As the leaves turn vibrant hues and the air becomes crisp, it's time to indulge in the flavors of autumn. What better way to welcome the season than with a comforting slice of pumpkin pie? This classic recipe perfectly captures the essence of fall, combining the warmth of spices with the creamy goodness of pumpkin.
The Pie Crust Perfection
A great pie starts with a great crust. For this pumpkin pie, we aim for a buttery, tender pie crust that provides the ideal vessel for the luscious pumpkin filling. The key is to keep your ingredients cold and handle the dough gently. With a few simple steps and a little patience, you'll have a pie crust that's crisp and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
Instructions:
- In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Pulse a few times to mix.
- Add the cold, diced butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition, until the dough just comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a clean surface, shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
The Flavorful Pumpkin Filling
Our pumpkin pie filling is a harmonious blend of pure pumpkin puree and a medley of spices that epitomize autumn. The creamy texture and rich flavors make each bite a true delight.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, salt, and spices.
- Add the eggs and mix until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the evaporated milk until the filling is smooth and well mixed.
Bringing it All Together
Now that we have our perfectly chilled pie crust and luscious pumpkin filling, let's assemble and bake our pie to golden perfection.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough.
- Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
A Slice of Autumn Bliss
There you have it—your very own homemade pumpkin pie! Each slice is a taste of autumn, a comforting reminder of fall's embrace. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for the perfect finishing touch.
May your autumn be filled with the warmth of family, the beauty of nature, and the deliciousness of pumpkin pie. Happy baking!
