Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Pie is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Jose.elcook on YouTube.
Prep: 40 min | Cook: 1 hr 30 min | Total: 2 hrs 30 min
Cost: $6.52 total, $0.82 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Pumpkin Puree (homemade, smooth)
- 0.5 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk (full‑fat)
- 0.5 teaspoon Sea Salt (fine)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground Cloves
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste (or vanilla extract)
- 2 large Eggs (pre‑whisked)
- 1 9‑inch Pre‑baked Pie Crust (store‑bought or homemade, pre‑baked)
Instructions
Prepare Pumpkin Puree
If not using canned, roast pumpkin cubes at 400°F until tender, then blend in a food processor until smooth.
Time: PT15M
Strain Puree
Pass the pumpkin puree through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing with a spatula to remove any lumps.
Time: PT5M
Mix Dry Spices and Sugar
In a separate bowl combine brown sugar, sea salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Time: PT5M
Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla bean paste until fully incorporated.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate Eggs Slowly
Gradually add the pre‑whisked eggs to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid incorporating air.
Time: PT5M
Combine All Components
Fold the spice‑sugar mixture into the pumpkin‑egg mixture until just blended.
Time: PT3M
Fill Pie Crust
Pour the filling into the pre‑baked 9‑inch pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Time: PT3M
Bake the Pie
Place the pie in a pre‑heated oven at 275°F and bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the sides are set and the center wiggles slightly.
Time: PT1H30M
Temperature: 275°F
Cool in Oven
Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the pie cool inside for 30 minutes to prevent sudden temperature shock.
Time: PT30M
Serve
Remove the pie, let it finish cooling on a wire rack, then slice and serve.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 5g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pumpkin Puree: canned pumpkin puree
- Instead of Brown Sugar: white sugar with molasses
- Instead of Sweetened Condensed Milk: evaporated milk with sugar
- Instead of Sea Salt: table salt
- Instead of Vanilla Bean Paste: vanilla extract
- Instead of Pre‑baked Pie Crust: homemade unbaked crust
Equipment Needed
- Food Processor
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 9‑inch Pie Dish
- Oven
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Strain the pumpkin puree to remove lumps
- Incorporate eggs slowly to avoid incorporating air
- Bake at low temperature (275°F) to prevent cracking
- Cool the pie in the oven with the door cracked
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the surface for a caramelized finish
- Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper to the spice mix for subtle warmth
Troubleshooting
Pie cracks on the top
Bake at the low temperature of 275°F, avoid over‑mixing, and cool the pie in the oven with the door cracked to prevent sudden temperature changes.
Filling is too runny
Make sure the pumpkin puree is well‑drained through the fine mesh strainer and measure the condensed milk accurately; you can add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to help set the filling.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 4 days
Freezer: Wrap well and freeze up to 2 months
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; keep refrigerated
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the pie a day ahead and store refrigerated
- The filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and kept chilled before baking
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 combined with European pastry techniques, becoming an iconic dessert served at holiday gatherings.
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 maple syrup, while New England versions may use a graham‑crust base. Some Midwestern cooks add a swirl of cream cheese for extra richness.
How is Pumpkin Pie traditionally served in American Thanksgiving celebrations?
Pumpkin pie is typically served chilled or at room temperature, sliced into wedges, and topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It is often the final course after the main turkey dinner.
What occasions or celebrations is Pumpkin Pie traditionally associated with in American culture?
Besides Thanksgiving, pumpkin pie is popular during Halloween, fall festivals, and Christmas in many households, representing the seasonal flavors of autumn.
What makes Pumpkin Pie special or unique in American dessert tradition?
Pumpkin pie combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with warm spices and a creamy condensed‑milk filling, creating a texture that is both silky and firm. Its low‑temperature bake helps it stay crack‑free, a hallmark of a well‑made pie.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Pumpkin Pie versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include fresh pumpkin puree, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, sea salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla. Acceptable substitutes are canned pumpkin puree, white sugar with molasses, and vanilla extract instead of paste.
What other American dishes pair well with Pumpkin Pie?
Pumpkin pie pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and buttery mashed potatoes for a full Thanksgiving meal. For dessert pairings, consider serving it alongside pecan pie or apple crumble.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pumpkin Pie?
Common mistakes include over‑mixing the filling, which incorporates air and leads to cracks, baking at too high a temperature, and not draining the pumpkin puree, resulting in a soggy center. Follow the low‑and‑slow bake and strain the puree for best results.
Why does this Pumpkin Pie recipe use a low oven temperature of 275°F instead of a higher temperature?
A low temperature allows the custard‑like filling to set gradually without expanding too quickly, which prevents the crust from cracking and keeps the texture silky. Higher heat can cause the edges to set while the center remains liquid, leading to cracks.
What does the YouTube channel Jose.elcook specialize in?
The YouTube channel Jose.elcook specializes in home‑cooked, budget‑friendly recipes that emphasize classic comfort foods and practical cooking tips for everyday cooks, often featuring step‑by‑step demonstrations.
How does the YouTube channel Jose.elcook's approach to American dessert cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Jose.elcook focuses on simplifying traditional American desserts with minimal equipment and clear explanations, highlighting cost‑effective ingredient swaps and techniques like low‑temperature baking to achieve professional results at home, unlike many channels that use elaborate gadgets.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
