Autumn's arrival brings with it the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice and the comforting warmth of homemade pies. If you're searching for an easy yet impressive dessert recipe to brighten your fall evenings, look no further! This Pumpkin Crunch Pie is the perfect blend of creamy pumpkin filling and a delightful crunchy oat topping. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Get ready to experience the ultimate taste of autumn!
Ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Oat Crunch Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
Get started with the Pumpkin Filling:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie plate.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Prepare the irresistible Oat Crunch Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and optional nuts. Mix until evenly moistened.
Assemble and Bake your Pumpkin Crunch Pie:
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Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie plate.
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Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the pumpkin filling.
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Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
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Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents a messy slice.
Tips for Pumpkin Pie Perfection:
- For a richer flavor: Use full-fat evaporated milk.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to the pumpkin filling for an extra layer of warmth.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different nuts in the topping, such as almonds or hazelnuts.
- Prevent cracks: To prevent cracks on the top of the pie, bake it in a water bath. Place the pie plate in a larger baking pan and pour enough hot water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the pie plate.
- Serving suggestion: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
Variations:
- Chocolate Crunch Pie: Add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the oat topping for a chocolate twist.
- Apple Pumpkin Crunch Pie: Add 1 cup of chopped apples to the pumpkin filling for a delightful combination of flavors.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 15-20g Saturated Fat: 8-10g Carbohydrates: 45-50g Sugar: 25-30g Protein: 5-7g
This delicious Pumpkin Crunch Pie is a perfect example of easy recipes and healthy meals that can be created with homemade cooking. It's a quick dinner idea for a special occasion or a delightful treat any time you crave a taste of fall. Enjoy!