5-Ingredient Sweetened Condensed Milk Pumpkin Pie
5-Ingredient Sweetened Condensed Milk Pumpkin Pie is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Elizabeth Sparkles on YouTube.
Prep: 22 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 1 hr 27 min
Cost: $8.35 total, $1.04 per serving
Ingredients
- 15 oz Pumpkin Puree (Canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk (Full‑fat, canned)
- 2 pieces Large Eggs (Room temperature)
- 2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice (Blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves)
- 1 piece Pre‑made 9‑inch Pie Crust (Refrigerated or frozen, thawed before use)
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (For topping, optional; chill before whipping)
- 2 tbsp Powdered Sugar (For sweetening whipped cream, optional)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Optional flavor for whipped cream)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 425°F and let it preheat.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 425°F
Prepare Crust
Place the pre‑made pie crust into a 9‑inch pie dish, pressing gently and crimping the edges.
Time: PT5M
Make Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and free of lumps.
Time: PT5M
Fill Crust
Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Time: PT2M
Bake Pie
Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 35 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
Time: PT50M
Temperature: 425°F then 350°F
Cool & Serve
Allow the pie to cool on a rack for at least 1 hour. Top each slice with freshly whipped cream before serving.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pumpkin Puree: Homemade pumpkin puree, Pureed roasted pumpkin
- Instead of Sweetened Condensed Milk: Evaporated milk plus 1 cup granulated sugar
- Instead of Large Eggs: Egg replacer, Flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
- Instead of Pumpkin Pie Spice: 1 tsp ground cinnamon + pinch of ginger, nutmeg, and cloves
- Instead of Pre‑made 9‑inch Pie Crust: Homemade pie crust
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: Store‑bought whipped topping
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: Granulated sugar (whisked until dissolved)
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Maple extract, Almond extract (use half amount)
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- 9‑inch Pie Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Cooling Rack (optional)
- Spatula (optional)
- Serving Plates (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Make Filling
- Bake Pie
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for a smoother texture.
- Chill the pie crust before filling to prevent shrinking during baking.
- Whisk the filling just until combined; over‑mixing can incorporate excess air.
Troubleshooting
Filling is too runny after baking.
Bake an additional 5‑10 minutes and verify oven temperature with an oven thermometer.
Crust is soggy.
Blind‑bake the crust for 8‑10 minutes before adding filling, or brush the crust with a thin layer of melted butter.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; cool before refrigerating.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the pie a day ahead and store refrigerated; reheat gently before serving.
- Whipped cream can be made up to 24 hours in advance and kept chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pumpkin pie in American Thanksgiving cuisine?
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 enjoy today.
What are the traditional regional variations of pumpkin pie in the United States?
In the Southern United States, pumpkin pie often includes a touch of bourbon or pecans, while New England versions may use a graham‑crust base. Some Midwestern cooks add a swirl of caramel or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
How is pumpkin pie traditionally served in American holiday meals?
Pumpkin pie is typically served chilled or at room temperature, sliced into wedges, and topped with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It is often the final dessert after the main Thanksgiving feast.
What occasions or celebrations is pumpkin pie traditionally associated with in American culture?
Pumpkin pie is most closely linked to Thanksgiving, but it also appears at Christmas, harvest festivals, and autumn-themed brunches across the United States.
What makes this 5‑ingredient sweetened condensed milk pumpkin pie special in American dessert tradition?
The use of sweetened condensed milk creates a luxuriously smooth, caramel‑sweet filling without the need for added sugar or cream, making the recipe unbelievably simple while still delivering the classic pumpkin flavor loved in American holiday desserts.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this pumpkin pie?
Common errors include over‑baking, which makes the filling rubbery, and using pumpkin pie filling instead of plain pumpkin puree, which adds unwanted thickeners. Also, neglecting to preheat the oven can result in a soggy crust.
Why does this pumpkin pie recipe use sweetened condensed milk instead of regular sugar and cream?
Sweetened condensed milk provides both sweetness and a rich, creamy texture in one ingredient, eliminating the need for separate sugar and heavy cream. This streamlines the process while keeping the filling silky and stable.
Can I make this pumpkin pie ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the pie a day ahead, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate. Reheat gently at 300°F for 10‑15 minutes before serving, or serve cold with whipped cream.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the pumpkin pie is done?
The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the center should have a slight wobble—similar to a firm gelatin—that will firm up as the pie cools. The surface should be smooth and glossy.
What does the YouTube channel Elizabeth Sparkles specialize in?
The YouTube channel Elizabeth Sparkles specializes in bright, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that focus on quick, festive recipes with minimal ingredients, often featuring holiday and comfort‑food themes.
How does the YouTube channel Elizabeth Sparkles' approach to American holiday baking differ from other cooking channels?
Elizabeth Sparkles emphasizes ultra‑simple ingredient lists, visual step‑by‑step guidance, and a cheerful presentation style, making classic American holiday dishes like pumpkin pie accessible to beginners, whereas many other channels use more complex techniques or extensive ingredient lists.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
