Are you ready to bake up a storm this fall? Forget those store-bought pies; this recipe elevates the classic pumpkin pie to a whole new level of deliciousness, using some handy shortcuts from Trader Joe's to make it incredibly easy. This is the perfect recipe for those looking for easy recipes, healthy meals (relatively!), or just a quick dinner idea to complement your Thanksgiving feast. It’s homemade cooking at its finest, resulting in a truly delicious dish. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unbelievably flavorful and surprisingly simple pumpkin pie!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Gems
- 1 (15-ounce) can Trader Joe's pumpkin puree (or your favorite brand)
- 1 (14-ounce) can Trader Joe's sweetened condensed milk (or your own)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Trader Joe's pumpkin pie spice (or your own blend – see variations below!)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade – we love Trader Joe's!)
Let's Get Baking: Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Gently brush the bottom of your pie crust with a little melted butter or egg wash for a beautiful golden crust. This simple step significantly enhances the overall flavor and presentation.
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Whisk it Up: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt until smooth and well combined. Make sure there are no lumps! A hand mixer or whisk will do the trick.
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Pour & Bake: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pie crust. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any spills.
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Initial Bake: Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). This high initial temperature helps set the filling.
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Reduce & Continue: After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 40-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. The center might still jiggle slightly – that's okay! It will set as it cools.
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Cool & Set: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This prevents a soggy bottom and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Refrigerating for at least 2-3 hours, or even overnight, is recommended for the best results.
Pro-Tips for Pumpkin Pie Perfection
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the filling can incorporate too much air, leading to a cracked top. Gentle mixing is key!
- Blind baking (optional): For a crispier crust, consider blind baking your pie crust for 10-12 minutes before adding the filling. This involves lining the crust with parchment paper and pie weights before baking.
- Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A dash of nutmeg or allspice can add extra warmth and complexity.
Variations: Beyond the Classic
- Spiced Pecan Pumpkin Pie: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the filling for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Creamy Coconut Pumpkin Pie: Substitute 1/2 cup of full-fat coconut milk for some of the sweetened condensed milk for a unique twist.
- Gingerbread Pumpkin Pie: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon of molasses to the filling for a warm gingerbread flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 15-20g Saturated Fat: 8-10g Sugar: 30-40g Protein: 5-7g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy pumpkin pie recipe, made even simpler with Trader Joe’s ingredients, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's the perfect homemade addition to any gathering, proving that delicious dishes don't have to be difficult. Enjoy!