Pumpkin pie. Just the words conjure up images of cozy Thanksgiving gatherings, the scent of cinnamon and spice filling the air, and the sweet, smooth taste that signals the start of the holiday season. For many, pumpkin pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a tradition. And when it comes to reliable, delicious, and crowd-pleasing recipes, you can always trust the Pioneer Woman. This recipe, inspired by Ree Drummond’s classic approach to home cooking, delivers a truly perfect pumpkin pie that will be the star of your Thanksgiving table.
Close-up shot of a slice of pumpkin pie with a fork, showcasing the smooth texture and rich color.
What makes this pumpkin pie recipe stand out? It’s all about simplicity and quality ingredients. Just like the Pioneer Woman herself, this recipe emphasizes straightforward techniques and real flavors. You won’t find any complicated steps or fancy ingredients here, just honest-to-goodness goodness that results in a pie that is both comforting and impressive. This isn’t an overly sweet, cloying dessert; instead, it’s a balanced blend of pumpkin spice and creamy sweetness that lets the true flavor of pumpkin shine.
One of the secrets to an exceptional pumpkin pie, as any experienced baker will tell you, is starting with great pumpkin puree. While canned pumpkin is convenient, roasting your own pumpkin puree, just as the Pioneer Woman might advocate for fresh, homemade goodness, elevates the flavor to a whole new level. The depth and richness of fresh pumpkin puree are simply unmatched, lending a nuanced sweetness and smoother texture to the pie filling. If you’re feeling ambitious, consider making your own roasted pumpkin puree for this recipe – the extra effort is truly worth it.
Overhead view of a freshly baked pumpkin pie in a pie dish, highlighting the golden-brown crust and smooth, even filling.
The recipe itself is wonderfully simple, a hallmark of Pioneer Woman recipes. It combines pumpkin puree with sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and a blend of warm spices like cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This combination creates a filling that is both rich and perfectly spiced, hitting all the right notes for a classic pumpkin pie. The use of sweetened condensed milk contributes to the pie’s smooth and creamy texture, ensuring every slice is a delight.
For the crust, while the original blogger humorously admits to a challenging relationship with pie crusts, a good pie crust is essential. Whether you opt for a store-bought crust for convenience or decide to make your own from scratch, ensure it’s a reliable recipe that will bake up golden brown and flaky. A sturdy crust is the perfect vessel for the luscious pumpkin filling.
Slightly angled shot of a pumpkin pie, focusing on the crimped edges of the pie crust and the glossy surface of the pumpkin filling.
Baking this Pioneer Woman inspired pumpkin pie is straightforward. A two-step baking process, starting at a higher temperature to set the crust and then lowering it to finish cooking the filling, ensures a perfectly baked pie with no soggy bottom. The key is to bake it until the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center – this guarantees a moist and creamy interior.
Close-up detail of the spices used in pumpkin pie, such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger, arranged artfully.
Pumpkin pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of Thanksgiving, family, and home. And this recipe, with its Pioneer Woman-esque simplicity and focus on flavor, is the perfect way to bring that comforting spirit to your holiday table. Imagine serving warm slices of this pie, topped with a dollop of whipped cream, to your loved ones. It’s a classic dessert that never fails to please, and this version is sure to become a family favorite.
A slice of pumpkin pie being lifted from the pie dish with a pie server, showing the pie's firm yet tender texture.
So, this Thanksgiving, skip the stress and embrace the simplicity of this Pioneer Woman inspired pumpkin pie recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, you can confidently create a pumpkin pie that rivals any bakery version. Get ready to enjoy the taste of fall and the warmth of the holidays with every slice of this perfect pumpkin pie.
A whole pumpkin pie on a rustic wooden surface, garnished with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, in a cozy, autumnal setting.
For the full recipe details, including ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions, refer to the recipe card below. Happy baking, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Perfect Pumpkin Pie Recipe
This pumpkin pie, inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s style, is perfectly smooth, rich, and sweet.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: holiday, Pie, Pumpkin Pie Pioneer Woman, Thanksgiving, fall dessert
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Author: Inspired by Pioneer Woman Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 2 cups pumpkin puree, fresh or canned
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, homemade or canned
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- pinch of ground nutmeg
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup evaporated cane juice or sweetener of choice
Instructions
- Roll out your pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie pan. Crimp the edges or decorate as desired. Place in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 C).
- Place all of the filling ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until nice and smooth. Pour into the prepared pie crust and slip into your preheated oven.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 C). Bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until the filling isn’t wet, but still moves a bit in the middle when jiggled. If the crust is getting too brown for your liking you can always cover it with tin foil or a pie crust shield.
- Cool the pie and serve cold or at room temperature, whichever you prefer. Whipped cream is a MUST.
Recipe Notes
Adapted from classic pumpkin pie recipes and inspired by the straightforward style of the Pioneer Woman.
For an enhanced flavor, use homemade roasted pumpkin puree.
Consider using a homemade pie crust recipe for the best results.
