Get ready to transform your kitchen into a fall flavor paradise with this mouthwatering Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Topping! Imagine a velvety smooth pumpkin custard nestled in a perfectly flaky crust, crowned with a crunchy, toasted pecan topping that will make your taste buds dance. This isn't just a dessert - it's a seasonal celebration that promises to become the star of your holiday table, delivering a symphony of warm spices and rich, comforting textures that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the oven rack in the center of the oven to ensure even baking.
- Prepare the pie crust by gently pressing it into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges decoratively. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Add ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and salt to the pumpkin mixture. Whisk thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the filling.
- Remove the pie crust from the refrigerator and pour the pumpkin filling into the unbaked crust, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake the pie for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The edges of the crust should be golden brown.
- While the pie is baking, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Remove the pie from the oven and immediately sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly over the top of the pie.
- Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 2-3 hours. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
- For best flavor and texture, refrigerate the pie for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature with whipped cream if desired.
Tips
- Crust Confidence: For an extra-flaky crust, keep all ingredients ice-cold and handle the dough minimally.
- Spice Wisdom: Use fresh, high-quality ground spices for the most vibrant flavor. If your spices are more than 6 months old, consider replacing them.
- Pecan Toasting Trick: Toast pecans just until fragrant and lightly golden to enhance their nutty flavor without burning.
- Baking Precision: Use the "wiggle test" - the pie should be slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the oven, as it will continue setting while cooling.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This pie actually tastes better the next day, so feel free to prepare it in advance for stress-free entertaining.
- Serving Suggestion: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes this pie from delicious to absolutely divine!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 115mg
