Homemade Pumpkin Pie

Homemade Pumpkin Pie made with simple ingredients that makes for a nostalgic holiday favorite.  Elevate this classic dessert with a homemade pie crust and top it with a dollop of homemade whipped cream!

Pumpkin Pie is a must-have for our Thanksgiving dessert table.  In fact, it used to be my husband's favorite before he discovered my Famous Pecan Pie.  I'll admit that pumpkin pie isn't necessarily my favorite either, but it definitely wouldn't be the holidays without it (or cornbread dressing... or sweet potato casserole... or creamed corn!).

Homemade Pumpkin Pie

This homemade pumpkin pie recipe is almost too easy not to make.  A simple dump and mix recipe that is perfect for getting the kids involved in the holiday prep.  You can use a store-bought pie crust to make this recipe almost fool-proof, but I prefer the extra step of making my easy, no-knead, all-butter pie crust.  

Crust for Pumpkin Pie

The thing you need to remember about this homemade pumpkin pie recipe is that you need a DEEP pie plate (one that will hold about four cups volume).  If you don't have a deep enough pie plate, just fill the pie crust until almost full (leaving room for it to rise slightly) and then pour the extra filling into a small ramekin.  Bake it next to the pie for an extra, crust-less treat.  

Consider also putting the pie plate on a baking sheet if your worried about it spilling over.

Ingredients for Homemade Pumpkin Pie

• Sugar
• Cinnamon, ginger, cloves*
• Salt
• Eggs
• Pumpkin puree
• Evaporated milk

*You can substitute Pumpkin Pie Spice for the cinnamon, ginger, and cloves mixture but it will change the overall taste slightly.

I love that this homemade pumpkin pie recipe is a one-bowl recipe that doesn't require a mixer.  Well, I guess technically it is two bowls because you will need a small bowl to combine the sugar and spices in, but I don't count that because it just wipes clean and goes back in the cabinet when you're done.  

Can you freeze pumpkin pie?

Yes.  Pumpkin pie, like custard pies, has a high fat content that makes it great for freezing.  You may want to bake the pie in a disposable aluminum pan as the thinner pan will help the pie freeze faster.  You also want to make sure that the pie has had a chance to cool completely before attempting to freeze.  Lastly, you will need to wrap the pie tightly in layers of plastic wrap and seal it with a final layer of aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn or off-putting smells.

How to Defrost Pumpkin Pie

When ready to serve, remove your pumpkin pie from the freezer, remove the wrappings, and defrost in the refrigerator.  You’ll want to give the pie at least 12 hours to thaw.  (Thawing faster at room temperature causes condensation on the pie, and that moisture will absorb into the pie crust, making it soggy.)

Remember, if your pie comes out a little worse for the wear, homemade whipped cream covers a multitude of sins!

Does pumpkin pie need to be refrigerated?

Yes.  Homemade pumpkin pie will keep for two to three days in the refrigerator.  Store-bought pumpkin pie likely has preservatives, so check the label for proper storage instructions.

Find More Recipes

This recipe is part of my Traditional Thanksgiving Menu series. Check it out!