Name: Fresh Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 batch dough for single-crust pie (butter pie pastry recommended); Cold butter (quantity as per recipe, approximately 1/2 cup or 1 stick); Flour (about 1 1/4 cups); Salt (1/4 teaspoon); Ice-cold water (3 to 5 tablespoons); 1 medium pie pumpkin; 2 large eggs; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 cup 2% milk; Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 90 reviews

If you’ve been dreaming of that perfect, seasonal dessert that brings warmth and comfort with every bite, look no further than this Fresh Pumpkin Pie Recipe. Capturing the rich, earthy flavor of homemade pumpkin puree combined with fragrant spices and a buttery flaky crust, this pie is truly the epitome of autumn bliss. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a home cook eager to try something new, this pie promises to deliver a true taste of fall that will have everyone asking for seconds—and thirds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A pair of woman's hands hold a white bowl tilted over a white pie dish on a white marbled surface, pouring a thick, orange-brown liquid filling into the empty pie crust that has a crimped edge. A folded white and blue striped cloth sits next to the dish, and the person wears a gray long-sleeve shirt and dark pants. The background is plain light green. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Fresh Pumpkin Pie Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create a balanced harmony of taste, texture, and color. The simplicity of the components truly lets the fresh pumpkin shine, while each spice lends a cozy note and the pie crust offers a tender, flaky base for the luscious filling.

Dough for single-crust pie: Serves as the tender, buttery foundation holding the filling perfectly.
1 medium pie pumpkin: The star of the show, providing fresh pumpkin flavor and natural sweetness.
2 large eggs: Bind the filling together and add richness and structure.
3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and helps balance the pumpkin’s earthiness.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice that feels like a hug in a bite.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing with peppery undertones.
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way in adding depth and complexity.
1 cup 2% milk: Provides creaminess and smoothness to the filling.
Whipped cream, optional: The perfect light, airy finish to each slice.

How to Make Fresh Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pumpkin

Start by giving the pumpkin a thorough wash and drying it well. Cut it in half carefully, then scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp just like carving a jack-o’-lantern! Rinse inside the scooped halves and pat dry with a towel. Here’s a friendly tip: don’t discard those seeds—you can roast them for a crunchy, salty snack later, adding an extra touch of pumpkin magic to your kitchen.

Step 2: Cook the Pumpkin

Place the pumpkin halves cut-side down into a microwave-safe dish, add about an inch of water, and cover it up. Microwave on high for 15 to 18 minutes or until the flesh is tender to the touch. If you prefer, roasting the pumpkin in a 375ºF oven for about an hour works beautifully too, offering a slightly caramelized flavor while softening the flesh for pureeing.

Step 3: Puree the Pumpkin

Once cooled enough to handle, scoop out the pumpkin flesh, discarding the rind. For the smoothest consistency, pulse the pumpkin flesh in a food processor or blender, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides. Your goal is a velvety, lump-free puree that will create that silky filling we all crave. No processor? No worries—mashing with a potato masher works just fine, giving a rustic texture full of charm.

Step 4: Make the Pumpkin Pie Filling

Mix 1 and 3/4 cups of your freshly pureed pumpkin with eggs, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Whisk these together until everything is smooth and fragrant. Gradually add the milk, continuing to whisk so that the filling becomes luxuriously creamy and perfectly blended.

Step 5: Prepare the Pie Crust

If you want to save time, a store-bought pie crust can be a trusty companion here, but homemade crust is where the love shines through. Use cold butter and ice-cold water to make a flaky dough that comes together just right—crumbly but holds when pressed. Chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes; this resting step is key to that irresistible flaky texture everyone raves about.

Step 6: Roll Out the Pie Crust

Once chilled, roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s just large enough to cover your pie dish. Feel free to get creative with the crust edges—simple fork crimps, finger pinches, or even cute cookie-cutter cutouts make your pie look as delightful as it tastes!

Step 7: Fill and Bake

Pour your spiced pumpkin filling into the prepared crust, smoothing it out evenly. Bake at 425ºF for 15 minutes at first, then reduce the oven to 350ºF and bake for an additional 40 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust, protecting edges with aluminum foil if they start to brown too quickly. When done, your pie should be set but still have a slight wobble in the center—this ensures a creamy texture waiting to be enjoyed once cooled.

How to Serve Fresh Pumpkin Pie Recipe

A round pumpkin pie with a thick golden-brown crust sits on a white marbled surface. In the center, the pie filling is a smooth, deep orange color showing a slight shine. Around the edge of the filling, there is a ring of white whipped cream dollops, each with a soft, swirled texture. The pie has one small slice cut, visible by a straight line in the middle of the filling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Every slice of this Fresh Pumpkin Pie Recipe shines with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream on top. For an extra special touch, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on the whipped cream adds a fragrant, pretty finish that makes each forkful all the more inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair your pumpkin pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a delightful balance. For a cozy meal, consider serving it after a comforting bowl of soup or a roasted autumn vegetable platter—this pie will round off any meal with sweet satisfaction.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of a traditional wedge, try baking mini pumpkin pies in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. Or create a layered pumpkin parfait using pie filling, whipped cream, and crushed graham crackers for an easy no-bake alternative that bursts with pumpkin pie flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Fresh Pumpkin Pie Recipe, store any leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days—giving you plenty of reasons to savor every bite a little longer.

Freezing

You can freeze the pumpkin pie either before or after baking. Wrap it securely in plastic and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When frozen, it’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving chilled.

Reheating

To warm slices of pie, gently heat them in a low oven (about 300ºF) for 10 to 15 minutes, or microwave briefly for 20 to 30 seconds. Reheating brings back that freshly baked feeling and ensures every bite is just as comforting as the first.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While the Fresh Pumpkin Pie Recipe shines with homemade puree, high-quality canned pumpkin works excellently and saves time without sacrificing much flavor.

What type of pumpkin is best for pie?

Pie pumpkins, also called sugar pumpkins, are smaller, sweeter, and less watery than carving pumpkins, making them perfect for a silky pie filling in this recipe.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Blind baking the crust slightly before adding the filling or brushing the crust with beaten egg white can create a barrier to keep it crisp and flaky.

Can I make this pie vegan?

Yes! Substitute eggs with flax or chia eggs, use plant-based milk instead of dairy, and opt for a vegan pie crust to make this fresh pumpkin pie recipe fully plant-based.

Why does the pie filling sometimes crack?

Rapid temperature changes or overbaking can cause cracking. Baking at the recommended temperatures and allowing the pie to cool gradually at room temperature helps maintain a smooth surface.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Pumpkin Pie Recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a delicious tradition that invites warmth, creativity, and a little kitchen joy. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or a cozy weekend treat, it promises to become a beloved favorite. So go ahead, bake a pie that fills your home with that unmistakable aroma and enjoy the comforting taste of fall in every heavenly forkful.