Pumpkin pie. The quintessential Thanksgiving dessert. Its warm spice, smooth texture, and comforting sweetness are synonymous with fall gatherings and holiday cheer. If you’re on the hunt for a pumpkin pie recipe that will impress your family and friends this Thanksgiving, look no further than the Pioneer Woman. Ree Drummond, known for her approachable and delicious home cooking, has a pumpkin pie recipe that consistently earns rave reviews. This isn’t just any pumpkin pie; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
This recipe, adapted from Ree Drummond’s cookbook, “The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays,” takes the classic pumpkin pie to the next level. It’s all about quality ingredients and straightforward instructions, ensuring a pie that’s both impressive and easy to create. Forget overly complicated recipes – this Pioneer Woman pumpkin pie recipe focuses on delivering exceptional flavor and texture with simple techniques. Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Pioneer Woman or simply searching for the ultimate pumpkin pie, this recipe is your ticket to Thanksgiving dessert perfection.
Close-up of a slice of pumpkin pie with a fork, showcasing the smooth texture and rich color.
Why is this Pioneer Woman pumpkin pie recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of spices, the creamy filling, and the reliable results. Many pumpkin pie recipes can be bland or too sweet, but this one hits just the right notes. The use of sweetened condensed milk contributes to a rich and decadent texture, while the blend of cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg creates that signature warm spice profile we all crave in a pumpkin pie. And unlike some pies that can be finicky, this recipe is known for its consistent success, giving you confidence when you’re baking for a holiday feast.
If you’ve always relied on store-bought pumpkin pie or canned pumpkin filling and desire to elevate your baking game, this Pioneer Woman recipe is the ideal starting point. While using canned pumpkin puree is perfectly acceptable and convenient, consider taking it a step further by roasting your own pumpkin for an even more intense and fresh pumpkin flavor. (You can find a guide on making homemade roasted pumpkin puree, linked below). However, even with canned pumpkin, this recipe delivers exceptional results.
Let’s dive into the details of crafting this delicious Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Pie.
Ingredients for the Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Pie
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry, making it a convenient choice for holiday baking. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 Unbaked Pie Crust: You can use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe or a store-bought crust for convenience. Ree Drummond herself is known to use store-bought crusts sometimes, emphasizing practicality in home cooking.
- 2 cups Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly, or use homemade roasted pumpkin puree for an enhanced flavor.
- 14 ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is a key ingredient for the creamy texture and sweetness of the pie.
- 2 Large Eggs: To bind the filling and add richness.
- 1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract: For a touch of warm vanilla flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves: Adds a warm, pungent spice note.
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential pumpkin pie spice, providing warmth and sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger: Adds a zesty, slightly spicy kick.
- Pinch of Ground Nutmeg: Complements the other spices with its warm, nutty flavor.
- Pinch of Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup Evaporated Cane Juice (or sweetener of choice): Adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can also use granulated sugar or brown sugar.
Step-by-Step Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Following these simple steps will lead you to pumpkin pie perfection. The Pioneer Woman’s recipes are known for their clarity, and this one is no exception.
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Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out your pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie pan. Crimp the edges or decorate them as desired for a professional look. Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling. Preheating the oven to 425 degrees F (220 C) at this stage ensures it’s ready when you are.
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Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine all the filling ingredients: pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and sweetener. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This ensures a consistent texture in your baked pie.
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Assemble and Bake: Pour the pumpkin pie filling into the prepared pie crust. Carefully place the pie in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes at 425 degrees F (220 C). This initial high temperature helps to set the crust.
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Reduce Heat and Continue Baking: After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 C). Continue baking for an additional 40-50 minutes. The pie is done when the filling is no longer wet and appears set, but still slightly jiggly in the very center when gently shaken. If you notice the crust browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with tin foil or use a pie crust shield to prevent burning.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the pumpkin pie to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is crucial for the filling to fully set and for the flavors to meld. Serve the pie cold or at room temperature, as per your preference. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is highly recommended to complement the spiced pumpkin flavor.
Overhead shot of a whole pumpkin pie in a pie dish, with a golden brown crust and smooth filling, ready to be served.
Tips for the Perfect Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Pie
- Homemade Pumpkin Puree: For the most flavorful pie, consider making your own roasted pumpkin puree. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and depth of flavor in pumpkin. [Link to a guide on homemade roasted pumpkin puree].
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to a cracked and dry pumpkin pie. Bake until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. The pie will continue to set as it cools.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a spicier pie, you can slightly increase the amounts of cinnamon, ginger, or cloves.
- Blind Baking the Crust: If you are concerned about a soggy bottom crust, you can blind bake the pie crust for about 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. This helps to pre-cook the crust and ensure it stays crisp.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Pioneer Woman pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s also delicious on its own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Pumpkin pie is a fantastic make-ahead dessert, perfect for the busy Thanksgiving holiday. You can bake the pie a day or two in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld overnight.
Leftover pumpkin pie should also be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3-4 days.
Enjoy Your Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Pie
This Pioneer Woman pumpkin pie recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to creating warm memories and delicious traditions. Its simplicity and guaranteed deliciousness make it a winner for any Thanksgiving celebration. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to impress everyone with your homemade pumpkin pie. Happy baking and Happy Thanksgiving!
