Easiest Pumpkin Pie
Easiest Pumpkin Pie is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by The Diary of a Real Housewife on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $7.10 total, $0.89 per serving
Ingredients
- 15 oz Pumpkin Puree (canned, plain, no added sugar)
- 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 standard can)
- 2 each Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice (blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
- 1 crust 9‑inch Pie Crust (store‑bought refrigerated or frozen)
Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prepare Crust
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place the store‑bought pie crust in a 9‑inch pie dish and crimp the edges.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 450°F
Combine Filling Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice until the mixture is completely smooth.
Time: PT5M
Pour Filling into Crust
Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Time: PT2M
Bake at High Heat
Place the pie in the oven and bake at 450°F for 15 minutes. This high heat sets the outer layer quickly.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 450°F
Reduce Heat and Continue Baking
Without opening the oven, lower the temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the center is just set and the crust is golden brown.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool the Pie
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 5g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains Gluten
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Wheat (if crust contains gluten)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pumpkin Puree: Homemade roasted pumpkin puree
- Instead of Sweetened Condensed Milk: Evaporated milk with 1/2 cup sugar
- Instead of Large Eggs: Egg replacer (commercial or flaxseed mixture)
- Instead of Pumpkin Pie Spice: Ground cinnamon + nutmeg + ginger + cloves
- Instead of 9‑inch Pie Crust: Homemade pie crust
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Fork
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 9‑inch Pie Dish
- Oven
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whisking the filling until smooth
- Baking at 450°F for the first 15 minutes
- Reducing oven temperature to 350°F and completing the bake
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a chilled pie crust for a flakier bottom.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Troubleshooting
Filling is too runny after baking.
Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated and bake the full 30 minutes at 350°F; if still runny, extend baking by 5‑10 minutes.
Crust is soggy.
Blind‑bake the crust for 5‑7 minutes before adding the filling, or brush the crust with a thin layer of melted butter.
Top browns too quickly.
Cover the edges of the crust with foil or a pie shield after the first 15 minutes at 450°F.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly and store for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the pie a day ahead and store it refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving.
- If freezing, let the pie cool completely, then wrap tightly before placing in the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Easiest Pumpkin Pie in American Thanksgiving cuisine?
Pumpkin pie has been a staple of American Thanksgiving since the early 19th century, when settlers began using native pumpkins in sweet custard pies. It symbolizes the harvest and the abundance of autumn, making it a centerpiece of holiday meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of pumpkin pie in the United States?
In the Southern U.S., pumpkin pie often includes a hint of bourbon or maple syrup, while New England versions may use a graham‑crust base. Some Midwestern families add a swirl of cream cheese for extra richness.
How is Easiest Pumpkin Pie traditionally served in American households during the holidays?
It is typically served chilled or at room temperature, sliced into wedges, and topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin spice on top adds a festive finish.
What occasions or celebrations is Easiest Pumpkin Pie traditionally associated with in American culture?
Pumpkin pie is most closely linked to Thanksgiving, but it also appears at Christmas, fall potlucks, and harvest festivals across the United States.
What other American dishes pair well with Easiest Pumpkin Pie?
Classic pairings include roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and a buttery roll. For dessert, a cup of hot apple cider or spiced coffee complements the pumpkin flavor.
What makes Easiest Pumpkin Pie special or unique in American dessert tradition?
Its simplicity—using only five main ingredients and a store‑bought crust—makes it accessible for busy cooks while still delivering the rich, spiced flavor that defines traditional pumpkin pie.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Easiest Pumpkin Pie?
Common errors include over‑mixing the filling, which can incorporate too much air, and under‑baking, which leaves a runny center. Also, neglecting to protect the crust edges can cause them to burn.
Why does this Easiest Pumpkin Pie recipe use a high‑heat start at 450°F before lowering to 350°F?
The initial high heat quickly sets the outer layer of the custard, preventing cracks, while the lower temperature finishes cooking the interior evenly without over‑browning the crust.
Can I make Easiest Pumpkin Pie ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the pie a day in advance, let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to four days, or you can freeze individual slices for up to two months.
What does the YouTube channel The Diary of a Real Housewife specialize in?
The Diary of a Real Housewife focuses on quick, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic comfort foods with modern shortcuts, often emphasizing time‑saving tips for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel The Diary of a Real Housewife's approach to American dessert cooking differ from other cooking channels?
The channel prioritizes minimal ingredient lists and streamlined techniques, delivering desserts that look homemade yet require very little prep time, unlike many channels that showcase elaborate, multi‑step pastries.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
