Pumpkins play a major role in Halloween traditions. The jack-o'-lantern, made from a carved pumpkin, is one of the holiday’s most recognizable symbols. Pumpkin pie, made with pumpkin as the key ingredient, is a must-have treat in many households. Though it's enjoyed throughout the fall and early winter, it especially becomes a seasonal favorite around Halloween.
Pumpkin pie is a simple dessert to make. The crust is made from flour, while the filling consists of cooked pumpkin. The pumpkin is mashed into a purée, then mixed with other ingredients and whisked until smooth. The mixture is poured into the crust and baked until golden brown. Freshly baked pumpkin pie has a vibrant, tempting color and a smooth, velvety texture that melts in your mouth, with a rich, sweet flavor loved by everyone, young and old.
Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 40g butter
- 10g sugar
- 33g water
For the filling:
- 150g pumpkin
- 6g all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ginger powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 50g brown sugar
- 40g egg
- 150ml milk
- 15g honey
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Soften the butter, then mix it with flour and sugar. Knead the mixture by hand until fully combined. Add water and knead into a dough. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.
- Make the crust: Roll out the dough into a thin sheet and carefully press it into a pie dish. Use a rolling pin to trim any excess dough from the edges. Pierce small holes in the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
- Prepare the filling: Peel and dice the pumpkin, then steam for 20 minutes. Add the steamed pumpkin and all other filling ingredients into a food processor. Blend until smooth, then let the filling sit for 30 minutes.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) and bake for 15 minutes. Then, lower the temperature to 175°C (350°F) and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you tell when the pie is done?
While you can insert a knife to check for doneness, it will leave a knife mark. Instead, you can give the pie a jiggle. If done, the center of the pie will wobble just a bit. The center will finish setting up as the pie cools to room temperature.
How do I store this pie?
Loosely cover the pie with plastic and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
How do I keep the pie from cracking?
Careful not to overbake the pumpkin pie as it’ll cause cracks to form on top. Also, allow the pie to cool to room temperature naturally before refrigerating. If you try to chill the pie immediately, you can create cracks.
Can I freeze this?
This pumpkin pie recipe freezes wonderfully! Once the pie has cooled to room temperature, wrap it tightly with plastic, and place it in a large freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw the pie by placing it in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I use pumpkin pie spice?
If you prefer to use pre-made pumpkin pie spice, use the total amount of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, which is around 1½ teaspoons. Alternatively you can make your own following my homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe.
The Legend Behind Pumpkin Traditions
The story goes that there was once a man named Jack, known for being a drunk and a troublemaker. One day, Jack tricked the Devil into climbing a tree. Once the Devil was up, Jack carved a cross into the tree trunk, trapping him. Jack only let the Devil down after securing a promise that he would never take his soul.
After Jack died, his soul was rejected by both Heaven and Hell. So, Jack was left to wander the Earth with only a small candle to light his way. He placed the candle inside a hollowed-out turnip, and this became known as a "Jack-o'-lantern."
When Irish immigrants came to America, they discovered that pumpkins were more plentiful and easier to carve than turnips. Pumpkins soon became a Halloween favorite, and pumpkin pie became a staple food during the holiday season.
