Are you craving a warm, comforting slice of pumpkin pie but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This easy pumpkin pie recipe, using the magic of sweetened condensed milk, will have you enjoying a delicious homemade dessert in a fraction of the time. Forget fussy pastry crusts and lengthy baking processes; this recipe focuses on simplicity without sacrificing flavor. It's the perfect quick dinner dessert or a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving feast. Get ready to experience the ultimate in homemade cooking, even if you're a beginner in the kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (store-bought is perfectly fine!)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your pie bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden-brown crust.
Mix the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg until smooth and creamy. A simple whisk does the trick; no need for fancy equipment!
Pour and bake: Gently pour the pumpkin mixture into your unbaked pie crust. Place the pie on a baking sheet (this catches any spills) and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes, as ovens can vary.
Cool and serve: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents a messy, runny pie. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours for optimal flavor and texture. Once chilled, slice and serve!
Tips for Pumpkin Pie Perfection:
- Room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and condensed milk to room temperature before mixing helps create a smoother, more even batter.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry pie. Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes.
- Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A dash of allspice or a pinch of salt can enhance the flavors.
- Make it your own: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Delicious Variations:
- Creamy Pumpkin Pie: For an even richer pie, add a cup of heavy cream to the filling.
- Spiced Pumpkin Pie: Increase the amount of spices for a more intense flavor profile. Experiment with different spice combinations!
- Mini Pumpkin Pies: Pour the mixture into mini pie crusts for individual servings. Perfect for parties or potlucks!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: Approximately 15-20g Saturated Fat: Approximately 8-10g Cholesterol: Approximately 60-70mg Sodium: Approximately 150-200mg Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-55g Sugar: Approximately 30-40g Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This easy pumpkin pie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a delicious and comforting treat, or for special occasions when you want to impress your guests with a homemade dessert that’s both simple and scrumptious. Enjoy!