How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Pie from Scratch

Pumpkin pie is a traditional dessert during the fall season, especially during Thanksgiving. Making a pumpkin pie from scratch using real pumpkin might seem intimidating, but it is easier than you think. Plus, you can impress your family and friends by serving a homemade pumpkin pie instead of a store-bought one. Let’s get started!

The first thing you need to do is to choose the right type of pumpkin. Do not use the jack-o-lantern pumpkin you use for Halloween. Instead, look for sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins. They are smaller, sweeter, and less watery than jack-o-lantern pumpkins. The next step is to prepare the pumpkin. Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds and pulp, and bake it in the oven until it is soft. Then, scoop out the flesh and puree it in a blender or food processor until smooth. After that, you are ready to make the pie filling. Follow the recipe you prefer or the one included in this article.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Making pumpkin pie from real pumpkins requires a few key ingredients beyond the main star of the show—the pumpkin itself. In order to make a delicious pie, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients.

Fresh pumpkins

One of the most important ingredients in making pumpkin pie is, of course, the pumpkin itself. You’ll want to make sure you’re using a fresh pumpkin that’s been properly cleaned and prepared for use. Look for pumpkins that are firm and heavy for their size.

Spices

The spices you use will greatly impact the flavor of your pumpkin pie. For a classic pumpkin pie flavor, you’ll need cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Make sure your spices are fresh and high-quality for the best results.

Sugar

Granulated sugar is typically used in pumpkin pie recipes to add sweetness to the dish. You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste preferences, but keep in mind that too much sugar can make the pie overly sweet.

Eggs

Eggs are a necessary ingredient in pumpkin pie to help bind the filling together. Make sure you’re using fresh eggs and that they’re at room temperature before adding them to your mixture.

Evaporated milk or heavy cream

Most pumpkin pie recipes call for either evaporated milk or heavy cream to add richness and creaminess to the filling. You’ll want to use the best quality ingredients you can find to ensure a good outcome.

Pie crust

You can either make your own pie crust or use a store-bought one for convenience. If you’re making your own, make sure you’re using a recipe that’s suitable for pumpkin pie. A graham cracker crust is also a popular option for this type of pie.

Bowl and mixer

You’ll need a large mixing bowl and an electric mixer to properly combine all of the ingredients for your pumpkin pie filling. Make sure your bowl and mixer are thoroughly clean and free of any residue that could affect the flavor of your pie.

Spatula and whisk

A spatula will come in handy for scraping down the sides of your bowl and for folding in your ingredients. You’ll also need a whisk to help mix your ingredients together and create a smooth and creamy filling.

Pie plate

You’ll need a 9-inch pie plate to bake your pumpkin pie in. Make sure it’s deep enough to hold all of your ingredients, and that it’s oven-safe.

Optional toppings

If you’d like to add some extra flair to your pumpkin pie, you can add whipped cream, caramel sauce, or chopped nuts as toppings. Make sure you have these ingredients on hand if you’d like to include them.

Preparing the Pumpkin for Pie Making

Making homemade pumpkin pie from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you do it in the fall when pumpkins are abundant. You may think that making pumpkin pie from scratch is difficult, but it’s not. The hardest part is preparing the pumpkin for pie making, but we are here to guide you through it. In this section, we will show you how to prepare the pumpkin for making delicious and flavorful pumpkin pie.

Picking the Right Pumpkin

The first step to making a great pumpkin pie is picking the right pumpkin. Many people make the mistake of using any pumpkin they can find, but the type of pumpkin you use matters. Look for pumpkins that are labeled as “pie pumpkins” or “sugar pumpkins.” These pumpkins are smaller, sweeter, denser, and have less water content than the decorative pumpkins that are used for carving jack-o-lanterns. You can find pie pumpkins in most grocery stores or farmers markets during the fall season.

Cleaning and Cutting the Pumpkin

Once you have picked the perfect pumpkin, the next step is cleaning and cutting the pumpkin. Start by washing the pumpkin with water and drying it with a clean towel. Then, use a sharp knife to cut off the stem and slice the pumpkin in half from top to bottom. Scoop out the seeds and the stringy flesh with a spoon or your hands. Don’t throw away the seeds as they can be roasted and enjoyed as a tasty snack.

