Ultimate Pumpkin Custard Pie Recipe

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 prepared single crust pie pastry
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 3 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• Whipped cream for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350F (180C) and set a rack in the center.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll the pie pastry into a 14-inch round. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Trim any excess dough and flute the edges. Place the pie shell in the freezer for 15 minutes or in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill.
3. Using a fork, prick the bottom and sides of the pie shell. Line it with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
4. Carefully remove the pie weights and parchment paper, then return the pie shell to the oven. Continue baking for another 5 minutes until the crust is golden and firm to the touch. Set aside to cool while preparing the filling.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, cardamom, and salt until well combined.
6. Whisk in the heavy cream, sour cream, vanilla bean paste, sugar, bourbon, and pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
7. Pour the filling into the cooled pie shell. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
8. Remove the pie from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before serving.
9. Serve with whipped cream, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	455
Total Fat	28g	36%
Saturated Fat	14g	68%
Cholesterol	116mg	39%
Sodium	418mg	18%
Total Carbohydrate	43g	16%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Total Sugars	21g
Protein	7g	13%
Vitamin C	3mg	3%
Calcium	64mg	5%
Iron	2mg	10%
Potassium	245mg	5%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The History and Origins of Pumpkin Custard Pie

Pumpkin custard pie has deep roots in American culinary history, dating back to early colonial times. Native Americans introduced European settlers to pumpkin, teaching them how to cook and preserve it. Early pumpkin pies were simple, often consisting of pumpkin pulp mixed with honey, milk, or cream, and baked in a crude crust. By the 17th century, pumpkin pies began appearing in New England cookbooks, evolving into the spiced custard versions we recognize today. The addition of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves reflected both local tastes and imported flavor influences.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

While pumpkin pie is a staple across the United States, regional variations showcase unique touches. In New England, the classic custard version dominates, often baked in a flaky pastry crust. In the South, some recipes incorporate bourbon or pecans, adding depth and texture. Midwestern adaptations sometimes use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, while coastal regions may infuse pies with tropical spices or even a hint of citrus. Each region has its own approach to sweetness, spice blend, and creaminess, resulting in subtle but distinct flavor profiles.

Differences from Similar Desserts

Pumpkin custard pie differs from other pumpkin-based desserts primarily in texture and spice composition. Unlike pumpkin cheesecake, which is dense and tangy, pumpkin custard pie is smooth, silky, and lightly sweetened with a delicate egg-based custard. Compared to pumpkin bread or muffins, the pie has a richer mouthfeel and a higher cream content. The signature blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and cardamom sets it apart from simpler pumpkin tarts or pies, giving it a warm, layered complexity.

Typical Serving Occasions

Pumpkin custard pie is most commonly served during fall and winter holidays, especially Thanksgiving in the United States. It is a centerpiece dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, and festive dinners. While often enjoyed plain or with a dollop of whipped cream, some people accompany it with caramel sauce, spiced nuts, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Beyond holidays, it also appears in cafs, bakeries, and seasonal dessert menus, celebrated for its comforting flavor and elegant presentation.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

Pumpkin pie has inspired cultural references, including songs, stories, and even U.S. presidential traditions, where pies have been included in holiday feasts at the White House. Interestingly, early pumpkin pies were sometimes made without a crust, essentially baked custard in a pumpkin shell. The spices used were historically considered medicinal, believed to aid digestion and circulation. Today, pumpkin custard pie remains a symbol of autumn, harvest, and shared family moments, combining both nostalgia and culinary artistry in each slice.

FAQ about Ultimate Pumpkin Custard Pie Recipe