring the pie to room temperature, or gently warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl (at least 5 quarts) For combining all the ingredients; the size allows for easy mixing without spills.
- Whisk Essential for blending the eggs and other ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurately measuring the ingredients to ensure the right balance of flavors.
- Spatula For scraping bowls
- Pie Dish (9 inches) For baking the pie crust and holding the pumpkin mixture.
- Oven mitts For safely handling hot baking dishes.
- Aluminum foil To cover the pie edges while baking, ensuring they don't over-brown.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 Cups Pumpkin Puree
- 1 Can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 tsp Ground Ginger
- 1 tsp Pumpkin Spice
- 1 Unbaked Pie Crust
Walnut Crumble:
- 1 ¼ cups chopped walnuts
- ¾ cups brown sugar
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the unbaked pie crust in the pie dish and set aside.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk, and eggs until smooth.
Add the Spices
- To the wet mixture, add ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground pumpkin spice. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Assemble the Pie
- Cover bottom of pie shell with ¾ of dry crumble mixture.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the Pie
- Cover the edges of the pie crust with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Combine melted butter to remaining crumble mixture. Distribute evenly over cooked pie. Broil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from oven
Cool and Serve
- Remove the pumpkin pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Pie Recipe
This Pumpkin Pie Recipe with walnut crumble isn’t just a holiday dessert; it’s a celebration of all things autumn. With its creamy, spiced filling and a crunchy walnut topping, it brings both comfort and sophistication to the table. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake a pumpkin pie that will warm your heart and your home this holiday season! Enjoy every delicious bite!