🎃 Pumpkin Pie Recipe – The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Pie
Learn how to make the perfect pumpkin pie with homemade pumpkin pie spice. Includes freezing tips, storage guide, and Libby’s pumpkin pie recipe.
Pumpkin pie is more than just a dessert — it’s a warm memory, a holiday tradition, and a comfort food that brings families together. Whether you bake it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply because you crave something cozy, pumpkin pie never disappoints. This complete guide teaches you how to make pumpkin pie from scratch, how to prepare pumpkin pie spice, how to store it safely, and even how to freeze pumpkin pie properly.
If you want a rich, creamy, perfectly spiced pie that tastes better than store-bought versions, this recipe delivers every time.
🥧 Pumpkin Pie Recipe (Classic Homemade Style)
This pumpkin pie recipe creates a smooth custard filling with warm spices and a flaky crust. It works beautifully for beginners and experienced bakers.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold butter (cubed)
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
(You may also use a ready-made pie crust if you want faster results.)
For the Pumpkin Filling
- 1 ¾ cups pumpkin puree (or 1 can – 15 oz)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
👩🍳 How to Make Pumpkin Pie – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Cut cold butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water slowly until the dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough and place it into a pie pan. Trim the edges and crimp nicely.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, salt, vanilla, and evaporated milk until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Bake the Pie
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour filling into the crust. Bake for 45–50 minutes until the center slightly jiggles but sets around the edges.
Let the pie cool completely before slicing.
👉 This pumpkin pie recipe delivers a silky texture and balanced sweetness.
🌿 What Is in Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Many people ask: what is in pumpkin pie spice?
Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm aromatic spices that bring pumpkin desserts to life.
Typical Ingredients:
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Allspice
These spices create the signature pumpkin flavor we all love.
🧂 Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe (Make It at Home)
You can easily prepare your own pumpkin pie spice recipe instead of buying it.
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon allspice
Mix well and store in an airtight jar for up to 6 months.
Using homemade spice gives your pumpkin pie deeper aroma and freshness.
🥫 Libby’s Pumpkin Pie Recipe (Classic Version)
Libby’s pumpkin pie recipe remains one of the most trusted versions worldwide.
Ingredients
- 1 can Libby’s pumpkin puree
- 1 can evaporated milk
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 unbaked pie shell
Instructions
Mix all ingredients until smooth. Pour into crust. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F and bake for 40 minutes.
Libby’s pumpkin pie recipe works perfectly if you want classic flavor with minimal effort.
❄️ Can You Freeze Pumpkin Pie?
Yes — you can freeze pumpkin pie safely and successfully.
How to Freeze Pumpkin Pie Properly
- Allow the pie to cool completely.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- Cover with aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
How to Thaw
Place the pie in the refrigerator overnight. Never thaw at room temperature to avoid moisture and bacteria.
Freezing helps preserve flavor while saving time during busy holidays.
🧊 Does Pumpkin Pie Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes — pumpkin pie needs to be refrigerated after cooling.
Pumpkin pie contains eggs and dairy, which can spoil if left at room temperature. You should refrigerate it within 2 hours of baking.
Store pumpkin pie covered in the fridge to keep it fresh and safe.
⏳ How Long Does Pumpkin Pie Last in the Fridge?
If stored correctly, pumpkin pie lasts:
- 3–4 days in the refrigerator
- Up to 2 months in the freezer
Always check for sour smell, mold, or watery texture before eating.
So if you’re wondering how long does pumpkin pie last in the fridge, remember: enjoy it within four days for best quality.
🍽️ Pumpkin Pie Serving Ideas
Enhance your pumpkin pie experience with:
- Fresh whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel drizzle
- Cinnamon sprinkle
- Roasted nuts
These toppings elevate flavor and presentation instantly.
💡 Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Pie
✔ Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
✔ Avoid overbaking — slight jiggle is perfect
✔ Chill the pie before slicing
✔ Blind bake crust if soggy bottom occurs
✔ Use fresh spices for stronger aroma
These small techniques improve texture and flavor dramatically.
📈 Why Pumpkin Pie Is So Popular
Pumpkin pie symbolizes fall comfort, warm spices, and family gatherings. Its creamy texture, sweet aroma, and nostalgic flavor make it a timeless dessert worldwide. Search interest for pumpkin pie increases every holiday season, making it perfect content for food blogs and recipe websites.
📝 Final Thoughts
This complete pumpkin pie guide gives you everything you need — from the perfect pumpkin pie recipe to homemade pumpkin pie spice, storage tips, freezing instructions, and even Libby’s pumpkin pie recipe inspiration. You now know exactly what is in pumpkin pie spice, how to store your pie safely, and how long pumpkin pie lasts in the fridge.
Bake confidently, serve proudly, and enjoy every delicious slice 🍰
✅ Additional FAQ Questions for Pumpkin Pie Article
❓ Is pumpkin pie healthy?
Pumpkin pie contains vitamin A from pumpkin and calcium from milk, but it also contains sugar and fat. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
❓ Can I make pumpkin pie without evaporated milk?
Yes, you can replace evaporated milk with heavy cream, half-and-half, coconut milk, or almond milk. The texture may slightly change depending on the substitute.
❓ Why is my pumpkin pie watery?
Pumpkin pie becomes watery if it is underbaked, overmixed, or stored uncovered in the fridge. Always bake until the center is just set and cool completely before storing.
❓ Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?
Yes, you can roast fresh pumpkin, blend it into puree, and use it in your pumpkin pie recipe. Make sure the puree is thick and not watery.
❓ How do I know when pumpkin pie is done baking?
The edges should be firm and the center should slightly jiggle. Insert a knife near the center — it should come out mostly clean.
❓ Can I make pumpkin pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake pumpkin pie 1–2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until serving.
❓ What is the best crust for pumpkin pie?
A buttery flaky pie crust works best. Graham cracker crust also tastes great for a sweeter twist.
❓ Can pumpkin pie be left out overnight?
No. Pumpkin pie contains eggs and dairy and should not be left out longer than 2 hours at room temperature.
❓ How do I keep pumpkin pie crust from getting soggy?
Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling and brush with egg white to create a moisture barrier.
❓ Can I reheat pumpkin pie?
Yes, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.