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Overhead view of fall dessert recipes ingredients on a kitchen counter.

Fall Desserts Recipes: 9 Incredible Essential Secrets


  • Author: maya
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Classic Pumpkin Pie is the quintessential fall dessert, featuring a smooth and creamy pumpkin filling infused with warm spices, all nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering, this pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!


Ingredients

  • For the Crust:

    • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

    • 1/4 cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into cubes

    • 4-6 tablespoons ice water

  • For the Filling:

    • 1 (15-ounce) can 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 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk


Instructions

  1. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the butter and shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  2. Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.

  3. Form Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

  4. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle.

  5. Transfer to Pie Plate: Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.

  6. Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.

  7. Add Eggs and Milk: Whisk in the eggs and evaporated milk until smooth.

  8. Pour Filling into Crust: Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust.

  9. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

  10. Cool Completely: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

  11. Chill (Optional): For a firmer pie, chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Variations: Add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the filling for a boozy twist. You can also top the pie with whipped cream, toasted pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. To make a gingersnap crust, substitute gingersnap cookies for graham crackers in the crust.

Tips: Use cold butter and shortening for a flaky crust. Don’t overwork the dough, or it will become tough. Blind-bake the crust for 15 minutes before adding the filling to prevent a soggy bottom. Cover the edges of the pie crust with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent burning.

Allergies/Intolerances: This recipe is not gluten-free or dairy-free in its standard form. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free pie crust recipe. To make it dairy-free, it’s difficult to get the same creamy texture.

Taste Preferences: Adjust the amount of spices to your liking. For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Pie
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of pie
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Pumpkin pie, fall dessert, Thanksgiving dessert, classic pumpkin pie, pie recipe, pumpkin recipe, baking recipe, autumn dessert