It's that time of year again! The leaves are changing color, Halloween decorations are popping up everywhere, and pumpkin spice lattes are back on the menu. That can only mean one thing: it's time to start thinking about pumpkin pie.
For some people, pumpkin pie is a once-a-year treat that they enjoy on Thanksgiving (or, let's be honest, sometimes even just on Halloween). But for others, pumpkin pie is a year-round obsession. No matter which camp you fall into, there's no denying that a good pumpkin pie recipe is essential.
So, what makes the perfect pumpkin pie? Is it a traditional recipe with a flaky crust and a smooth filling? Or is it something more innovative, like a deep dish pie with a gingerbread crust? And what about toppings? Whipped cream or ice cream? A sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of caramel sauce? The possibilities are endless!
The Case for Traditional Pumpkin Pie
There's something to be said for tradition, and that's definitely true when it comes to pumpkin pies. A classic pumpkin pie is made with a simple mixture of pureed pumpkin, eggs, milk, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. The filling is dense and creamy, and it's usually served in a flaky pastry crust. It's no wonder this timeless dessert has been a holiday staple for generations.
The Case for Deep Dish Pumpkin Pie
If you're looking for something a little different this year, why not try a deep dish pumpkin pie? This variation on the classic recipe uses the same ingredients as traditional pumpkin pie, but the proportions are different. Instead of using 2 cups of pureed pumpkin, you'll use 3 cups (or 2 cans). And instead of using 1 can of evaporated milk, you'll use 2. The result is a thicker filling that's less likely to get watery when baked. And because there's more filling than crust, you might even find yourself getting an extra slice!
The Case for Gingerbread Crust Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie isn't just for Thanksgiving anymore! This unique recipe combines two classic holiday desserts into one amazing treat. The filling is still made with pureed pumpkins, eggs, milk, sugar, and spices—but instead of using a traditional pie crust or even a graham cracker crust, this recipe calls for a gingerbread cookie crust. The result is a rich and flavorful dessert that's sure to please any crowd. And if you're feeling really festive, you can even top your pie with whipped cream and decorate it with mini gingerbread houses or cookies!
No matter what your opinion is on the great pumpkin pie debate—traditional vs. deep dish vs. gingerbread crust—there's one thing we can all agree on: this dessert is delicious! So whether you prefer your pies simple or complex, plain or topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce (or maybe even ice cream!), we hope you enjoy this holiday favorite as much as we do. Happy baking!
