Homemade Pumpkin Pie

Homemade Pumpkin Pie is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by Growing In The City on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 20 min | Cook: 2 hrs 30 min | Total: 4 hrs 10 min

Cost: $32.57 total, $4.07 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 medium Sugar Pie Pumpkin (about 6 pounds total, sugar‑pie variety preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for drizzling on pumpkin halves before roasting)
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (for pumpkin seeds (optional) and crust)
  • 1 piece Cheesecloth (to drain excess water from pumpkin puree)
  • 14 ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk (single 14‑oz can)
  • 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 large Egg Yolk (extra yolk for richness)
  • 1.5 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground Cloves
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (for crust)
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar (for crust)
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into small cubes (2 sticks))
  • 4 tablespoons Cold Water (add gradually until dough comes together)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pumpkins

    Place each pumpkin on its side, cut off the top to create a flat surface, then halve the pumpkin and scoop out the stringy insides and seeds, rinsing the seeds for later use.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Roast Pumpkin Halves

    Drizzle both sides of the pumpkin halves with olive oil, place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, and roast in a pre‑heated oven until the skin is bubbly and a knife slides in easily.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 400°F

  3. Peel and Puree

    Allow the roasted halves to cool slightly, then peel off the skin and transfer the flesh to a food processor or blender; blend until smooth.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Drain Excess Water

    Place the hot puree in the center of a cheesecloth over a bowl, gather the edges, and let it hang for about ten minutes to let gravity remove excess liquid.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Measure Puree

    Weigh the drained pumpkin puree and set aside exactly 15 oz (about 425 g) for the pie; discard or reserve any extra puree for other recipes.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Make the Filling

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed milk, 2 eggs, the extra yolk, ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, sea salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Prepare the Crust – Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl combine 2 cups all‑purpose flour, 1 Tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp sea salt; cut in the cold butter cubes using a pastry blender or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small butter balls.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Form and Chill the Dough

    Gradually drizzle cold water over the mixture, stirring until the dough just comes together. Knead lightly into a ball, flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).

    Time: PT35M

  9. Roll and Chill the Crust

    On a lightly floured surface roll the dough to about 1/4‑inch thickness, gently place it into the 9‑inch pie tin, fold the edge over twice to form a triangle, unfold to center, trim excess, crimp edges, then refrigerate for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

  10. Blind Bake the Crust

    Line the chilled crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights, and bake at 400°F for 15‑20 minutes. Remove weights and parchment, then bake an additional 10 minutes until the bottom is dry and lightly golden.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 400°F

  11. Fill and Bake the Pie

    Pour the pumpkin filling into the pre‑baked crust, tamp gently to remove air bubbles, and bake at 325°F for 60‑75 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT75M

    Temperature: 325°F

  12. Cool and Serve

    Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before slicing. Serve plain or topped with whipped cream or vanilla‑bean ice cream dusted with a pinch of nutmeg.

    Time: PT30M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
300
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Homemade Pumpkin Pie

Recipe by Growing In The City

A step‑by‑step guide to turning fresh sugar‑pie pumpkins into a classic American pumpkin pie with a flaky homemade crust, using simple pantry staples and a few garden‑fresh touches.

MediumAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 50m
Prep
2h 40m
Cook
32m
Cleanup
5h 2m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$32.57
Total cost
$4.07
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Roast Pumpkin Halves
  • Drain Excess Water
  • Form and Chill the Dough
  • Blind Bake the Crust
  • Fill and Bake the Pie

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts when handling hot pumpkin halves and baking sheets.
  • Be careful with the sharp knife when cutting pumpkins.
  • Allow roasted pumpkin to cool slightly before handling to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of pumpkin pie in American cuisine?

A

Pumpkin pie has been a staple of American Thanksgiving since the early 19th century, symbolizing the harvest and the abundance of autumn. It evolved from Native American pumpkin dishes and European custard pies, becoming the iconic dessert we associate with the holiday today.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of pumpkin pie in the United States?

A

In the Southern United States, pumpkin pie often includes a splash of bourbon or maple syrup, while New England versions may add a touch of brown sugar and use a graham‑cracker crust. Some Midwestern cooks incorporate cream cheese for a richer texture.

cultural
Q

How is pumpkin pie traditionally served in American Thanksgiving celebrations?

A

Pumpkin pie is typically served at room temperature or slightly chilled, topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, and dusted with ground nutmeg or cinnamon for extra aroma.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is pumpkin pie traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Pumpkin pie is most closely linked to Thanksgiving, but it also appears at holiday gatherings, fall potlucks, and as a comforting dessert during the cooler months of October and November.

cultural
Q

What makes homemade pumpkin pie special compared to canned pumpkin puree in American cuisine?

A

Homemade pumpkin puree retains the fresh, earthy flavor of the pumpkin and allows control over texture, resulting in a less watery, more vibrant filling. It also connects the cook to the seasonal harvest, adding a farm‑to‑table element that canned puree lacks.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pumpkin pie from scratch?

A

Common errors include using under‑drained pumpkin puree, over‑mixing the crust dough, and baking the crust too long before adding the filling. Each of these can lead to a soggy bottom, tough crust, or watery filling.

technical
Q

Why does this pumpkin pie recipe use a blind‑baked crust instead of baking the crust with the filling from the start?

A

Blind‑baking creates a dry, sturdy base that prevents the crust from becoming soggy when the moist pumpkin filling is added. It also ensures the crust reaches a golden‑brown color before the filling sets.

technical
Q

Can I make this pumpkin pie ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can bake the pie a day ahead. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 10‑15 minutes before serving if desired.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the pumpkin pie is done cooking?

A

The filling should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggle in the center; a knife inserted near the edge should come out clean. The crust should be golden‑brown and crisp, and the top of the filling should have a smooth, glossy surface.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Growing In The City specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Growing In The City focuses on urban gardening, seasonal cooking with home‑grown produce, and DIY projects that help city dwellers grow and use fresh ingredients in everyday meals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Growing In The City’s approach to American fall cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Growing In The City emphasizes using produce harvested from small‑space gardens, such as pumpkins and squash, and provides step‑by‑step tutorials that blend gardening tips with cooking techniques, whereas many other channels rely on store‑bought ingredients and focus solely on the culinary aspect.

channel

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