How to Make Real Pumpkin Pie from Scratch

Fall is the season of pumpkins! The crisp air and the scent of fallen leaves bring with them the wonderful aroma of pumpkin pies. For many households, it is an annual tradition to bake a delicious pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or simply as a treat for the family. However, if you’re bored of the pre-made pumpkin pies available at every store, it’s time to try making one from scratch. Not only is it a fun activity to do with your family and friends, but it’s also easy to make! You may be surprised to learn just how simple it is to make a pumpkin pie from a real pumpkin.

People often use canned pumpkin puree to make a pie, but using a real pumpkin is always a better choice. It’s healthier, more natural, and tastier than pre-packaged mashed pumpkin. Some people may find the task of making a pumpkin pie from scratch daunting, but it’s a fun way to bond with your family and friends. In this article, we will show you how to make a delicious pumpkin pie from a real pumpkin that everyone in the family will love.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you can start making your pumpkin pie, you’ll need to gather all of your ingredients. You’ll need the following:

• 1 sugar pumpkin (or 3 cups of pumpkin puree)
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 eggs
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Once you have all of your ingredients, it’s time to get started!

Cut, Clean, and Cook Your Pumpkin

The first step in making pumpkin pie from a real pumpkin is to cut, clean, and cook your pumpkin. Here’s how to do it:

1. Cut your sugar pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds and stringy parts.
2. Place the pumpkin halves cut side down on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes or until the flesh is soft.
3. Once the pumpkin is cooked, let it cool and then scoop out the flesh.
4. Mash the pumpkin flesh with a fork or puree it in a food processor until smooth. You’ll need 3 cups of pumpkin puree for this recipe.

Make Your Pie Crust

Next, it’s time to make your pie crust. Here’s what you need to do:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves.
2. Add 1/2 cup of chilled unsalted butter and use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add 2-4 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together in a ball.
4. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a circle that’s about 12 inches in diameter.
5. Transfer the crust to a 9-inch pie dish and trim the edges. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

Make Your Filling

Now it’s time to make the pumpkin pie filling. Here’s how:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 eggs until they’re light and fluffy.
2. Add 3 cups of pumpkin puree, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Mix well.
3. Pour the filling into the chilled pie crust.

Bake Your Pie

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Here’s how to bake your pumpkin pie:

1. Place your pie on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
2. Reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 45-60 minutes or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pumpkin Pie

Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect pumpkin pie:

• Use a sugar pumpkin or other pie pumpkin instead of a Halloween pumpkin for the best flavor.
• Roast the pumpkin instead of boiling it for better flavor and texture.
• Add a pinch of salt to your pie filling to enhance the flavor.
• Chill your pie crust before baking to prevent it from shrinking.

Conclusion

Making pumpkin pie from a real pumpkin is a fun and delicious way to celebrate the fall season. With a few simple steps, you can create a homemade pumpkin pie that’s sure to impress your friends and family. So go ahead and give it a try!

Gathering the Ingredients

Now that you have your pumpkin ready to go, you will need to gather up the rest of your ingredients. Making a homemade pumpkin pie can be a fun way to use fresh ingredients that you may not have used before. Here is a list of the ingredients you will need:

1. Sugar

White granulated sugar is perfect for this recipe, and you will need one cup of it.

2. Salt

You will need half a teaspoon of salt to help balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavor of the pumpkin pie.

3. Ground cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the spices that makes pumpkin pie so delicious. You will need one teaspoon of ground cinnamon for this recipe.

4. Ground ginger

Ground ginger adds a warm, spicy flavor to the pumpkin pie. You will need half a teaspoon of ground ginger.

5. Ground cloves

Ground cloves are another spice that adds depth to the pumpkin pie. You will need a quarter of a teaspoon of ground cloves.

6. Eggs

You will need two large eggs for the pumpkin pie filling.

7. Evaporated milk

Evaporated milk is a key ingredient in pumpkin pie. You will need one can (12 ounces) of evaporated milk.

8. Pie crust

You can make your own pie crust from scratch or use a store-bought one. You will need one unbaked 9-inch pie crust.

9. Whipped cream (optional)

Whipped cream is the perfect finishing touch to a delicious pumpkin pie. You can make your own whipped cream or use store-bought.

10. Butter (optional)

You can add butter to the pumpkin pie filling to make it richer and creamier. You will need two tablespoons of butter.

Finding the Perfect Pumpkin for Your Pie

When it comes to making a pumpkin pie from scratch, choosing the right pumpkin is crucial. Not all pumpkins are created equal, and it’s important to select the right one in order to ensure the best possible flavor. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a pumpkin for your pie:

1. Use a Pie Pumpkin

While it may be tempting to grab any old pumpkin you see at the grocery store or pumpkin patch, not all pumpkins are suited for baking. Look for a pumpkin that is labeled specifically as a “pie pumpkin.” These are smaller pumpkins that are sweeter and less stringy than the larger pumpkins used for carving.

2. Look for a Firm, Uniform Pumpkin

Choose a pumpkin that is firm and free of bruises or soft spots. The pumpkin should feel heavy for its size, indicating that it has a thick flesh, which is ideal for pie making. The pumpkin should also be uniform in shape to ensure even cooking.

3. Check the Stem

The stem is a good indicator of the freshness of the pumpkin. Look for pumpkins with a green stem that is firmly attached to the pumpkin. A dry or brittle stem can be a sign that the pumpkin is old or may have been mishandled.

4. Clean and Prepare the Pumpkin

Once you have your pumpkin, it’s time to start preparing it for your pie. Cut off the stem and slice the pumpkin in half. Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits with a spoon. You can save the seeds for snacking or roasting later on.

5. Roast the Pumpkin

To roast the pumpkin, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the pumpkin halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the flesh is soft and easily pierced with a fork. Let the pumpkin cool, then scoop out the flesh and puree it in a food processor or blender.

Now that you have your pumpkin puree, it’s time to move on to the next step in making your homemade pumpkin pie!

Enjoy Your Homemade Pumpkin Pie

We hope that this article has helped you in making your very own pumpkin pie from a real pumpkin. Nothing beats the taste of a homemade pie made with fresh ingredients. Don’t forget to share your delicious creation with your friends and family this Thanksgiving. Thank you for reading and be sure to visit us again for more fun food ideas and recipes!