Experimentation has its place, but so does tradition. If you’re looking for a classic homemade pumpkin pie recipe with a velvety custard and flaky crust, you’ve come to the right place. Our favorite homemade pie crust recipe makes enough dough for two pies, so feel free to double up the filling ingredients and bake them off side by side—or save the dough for a companion pecan pie. If you’re short on time, you can always sub in a ready-made frozen pie crust. Either way you’ll need to blind-bake the crust; if you’re unfamiliar with the technique, consult our guide.
Perfect pumpkin pie filling starts with pure pumpkin purée. Use unsweetened canned pumpkin (Libby’s won our canned pumpkin taste test a few years back) or roast and purée fresh pumpkin. Avoid packaged pumpkin pie mix, which may have unwanted sweeteners and other flavorings. We also avoid store-bought pumpkin pie spice to better control the balance, but if that’s what you keep on hand, feel free to substitute about 2 tsp. of the mix for the spices below.
If you’re making the pie the night before Thanksgiving, you can leave it out on the counter. Any longer and you’ll want to stick it in the fridge (or you can freeze pumpkin pie for up to three months). As for leftovers, have them for breakfast the following morning, whipped cream optional.
Recipe notes
Back to topSee Related Recipes and Cooking Tips
23 Easy Pie Recipes for Low-Effort, High-Reward Desserts
There’s a reason they say, “easy as pie,” you know?The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App in November 2024
Like sheet-pan gnocchi, tandoori chicken, and squash kale salad.61 Easy Thanksgiving Recipes for a Less-Stressful Feast
These easy-to-prepare recipes will ensure a delicious holiday.58 Pie Recipes to Bake Tonight
Or whenever the mood strikes.29 Pumpkin Desserts to Bake Your Way Through Fall
Pie is just the start.43 Thanksgiving Pies Worthy of Your Holiday Table
Just add whipped cream.41 Timeless Recipes From ‘Gourmet’ to Make This Thanksgiving
Let these recipes grace your table this year.Our 31 Best Pumpkin Pie Recipes
From old-school to new-fangled, our favorite recipes for this autumn icon include tarts, pumpkin-swirled cheesecakes, and more.Our 61 Best Pumpkin Recipes
There's no reason to stop at pie.
