Pumpkin pie. Just the words evoke feelings of fall, family gatherings, and the warmth of the holiday season. And when it comes to classic American desserts, nothing quite hits the spot like a slice of perfectly spiced, creamy pumpkin pie. If you’re on the hunt for a foolproof recipe that will impress your guests this Thanksgiving, look no further than the Pumpkin Pie Recipe By Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond.
This recipe, adapted from Ree Drummond’s cookbook, “The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays,” takes the traditional pumpkin pie to the next level. It’s not just good; it’s perfectly smooth, rich, and just sweet enough, avoiding that overly sugary taste some pumpkin pies can have. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this guide will walk you through each step to create a Thanksgiving centerpiece that will disappear quickly.
Overhead shot of a freshly baked Pioneer Woman pumpkin pie with a golden crust, ready to be served.
Why This Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Pie Recipe Stands Out
What makes this pumpkin pie recipe by Pioneer Woman so special? It’s the emphasis on quality ingredients and a balanced flavor profile. Unlike some recipes that rely heavily on spices or excessive sweetness, this one allows the natural flavor of the pumpkin to shine through, complemented by a delicate blend of warm spices and a touch of sweetness from sweetened condensed milk.
The texture is also key. This recipe delivers a silky smooth filling that’s neither too dense nor too runny. It’s the kind of pumpkin pie that melts in your mouth, leaving you wanting just one more slice. Plus, the recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients for the Perfect Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Pie
Before you start, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable pumpkin pie recipe by Pioneer Woman:
- Unbaked Pie Crust: 1 (9-inch) – You can use store-bought for convenience or homemade for an extra touch.
- Pumpkin Puree: 2 cups – Freshly roasted pumpkin puree is highly recommended for the best flavor, but canned pumpkin puree works well too.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 14 ounces – This adds sweetness and contributes to the pie’s creamy texture.
- Large Eggs: 2 – They bind the filling and add richness.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Ground Cloves: 1/4 teaspoon – Adds a warm, spicy note.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon – A classic pumpkin pie spice.
- Ground Ginger: 1/4 teaspoon – Provides a subtle zesty warmth.
- Ground Nutmeg: Pinch – Adds a hint of nutty spice.
- Salt: Pinch – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Evaporated Cane Juice (or sweetener of choice): 1/2 cup – Adjust to your sweetness preference.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Pie
Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Pioneer Woman pumpkin pie:
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Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out your unbaked pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie pan. Crimp the edges decoratively, or simply press them with a fork. Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and evaporated cane juice (or your chosen sweetener). Whisk all the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Mixing bowl with pumpkin pie filling ingredients being whisked together until smooth. -
Pour and Bake: Pour the pumpkin pie filling into the prepared pie crust. Carefully place the pie in the preheated oven.
Pouring the smooth pumpkin pie filling into the prepared pie crust in a pie pan. -
Baking Temperatures: Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 40-50 minutes.
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Check for Doneness: The pie is done when the filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with tin foil or a pie crust shield.
Checking the pumpkin pie for doneness by gently shaking it; the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. -
Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling time is approximately 1 hour. This allows the filling to set fully. Serve the Pioneer Woman pumpkin pie chilled or at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Slice of Pioneer Woman pumpkin pie with whipped cream on a plate, ready to be served.
Tips for an Extra Delicious Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Pie
- Fresh Pumpkin Puree is Best: While canned pumpkin puree is convenient, roasting your own pumpkin and making fresh puree truly elevates the flavor of this pie. The homemade puree has a richer, more nuanced taste that makes a noticeable difference.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to a dry or cracked pie. The pie is ready when the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. It will continue to set as it cools.
- Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, you can slightly increase the amounts of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. For a milder flavor, stick to the recipe amounts.
- Homemade Crust for Extra Credit: While this recipe works beautifully with store-bought crust, consider making your own pie crust from scratch for an even more impressive result. A flaky, buttery homemade crust complements the smooth pumpkin filling perfectly.
- Whipped Cream is a Must: A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream is the perfect accompaniment to this Pioneer Woman pumpkin pie. It adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess that balances the spiced pumpkin flavor.
Two slices of Pioneer Woman pumpkin pie with whipped cream, side by side, showcasing the pie's texture and color.
Make This Thanksgiving Memorable with Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Pie
This pumpkin pie recipe by Pioneer Woman is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of holiday tradition, made easy and delicious. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, a fall gathering, or simply craving a comforting slice of pie, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and get ready to impress everyone with your perfectly baked, utterly delicious pumpkin pie. Enjoy!