Baking or Boiling the Pumpkin

After cleaning and cutting the pumpkin, you have two options for cooking it: baking or boiling. Baking is the preferred method as it brings out the natural sweetness of the pumpkin, but boiling works as well. If you choose to bake the pumpkin, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, place the pumpkin halves face down on a baking sheet, and bake for 45-60 minutes or until tender. If you choose to boil the pumpkin, place the pumpkin halves in a large pot with enough water to cover them, and boil them for 20-30 minutes or until tender.

Pureeing the Pumpkin

Once your pumpkin is cooked, the next step is pureeing it. Scoop out the flesh from the pumpkin halves and discard the skin. Place the pumpkin flesh in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. You can also use a potato masher or a fork to mash the pumpkin by hand, but the puree may not be as smooth.

Draining the Pumpkin Puree

After pureeing your pumpkin, the next step is draining the excess water from the puree. Place the pumpkin puree in a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth-lined colander over a bowl. Let the pumpkin puree drain for 30-60 minutes or until most of the liquid has drained out. This step ensures that your pumpkin pie filling is not too watery.

Measuring the Pumpkin Puree

Once the excess water has drained from the pumpkin puree, the next step is measuring the amount of puree you need for your pumpkin pie recipe. One pie usually requires about 2 cups of pumpkin puree. If you have leftover puree, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for later use.

Mixing the Pumpkin Pie Filling

Now that you have your pumpkin puree, you can make the pumpkin pie filling. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves), and salt until smooth. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk to mix the ingredients.

Using Homemade vs. Store-Bought Pie Crust

The final step is deciding whether to use homemade or store-bought pie crust. Making a homemade pie crust can be time-consuming but rewarding, while using a store-bought crust is more convenient. If you choose to make a homemade pie crust, you can find many recipes online or in cookbooks. If you opt for a store-bought crust, look for one that is made with butter for a flakier crust.

Assembling the Pumpkin Pie

Once you have your pie crust and pumpkin pie filling ready, it’s time to assemble the pumpkin pie. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges of the crust with your fingers or a fork. Then, pour the pumpkin pie filling into the crust. Bake the pie at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and continue baking for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

Cooling and Serving the Pumpkin Pie

Once your pumpkin pie is baked, let it cool to room temperature on a wire rack. You can serve it with whipped cream, ice cream, or on its own. If you have leftovers, you can store the pumpkin pie in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the pie, place it in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes or until warm. Enjoy your homemade pumpkin pie and impress your family and friends with your baking skills!

Choosing the Perfect Pumpkin for your Pie

Once you have decided to make a pumpkin pie from scratch, the first thing you need to do is choose the perfect pumpkin for your recipe. Not all pumpkins are created equal and some varieties are better for cooking than others. Here are the steps you can follow to choose the best pumpkin for your pie:

Look for Pie Pumpkins

When shopping for pumpkins to make your pie, it is important to look for pie pumpkins. These are smaller in size and are bred specifically for cooking and baking, unlike the larger carving pumpkins that are sold for Halloween decorations. Pie pumpkins can be found in most supermarkets during the fall season.

Check for Ripeness

When choosing your pumpkin, make sure to check for ripeness. A ripe pumpkin should be firm with a consistent color all around. Gently press on the flesh to make sure it doesn’t give too much. Avoid pumpkins that have soft spots or bruises, as they may not be good for cooking.

Consider the Stem

Another factor to check when choosing a pumpkin for your pie is the stem. The stem should not be too dry or brittle, as this may indicate that the pumpkin is too old. On the other hand, if the stem is too green or moist, it may mean that the pumpkin is not yet ripe.

Size Matters

While you’re at the store, keep in mind that the size of the pumpkin will determine how much pie you can make. A smaller pumpkin will yield less pumpkin puree, resulting in a smaller pie. If you are making a large pie or want leftover filling, it is best to choose a larger pumpkin.

Grow Your Own Pumpkins

If you have a green thumb, you may want to consider growing your own pumpkins for your pie. This way, you can choose the variety you like best and control the growing conditions. Pumpkins can be grown in a sunny spot in your garden, and you can have fun watching them grow throughout the season.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you are choosing the perfect pumpkin for your pumpkin pie. Once you have your pumpkin, it is time to start cooking and baking!

Ready to Bake Your Own Pumpkin Pie?

Now that you know how to make pumpkin pie from real pumpkins, you can create a delicious dessert for your family and friends this fall season. Don’t be intimidated by the process, it’s easier than you think! Remember to thank your local farmer for providing the pumpkin and enjoy the sweet aroma of pie baking in your kitchen. Thank you for reading, and check back in soon for more fun and festive recipes that will make your taste buds dance. Happy baking, folks!