Festive Spiced Pumpkin Pie

Name: Festive Spiced Pumpkin Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4–5 tablespoons cold water; 2 cups pumpkin puree; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

When autumn arrives, I find myself craving the rich, warm flavors of our Festive Spiced Pumpkin Pie. This recipe combines creamy pumpkin puree with aromatic spices that create a comforting and inviting dessert. I love the way the sweet and spicy notes mingle, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening at home. Baking this pie has become a cherished tradition in my family, and I can’t wait to share it with you! The crust is flaky, the filling is luscious, and it’s a true celebration of the season.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-03T20:06:27.445Z

Every holiday season, I make it a point to perfect my Festive Spiced Pumpkin Pie recipe. One of the highlights is the unique addition of a blend of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, which creates a cozy aroma while baking. When I took the first slice of the pie last year, the combination of flavors reminded me of childhood gatherings, and it immediately filled my home with warmth.

After several trials, I learned that blind-baking the crust helps it stay crisp, even when filled with the moist pumpkin mixture. My secret tip? Adding a hint of maple syrup to the filling elevates the sweetness and adds depth. Trust me; it’s an incredible touch!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Delicious blend of warm spices that evokes the spirit of fall
Creamy and smooth filling that melts in your mouth
Elegant dessert that impresses guests without being complicated
Perfect for holiday celebrations and family gatherings

      

The Importance of Ingredients

The choice of pumpkin puree is crucial in achieving the right flavor and texture for your Festive Spiced Pumpkin Pie. I recommend using canned pumpkin puree for convenience; just ensure it's 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast a sugar pumpkin until soft, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. This ensures you have a creamy, rich base for your pie that truly highlights autumn's essence.

Using fresh spices in this recipe can significantly enhance the flavor. Ground spices lose potency over time, so it's advisable to check their freshness before use. For an even richer flavor profile, consider freshly grating nutmeg and ginger. This not only enhances the aroma but also adds a complexity you simply can’t get from pre-ground options. Remember, quality ingredients will lead to a more delicious pie!

Achieving the Perfect Crust

A flaky pie crust serves as the perfect backdrop to the creamy pumpkin filling. When cutting in the cold butter into the flour, aim for pea-sized pieces; this will help create flaky layers. If the dough seems too dry and crumbles when you roll it out, don’t hesitate to add an extra tablespoon of cold water. It's crucial to handle the dough as little as possible to avoid a tough crust—when you gently mix it, you’re looking for just enough moisture to hold it together.

Blind baking is an essential step that prevents a soggy bottom crust. After pressing down the parchment paper filled with pie weights, take a peek at the edges during the second baking period; they should be a light golden brown. If the edges seem to be browning too quickly, cover them with foil to protect them. This extra step ensures a beautifully cooked foundation for the rich pumpkin filling.

Cooling and Serving Tips

Once your pie is out of the oven, allow it to cool to room temperature for at least 2 hours. This cooling period is essential as it allows the filling to set properly, ensuring clean slices when it's time to serve. If you’re short on time, refrigerating the pie can help speed up the setting process, but it's best served at room temperature to fully appreciate the flavors and textures.

For serving, I love to pair the pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds an extra festive touch. For an added layer of flavor, consider serving it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for crunch. These garnishes not only elevate the dessert visually but also enhance the taste, creating a truly memorable finale to your holiday meal.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
1/4 teaspoon salt
4–5 tablespoons cold water

For the Pumpkin Filling

2 cups pumpkin puree
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions

Prepare the Pie Crust

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture forms a ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Blind Bake the Crust

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Prick the bottom with a fork, cover with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden.

Make the Pumpkin Filling

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, brown sugar, eggs, spices, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth.

Combine and Bake

Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared crust. Bake for 30 minutes or until the filling is set. Let it cool before slicing.

Pro Tips

For an extra crispy pie crust, make sure your butter is very cold when mixing. You can also use a pre-made crust to save time.

Make-Ahead and Storage

The Festive Spiced Pumpkin Pie can be made a day in advance, which is perfect for holiday gatherings. Once baked, simply cover the pie with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This not only allows the flavors to deepen but also gives you one less thing to worry about on the day of your celebration. Just be sure to allow it to sit out for about 30 minutes before serving; this will bring back some of its warmth and enhance the flavors.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, it's best to place a piece of wax paper or parchment between the pie and the cover. If you want to keep the pie for longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Variations on Tradition

If you’re looking to add a twist to the traditional recipe, consider incorporating chocolate into the filling. Adding a 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips can create a delightful mocha flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices. Simply fold the chips into the filling just before pouring it into the crust. This variation is a great conversation starter and adds a unique spin to an age-old favorite.

For a healthier option, you can swap half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt. This will still give you a creamy texture while cutting back on the calories and adding a bit of tanginess. You could also substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a more natural sweetener option. Just keep in mind that it may subtly alter the pie’s flavor profile but will still create a delicious dessert.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

A common issue when making pumpkin pie is a watery filling, often due to excess moisture in the pumpkin puree. If you’re using homemade puree, make sure to drain it well through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve to remove any excess water. Additionally, using a glass pie pan allows you to monitor the crust's browning more easily, helping you avoid overcooking or undercooking the crust.

If your filling doesn’t set properly, ensure the oven temperature is accurate, as an oven that’s too cool can lead to undercooked filling. Another tip is to use a toothpick to check the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If you encounter cracks on the surface while baking, don’t worry! A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of nuts on the top can cover any minor imperfections beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, but you'll need to cook and puree the pumpkin first.

→ How can I tell when the pie is done?

The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center.

→ Can I make this pie in advance?

Absolutely! It can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

→ What should I serve with my pumpkin pie?

Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream are classic choices.