Easy Pumpkin Pie

Enjoy this traditional, heartwarming and sweet dessert recipe, coveted by homes across America particularly during the fall season. While it is not difficult to make one’s own pie crust, our recipe embraces the shortcut of using a prepared pie crust found in the refrigerator section of your grocery store. Make your own or accept a little help – Makes no matter as this recipe focuses on the delicious flavor of the pumpkin pie filling!

Basic pumpkin pie recipe

Serves 8

Ingredients:

• One (9-inch) store-bought refrigerated pie crust
• ¾ cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 (15 oz.) can pure pumpkin puree, (not sweetened)
• 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
• 3 large eggs, room temperature

*If desired, after filling and prior to baking, brush the edge of the pie crust with an egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with a teaspoon of water or milk). This gives the pastry a golden finish.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400° F. Place the premade pie crust in a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan. Set it aside. In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, orange zest, spices, and salt. Add the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, and eggs. Whisk until well blended. Pour mixture into the pie shell. Bake for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350° F. Continue baking for 35 to 40 minutes until the filling is lightly puffed and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Watch carefully and avoid under or overbaking. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Baker tips:  If baking one day ahead, cover and refrigerate pie until ready to serve. Serve with ice cream or whipped topping. Also, refrigerate leftovers. When using homemade pie crust, consider blind-bake options for a flaky and crisp crust.

Good to know: Per Women’s Health Magazine, pumpkins are packed with vitamin A and are a good source of vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, and copper. Each of these provides important nutrients to support overall health. Thus, pumpkins may be considered a fall season superfood. If you love pumpkin, check out our recipe for pumpkin pancakes.