Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Introduction

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Pie Recipe is a beloved family classic, known for its smooth, velvety texture and warm spices that perfectly balance the natural sweetness of pumpkin. The rich filling sits atop a flaky, homemade crust, making every bite a comforting reminder of holidays and family gatherings. It’s one of those recipes passed down through generations, cherished for its simplicity and irresistible flavor.

What I love most about this pumpkin pie is its timelessness. I remember helping Grandma mix the filling as a child, the kitchen smelling of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and knowing that we were about to enjoy something truly special. The familiar combination of spices, sugar, and pumpkin always felt like the true taste of fall. Every time I make this pie, it’s as if I’m passing down a piece of my family’s traditions, evoking memories of generations past.

Not only is this pie delicious, but it’s also remarkably easy to prepare. It requires just a few basic ingredients, but the flavor is anything but basic. Whether it’s for a holiday feast, a cozy autumn afternoon, or just because you’re craving something nostalgic, this pie has a way of making any occasion feel like a celebration.

Perfect For

This Pumpkin Pie is perfect for fall celebrations, including Thanksgiving, Halloween, or cozy dinners. It’s also a wonderful dessert for any special occasion or just when you’re in the mood for a classic, comforting treat. This pie will remind everyone of the traditions and flavors of home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the pumpkin.
Homemade Crust: The buttery, flaky crust is the perfect complement to the creamy pumpkin filling, offering the ideal texture contrast.
Timeless Dessert: This recipe is tried and true, passed down for generations and cherished for its authentic, old-fashioned taste.
Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry ingredients, this pie is easy to prepare yet full of rich, decadent flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories Per Serving: Approximately 320 calories
Key Nutrients Per Serving:
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 19g

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
2-4 tbsp ice water (as needed)

For the Pumpkin Pie Filling:

2 cups canned pumpkin puree
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt

Ingredient Highlights

Canned Pumpkin Puree: Provides a smooth, creamy base for the filling, offering that classic pumpkin flavor.
Evaporated Milk: Gives the pie filling its creamy texture, making it rich and indulgent without being overly sweet.
Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves infuses the pie with warm, aromatic flavors, perfect for the fall season.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pie Crust:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough starts to come together. You may not need all of the water.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times until it comes together into a smooth ball.
Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges.
Place the pie crust in the fridge to chill for 15 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Preparing the Pumpkin Pie Filling:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, and all of the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt).
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.

Baking the Pie:

Bake the pumpkin pie in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
If the crust begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges of the pie with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to firm up.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious homemade pumpkin pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. It’s perfect as a sweet finish to a hearty meal or as a holiday dessert to share with friends and family. The rich, creamy pumpkin filling pairs beautifully with coffee or hot cider as a cozy dessert option.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: You can prepare this pie a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap.
Adding a Crunch: If you enjoy a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the pie filling before baking.
Spices Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your personal taste. For a slightly different flavor, add a pinch of allspice or cardamom.

Recipe Variations

Dairy-Free Version:
- For those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, you can easily make this pie without sacrificing flavor or texture. Simply replace the evaporated milk with coconut milk, almond milk, or any other dairy-free milk of your choice. Coconut milk, in particular, works wonderfully as it adds a subtle coconut flavor and richness, making the pie just as creamy and satisfying. Almond milk is another great option that provides a neutral taste without overpowering the flavors of the pumpkin. With this dairy-free version, you can still enjoy the silky, spiced pumpkin filling in all its glory, without the dairy.
Gluten-Free Version:
- For those who are sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, it’s easy to make this pie gluten-free by simply using a gluten-free pie crust. There are many great pre-made gluten-free pie crusts available in stores, or you can make your own using gluten-free flour blends. These pie crusts offer a crispy, flaky texture similar to traditional crusts, ensuring that the pie maintains its integrity. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, so the only adjustment you need to make is to substitute the crust. This option ensures that those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy a delicious slice of pumpkin pie without worrying about gluten.
Pumpkin Spice:
- If you’re looking for an even easier version of this pumpkin pie, you can replace the individual spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—with pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice. This spice blend is widely available and already contains a perfect balance of the key spices that make pumpkin pie so comforting and fragrant. Using pumpkin pie spice not only saves time on measuring out individual spices, but it also ensures a consistent and balanced flavor profile every time you make the pie. If you’re pressed for time or just want to simplify the process, this is a convenient way to achieve that warm, spiced flavor everyone loves.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: This pie can be stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze this pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. To thaw, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Special Equipment

9-inch pie dish
Rolling pin
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Pastry cutter

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but be sure to cook and strain the pumpkin to get a smooth, creamy texture before using it in the filling.

Q: Why is my pumpkin pie runny?
A: The pie may need to bake longer, or it may not have had enough time to cool. Ensure the filling is set before removing it from the oven, and allow ample cooling time to firm up the filling.

Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a pre-made pie crust works just as well for this recipe.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Pie is a timeless dessert that offers the perfect blend of warm spices and creamy pumpkin filling. Its rich, comforting flavor makes it a beloved treat, especially during the fall and holiday seasons. This pie is a must-have for any family gathering or festive occasion, and it’s sure to evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth with every bite.

This classic recipe is simple to make yet incredibly satisfying. The smooth filling and flaky crust come together to create a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting. You can personalize it by topping it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.

Take a moment to enjoy this homemade masterpiece, and don’t forget to snap a picture to share on Instagram—tag me, and let’s celebrate your baking success together! Happy baking!