There’s something wonderfully comforting about a classic pumpkin pie, especially when it’s as fuss-free as this Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe. The creamy texture, warm spices, and flaky crust come together so effortlessly — you’ll be amazed at how simple holiday magic can be in just under an hour.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made pumpkin pies from scratch and from scratchier, but this easy version saved me countless times — especially when I needed a reliable dessert that tastes like tradition but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. It’s a total win for busy bakers and pumpkin lovers alike.
- No-fuss crust: Using store-bought refrigerated crust means you skip the tricky pie dough prep without sacrificing texture or flavor.
- Simple ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples and canned pumpkin make this pie super approachable.
- Perfectly spiced: Pumpkin pie spice blends ease the seasonings into the filling, making every bite cozy and balanced.
- Great for any skill level: Whether you’re a longtime baker or making your first pie, this recipe is totally doable and satisfying.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe plays a role in creating that classic fall flavor and creamy texture, plus the convenience factor can’t be overstated. Here’s a quick rundown of why these ingredients come together so well and some pointers for picking the best ones.
- Refrigerated pie crust: Saves prep time and still produces a buttery, flaky base—perfect if you’re short on time or not confident rolling dough.
- Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor control. It’s smooth and rich, forming the heart of the filling.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds creaminess and sweetness in one go—no need for extra sugar or cream.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and help the filling set with that custard-like firmness.
- Pumpkin pie spice: This magical blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves brings warmth and depth—if you don’t have it, mix your own using these spices!
- Salt: Just a pinch heightens all the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe is how inviting it is to tweak and personalize. Whether you like your pie a little spicier or want to lighten it up, there’s plenty of room to play. You can dive in and make the recipe yours without losing its comforting roots.
- Variation: I sometimes swap pumpkin pie spice with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for a fresher spice kick that feels homemade.
- Dietary tweak: For dairy-free, swap out sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk—it changes the flavor subtly but still works great.
- Crust options: I’ve tried gluten-free crusts too, and while the texture varies, the filling stays perfectly delicious.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven & Crust Ready
First things first — preheat your oven to 425°F and place the rack on the lowest position. While it’s warming up, take your refrigerated pie crust out and let it thaw according to the package directions. When ready, unroll the crust and fit it into your pie dish. I love folding the edges under just a bit and pressing gently with my fingertips to create a cute wavy border. It makes the pie look extra special without any fuss.
Step 2: Whisk the Filling Like a Pro
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk (don’t forget to scrape in any leftover milk from the can—that’s flavor gold), eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth and fully combined. This step is key for a silky texture—take your time to blend it well so you don’t end up with lumps or uneven spices.
Step 3: Bake It Right
Pour your luscious pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust, then give the dish a gentle wiggle to level it out. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips — this really helps keep your oven clean. If you’re worried about the crust edges browning too much, wrap them lightly with a strip of aluminum foil. Pop the pie into the oven on the lowest rack and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (don’t open the oven door too often!) and bake for another 35–40 minutes. The pie is done when the filling mostly sets and doesn’t jiggle at the center when you gently shake the pie dish.
Step 4: Cool & Serve
Once baked, transfer the pie to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. If you prefer chilled pie, after cooling, refrigerate it for about 2 hours. This waiting is tough, I know, but trust me — the filling firms up and the flavors deepen beautifully, making every bite divine.
Top Tip
I’ve learned a few things the hard way to get this pie just right — and I’m sharing my best tips to save you from common pitfalls. These small details will seriously level up your pumpkin pie game and make sure you get that perfect slice every time.
- Edge protection: Cover those crust edges with foil halfway through baking if you notice them browning too fast — it keeps them golden, not burnt.
- Don’t overbake: The pie will continue setting as it cools, so take it out when it just stops wobbling in the center to avoid a dry texture.
- Mix thoroughly: Whisk the filling until it’s smooth and silky—this helps the spices blend evenly and the texture stay creamy.
- Let it cool: I know it’s tempting, but slicing too soon leads to messy cuts. Wait until it’s fully cool for clean, beautiful slices.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Garnishes
My go-to garnish has to be a dollop of softly whipped cream with a light sprinkle of cinnamon on top. It’s the perfect balance to that rich pumpkin custard. Sometimes, I toast a few pecan halves and scatter those over the whipped cream for a lovely crunch and nutty contrast.
Side Dishes
I love serving this pumpkin pie after a cozy autumn meal — think roasted turkey or glazed ham with maple-roasted vegetables. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with tart cranberries and candied walnuts pairs surprisingly well, balancing the richness of the pie.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I like to cut the pie into smaller, bite-sized squares and serve on festive platters with various toppings nearby: caramel drizzle, chopped nuts, and cinnamon sticks. It’s an easy way to let guests customize their slices and makes the presentation a conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your pumpkin pie is completely cooled, I tightly cover it with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for about 3 to 4 days. I always make sure to slice gently with a sharp knife to preserve those neat edges after chilling.
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftover pumpkin pie successfully a few times. To do this, wrap the whole pie or individual slices with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge—texture might be slightly softer, but the flavor remains wonderful.
Reheating
If you want a warm slice, I gently reheat the pie in a 300°F oven for about 10–15 minutes, tented with foil to avoid drying out the crust. This way, you get that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel without overcooking the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Homemade crust works great, but I recommend partially blind baking it first to avoid a soggy bottom since the filling is quite wet. This step helps ensure a crispier crust.
No worries! You can easily make your own by mixing 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ginger, and ¼ teaspoon cloves. It tastes just as wonderful and fresh.
The pie is ready when the filling is mostly set and doesn’t jiggle in the center if you gently shake the pie dish. It might still have a slight wobble, but it will firm up as it cools, so avoid overbaking to keep it creamy.
Yes! This pie actually tastes great when made a few hours or even a day ahead. Just cool it completely, then refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature or chill longer before serving, depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe is a total keeper in my kitchen rotation — its simple steps and comforting results feel like a cozy hug from the inside out. Whether it’s your first pie or your twentieth, this recipe will make you feel confident and proud with every slice you serve. Give it a try and enjoy a little slice of seasonal joy that’s as easy as pumpkin pie can be.
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Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 46 minutes
- Total Time: 56 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic and easy pumpkin pie recipe featuring a smooth pumpkin filling baked in a flaky refrigerated pie crust, perfect for fall desserts and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust (store-bought)
Filling
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven rack in the lowest position and heat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Thaw the chilled pie crust as per package directions, unroll it, and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Decorate edges by folding them under slightly and pressing between fingertips to create a wavy design if desired.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk (scrape out any excess from the can), eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pie crust and gently wiggle the dish to level the filling evenly. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any spills and optionally cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Bake Initially: Transfer the baking sheet with the pie to the preheated oven on the lowest rack. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes to set the crust and start cooking the filling.
- Reduce Temperature and Continue Baking: Without removing the pie, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, until the filling is almost set and no longer jiggles when moved.
- Cool Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool at least 2 hours at room temperature to allow it to fully set.
- Optional Chilling: For a chilled serving, after cooling 1 hour at room temperature, transfer the pie to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 2 hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use a homemade pie crust if preferred; a partial blind bake is recommended to prevent sogginess with the wet filling.
- If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, substitute with a blend of 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ginger, and ¼ teaspoon cloves.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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