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Whole pumpkin pie with a missing slice and a plated slice in the foreground on a rustic wooden table with autumn spices and small pumpkins.

Pumpkin Pie Recipe: Smooth, Crack-Free Custard with a Perfectly Crisp Crust

The ultimate pumpkin pie: silky, crack‑free custard with warm spices in a perfectly crisp, buttery crust. Easy two‑temperature bake, make‑ahead friendly, with gluten‑free and vegan options for modern holiday tables.

  • Total Time: 65–75 minutes
  • Yield: 1 (9-inch) pie, about 8 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (9-inch) single pie crust, chilled (butter or gluten-free)
  • 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (or 2 cups well-drained homemade)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

 

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for cleaner slices)

Instructions

  • Prep: Place a baking sheet on the lower-middle rack and preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). If using fresh pumpkin puree, blot excess moisture.
  • Optional blind bake: Line chilled crust with parchment and pie weights. Bake 12 minutes. Remove weights, dock with a fork, and bake 5–7 minutes more until just golden. Cool slightly.
  • Make filling: In a large bowl whisk eggs, both sugars, and vanilla. Whisk in pumpkin, cream, spices, salt, and cornstarch until smooth.
  • Fill and bake: Set pie dish on the preheated sheet pan. Pour in filling. Bake 15 minutes at 425°F. Reduce to 350°F (177°C) and bake 30–40 minutes more, until edges are set and center has a gentle wobble. Shield crust edges if browning quickly.

 

  • Cool and serve: Cool on a rack 2–3 hours, then refrigerate at least 2 hours (overnight best). Serve with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or sugared cranberries.

Notes

  • oneness cues: A thin knife inserted 2 inches from the edge should come out mostly clean; center should jiggle like Jell‑O. Internal temp target 175–180°F.
  • No soggy bottoms: Use the preheated sheet pan; blind-bake for extra crispness.

 

  • Make ahead: Bake 1–2 days ahead; chill, covered. Freezes up to 3 months; thaw in fridge.
  • Author: Soukaina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pie)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 260 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg