Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when families gather around the table, sharing laughter and gratitude. And let me tell you, one of the shining stars of this festive feast is none other than the classic Thanksgiving pie. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a tradition that sparks joy and brings everyone together. I can already smell the warm spices of pumpkin pie wafting through the kitchen, and it makes my heart flutter with nostalgia. Imagine that first bite—smooth, spiced pumpkin filling nestled in a flaky crust, just waiting to be topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Trust me, this Thanksgiving pie is the perfect ending to your holiday meal, and I can’t wait to share my recipe with you! Let’s dive into making this delicious staple that will leave your loved ones raving long after the last slice is gone.
Ingredients List
- 1 3/4 cups pumpkin puree (you can use canned for convenience or make your own from fresh pumpkins!)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (this adds just the right amount of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (the warm, comforting spice that’s a must in pumpkin pie)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for that extra layer of flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (it adds a lovely zing)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (don’t skip this, it balances the sweetness perfectly!)
- 3 large eggs (these help bind everything together and create a rich texture)
- 1 can (12 fl. oz.) evaporated milk (for creaminess that makes every bite dreamy)
- 1 pre-made pie crust (I love using store-bought for ease, but feel free to make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Pie
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 425°F (220°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the pie crust get that lovely golden-brown color and ensures the filling cooks evenly. So, don’t skip this step—while the oven heats up, you can prep all your ingredients!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Give it a good stir until everything is well blended and you can really smell those warm spices coming together—yum! Next, crack in the three large eggs and beat them in until the mixture is smooth. Finally, slowly pour in the evaporated milk and mix until it’s all combined. It should have a nice, creamy consistency that makes your mouth water just thinking about it!
Pour and Bake
Time to pour that luscious filling into your prepared pie crust! Just gently pour it in, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Now, pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After that, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and let it bake for an additional 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a bit before slicing. Trust me, allowing it to cool enhances the flavors—and no one likes a hot pie that makes the whipped cream melt too quickly! Enjoy every bite of this delicious Thanksgiving pie!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have this Thanksgiving pie ready to go in no time!
- Familiar ingredients: You probably already have these pantry staples on hand, making it super convenient.
- Classic flavor: The combination of warm spices and smooth pumpkin filling is a timeless favorite that everyone adores.
- Easy to make ahead: You can prepare this pie a day in advance, which means less stress on the big day!
- Impressive results: Your friends and family will be so impressed by your homemade pie—trust me, it’ll be the talk of the table!
- Perfectly balanced sweetness: The blend of sugar and spices creates a delightful harmony that’s not overly sweet.
Tips for Success
Making the perfect Thanksgiving pie is all about those little details that can take your dessert from good to absolutely amazing! Here are my top tips to ensure your pumpkin pie turns out just right:
- Use fresh spices: If you can, opt for freshly ground spices instead of pre-ground. They pack a more robust flavor that elevates your pie!
- Don’t overmix: When combining your filling, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can introduce extra air, which may cause your pie to crack while baking.
- Check for doneness: To test if your pie is set, gently shake it—if the center jiggles slightly but is firm around the edges, it’s ready! Remember, it will continue to set as it cools.
- Cool it properly: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This helps the filling firm up and makes slicing a breeze!
- Top with homemade whipped cream: For an extra special touch, whip up some fresh cream with a hint of vanilla and sugar—it’s a game changer!
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a little twist! A splash of vanilla extract or even a dash of bourbon can add incredible depth to the filling.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a Thanksgiving pie that’s not only delicious but also memorable. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a slice of this delightful Thanksgiving pie, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional information per slice:
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while this information gives you a good idea, it’s not set in stone. Enjoy your pie and the wonderful flavors it brings to your Thanksgiving table!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you want to use fresh pumpkin, just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. It’s a bit more work, but the flavor is fabulous and can really elevate your Thanksgiving pie!
How do I know when my pie is done baking?
A great way to check is by gently shaking the pie. If the center jiggles slightly but is set around the edges, it’s ready to come out of the oven. Remember, it will firm up a bit more as it cools!
Can I make this Thanksgiving pie ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, I recommend making it a day in advance. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully and saves you time on the big day. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve!
What can I use if I don’t have evaporated milk?
If you’re out of evaporated milk, you can substitute it with a mix of regular milk and heavy cream. Just mix 1/2 cup of whole milk with 1/2 cup of heavy cream to get a similar richness for your filling.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Thanksgiving pie in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious for up to 3-4 days—if it lasts that long!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After the Thanksgiving festivities, if you find yourself with leftover pie (which is always a good problem to have!), here’s how to store it and keep it tasting fabulous:
- Storing leftovers: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before wrapping it up. Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can also use aluminum foil if that’s what you have on hand!
- Refrigeration: Store your Thanksgiving pie in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer it warm, I’ve got tips for that!
- Reheating: To reheat your pie, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method keeps the crust crispy and the filling deliciously creamy.
- Microwave option: If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat a slice in the microwave. Just pop it on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for about 30-60 seconds. Keep an eye on it, as microwaves can be tricky and might make the filling too hot!
With these storage and reheating tips, your Thanksgiving pie will remain a delightful treat long after the holiday has passed. Enjoy every bite!
Z nadrukami
Thanksgiving pie: 5 Steps to Cherish This Holiday Classic
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A classic Thanksgiving pie made with spiced pumpkin filling in a flaky crust.
Składniki
- 1 3/4 cups pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (12 fl. oz.) evaporated milk
- 1 pre-made pie crust
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Add eggs and beat until well combined.
- Stir in evaporated milk until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
Uwagi
- Serve with whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 1 hour
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 320
- Cukier: 20g
- Sód: 150mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 7g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 50g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Słowa kluczowe: thanksgiving pie, pumpkin pie, holiday dessert
