Easy Pumpkin Pie
Easy Pumpkin Pie is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by Golden Gate Xpress on YouTube.
Prep: 13 min | Cook: 53 min | Total: 1 hr 21 min
Cost: $6.50 total, $0.81 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 can Pumpkin Puree (15 oz (425 g) canned pumpkin puree)
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz (397 g) sweetened condensed milk)
- 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon Pumpkin Spice (McCormick pumpkin spice or any pumpkin spice blend)
- 1 pie crust Pie Crust (9‑inch unbaked refrigerated or frozen pie crust)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 425°F and let it preheat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 425°F
Combine Pumpkin and Condensed Milk
Add the canned pumpkin puree and sweetened condensed milk to a large mixing bowl and stir until blended.
Time: PT3M
Add Eggs
Crack the two eggs one at a time into the bowl, being careful to avoid shells, and whisk gently.
Time: PT2M
Add Pumpkin Spice and Mix
Stir in 1 tablespoon of pumpkin spice and whisk the mixture for about 1 minute until smooth and free of lumps.
Time: PT1M
Fill the Crust
Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Time: PT2M
Initial High‑Heat Bake
Place the pie in the oven and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 425°F
Reduce Temperature and Finish Baking
Lower the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 35‑40 minutes, until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
Time: PT38M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool the Pie
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing.
Time: PT30M
Slice and Serve
Cut the pie into wedges and serve as desired.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 300
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pumpkin Puree: Homemade pumpkin puree, Butternut squash puree
- Instead of Sweetened Condensed Milk: Evaporated milk with sugar, Homemade sweetened condensed milk
- Instead of Eggs: Egg substitute, Flax egg
- Instead of Pumpkin Spice: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves mixture
- Instead of Pie Crust: Homemade pie crust
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Electric Mixer
- Measuring Spoons
- Pie Dish
- Spatula
- Cooling Rack (optional)
- Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheating oven to the correct temperature
- Initial high‑heat bake at 425°F
- Reducing temperature to 350°F and completing the bake
- Cooling the pie in the refrigerator before slicing
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use room‑temperature eggs for better incorporation.
- Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth for a silky texture.
- For a glossy finish, brush the top of the pie with a little melted butter before the initial bake.
Troubleshooting
Filling is too runny after baking.
Bake an additional 5‑10 minutes or add a third egg to the mixture next time.
Crust is soggy.
Blind‑bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding the filling, or brush the crust with a thin layer of melted butter.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly with plastic wrap; keep for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices in foil and place in a freezer bag; freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours after cooling.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The pumpkin filling can be mixed a day ahead and kept refrigerated.
- After the pie is baked and cooled, freeze slices for later use; reheat in a 350°F oven for 10‑15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pumpkin pie in American Thanksgiving celebrations?
Pumpkin pie became a staple of American Thanksgiving in the 18th century, when settlers began using native pumpkins in sweet custard pies. It symbolizes the harvest and the abundance of the season, making it a centerpiece of the holiday dessert spread.
What traditional regional variations of pumpkin pie exist within United States cuisine?
In the South, pumpkin pie often includes a touch of bourbon or pecans, while New England versions may add a dash of maple syrup. Some Midwestern cooks incorporate a swirl of cream cheese for extra richness.
How was pumpkin pie traditionally served in early American Thanksgiving gatherings?
Early Thanksgiving meals served pumpkin pie warm, often topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a light drizzle of maple syrup, and it was presented alongside other seasonal desserts like apple crumble and pecan tart.
What occasions besides Thanksgiving is pumpkin pie commonly enjoyed in American culture?
Pumpkin pie is also popular during fall festivals, Halloween parties, and as a comforting dessert throughout the autumn months, especially in coffee shops and bakeries.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a classic American pumpkin pie versus acceptable modern substitutes?
The authentic recipe calls for canned pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, pumpkin spice, and a traditional pie crust. Substitutes like homemade pumpkin puree, evaporated milk with sugar, or a homemade crust work well but change the classic texture slightly.
What other American dishes pair well with pumpkin pie for a complete Thanksgiving dessert table?
Pumpkin pie pairs beautifully with cranberry sauce, pecan pie, apple crumble, and a selection of cheeses. A cup of spiced coffee or hot apple cider complements the flavors nicely.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this Easy Pumpkin Pie from Golden Gate Xpress?
Common errors include not preheating the oven fully, over‑mixing which can incorporate too much air, and baking at too low a temperature which leads to a soggy crust. Follow the two‑stage baking method to ensure a firm, golden‑browned pie.
Why does this pumpkin pie recipe use a high‑heat start at 425°F before lowering to 350°F?
The initial high heat sets the crust quickly and creates a slight caramelization on the edges, while the lower temperature finishes cooking the custard evenly without cracking.
Can I make the Easy Pumpkin Pie ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can bake the pie a day ahead. Cool it completely, then refrigerate covered for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze; reheat in the oven before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Golden Gate Xpress specialize in?
The YouTube channel Golden Gate Xpress specializes in quick, family‑friendly American comfort food recipes, often focusing on classic holiday dishes and easy weeknight meals.
How does the YouTube channel Golden Gate Xpress's approach to Thanksgiving cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Golden Gate Xpress emphasizes minimal ingredient lists and streamlined techniques, allowing home cooks to prepare traditional Thanksgiving dishes like pumpkin pie with everyday pantry items and without advanced equipment.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
