Classic Thanksgiving Recipe! Pumpkin Pie with a Spiced Whipped Cream Topping
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Classic Pumpkin Pie with Spiced Whipped Cream Topping: The Perfect Thanksgiving Dessert
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a classic pumpkin pie to finish off the meal. This iconic dessert, with its smooth, creamy filling and flaky crust, captures the essence of fall with every bite.
To make your pumpkin pie even more special this year, we'll add a twist by topping it with a delicious spiced whipped cream. It’s the perfect way to bring warmth and a hint of extra flavor to an already beloved classic.
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In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps of making the perfect pumpkin pie from scratch, offer tips on baking, and share how to make a delightful spiced whipped cream that will elevate your pie to the next level.
Why Pumpkin Pie is a Thanksgiving Favorite
Pumpkin pie has been a staple at Thanksgiving tables for generations. The rich flavor of pumpkin, combined with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, perfectly embodies the warmth and comfort of the season.
The pie’s custard-like filling, made with pureed pumpkin, eggs, and milk, is lightly spiced and just sweet enough to complement its buttery crust.
Adding a dollop of spiced whipped cream on top enhances the pie’s flavor, making each bite more indulgent and festive. Plus, whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling of the pie.
Ingredients for the Perfect Classic Pumpkin Pie
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients for both the pumpkin pie and the spiced whipped cream. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Pumpkin Pie Filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) of pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk (or heavy cream for a richer pie)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Spiced Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Pumpkin Pie
Let’s break down the process so you can create a perfect pumpkin pie from scratch:
1. Make the Pie Crust
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add 2 tablespoons of ice water and mix. Add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together.
- Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the butter firm up, which will make your crust flaky and tender when baked.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer it to the dish, trim the excess dough, and crimp the edges. Place the pie crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Pumpkin Pie Filling
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. These spices will give your pumpkin pie its signature warm flavor.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and the sugar-spice mixture, and whisk until smooth. Gradually stir in the evaporated milk or cream until fully combined.
- Pour the filling: Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
3. Bake the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes. The pie is done when the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
- Cool the pie: Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to fully set, making it easier to slice.
How to Make Spiced Whipped Cream
While your pie is cooling, whip up a batch of spiced whipped cream to take your dessert to the next level. Here’s how:
- Chill your mixing bowl: For the best results, place your mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for 10 minutes. Cold equipment helps the cream whip faster and hold its shape longer.
- Whip the cream: In the chilled bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or you’ll end up with butter!
- Serve: Spoon a generous dollop of spiced whipped cream on top of each slice of pumpkin pie just before serving. The lightness of the whipped cream, combined with the warming spices, will complement the rich flavors of the pie beautifully.
Tips for Baking the Best Pumpkin Pie
Here are a few pro tips to ensure your pumpkin pie turns out perfect every time:
- Don’t skip the blind bake: If you like a crispier bottom crust, you can blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling. Simply line the crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or dried beans, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Use room temperature ingredients: When making the filling, make sure your eggs and evaporated milk are at room temperature. This helps the filling mix more evenly and bake smoothly.
- Cover the edges of the crust: To prevent the edges of your pie crust from burning, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield halfway through baking.
- Let the pie cool completely: It’s tempting to cut into your pumpkin pie while it’s warm, but letting it cool fully ensures that the filling sets properly and holds its shape.
Storing and Serving Your Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. To keep it fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you want to reheat the pie, warm it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.
When serving, top each slice with a dollop of spiced whipped cream and sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for a festive touch.
Classic pumpkin pie with spiced whipped cream topping is the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert.
The combination of rich, creamy pumpkin filling with the light, spiced whipped cream is sure to impress your family and friends.
Plus, with the simple tips and tricks shared here, you can easily bake this traditional favorite with confidence.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to making pies, this recipe will become a Thanksgiving staple that everyone looks forward to year after year.
Have any personal twists you add to your pumpkin pie? Share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you make this holiday favorite your own!
Enjoy this Easy video tutorial about Pumpkin Pie
Source: MyRecipes
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