As Thanksgiving approaches, there's one dish that truly captures the essence of the holiday: pumpkin pie. The warm spices, creamy texture, and hint of sweetness make it a timeless favorite. This year, I want to share my go-to pumpkin pie recipe that has been a hit with family and friends alike. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this delightful dessert!

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced

• 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

For the Pumpkin Filling:

• 2 cups mashed, cooked pie pumpkin

• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 4 large eggs

• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.

2. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.

4. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan.

2. Transfer the crust to the pan, trim the excess, and crimp the edges.

Step 4: Make the Pumpkin Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, brown sugar, granulated sugar, spices, and salt.

2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

3. Gradually stir in the evaporated milk until the mixture is smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

• Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 6: Bake the Pie

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

2. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

• Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.

Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Pie

• Chill Your Ingredients: Make sure your butter is chilled for a flaky crust.

• Don’t Overmix: When mixing the filling, be careful not to overmix as it can cause cracks in the pie.

• Serve with Whipped Cream: Nothing complements pumpkin pie quite like a dollop of freshly whipped cream!

A Thanksgiving Tradition

Every Thanksgiving, my family gathers around the table, and this pumpkin pie is always the star of the show. It brings back memories of laughter, gratitude, and togetherness. I hope this recipe finds its way to your holiday table and becomes a part of your family traditions too!

Wishing you a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving filled with delicious food and cherished moments!