Festive Spiced Pumpkin Pie

Name: Festive Spiced Pumpkin Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 1 pie
Ingredients: 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust; 2 cups pumpkin puree; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 large eggs; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

I absolutely love making this Festive Spiced Pumpkin Pie during the holiday season. The warm spices and creamy pumpkin filling create a comforting dessert that fills my home with the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This pie has become a beloved tradition for family gatherings, and it always disappears quickly! With a buttery crust that holds everything together, it’s the perfect dish to celebrate and indulge in during those chilly evenings.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-02-03T19:30:28.201Z

As I embarked on making this Festive Spiced Pumpkin Pie, I experimented with different spice blends to find the perfect balance. After multiple attempts, I found that a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a hint of clove truly captures the essence of the holidays. Not only do these spices elevate the flavor, but they also create a delightful aroma that wafts through the kitchen.

Another tip I discovered is to slightly underbake the pie; this helps ensure that the filling remains perfectly creamy and doesn’t dry out. The crust should be golden brown, while the filling should still have a little jiggle when you take it out of the oven. It’s these small touches that make all the difference in achieving that perfect slice!

        Reasons to Love this Pie
        Rich pumpkin flavor enhanced by warm spices
Creamy texture that complements the flaky crust
A festive centerpiece for your holiday table

      

The Importance of Spices

The spices used in this Festive Spiced Pumpkin Pie are what truly elevate its flavor profile. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves not only enhances the natural sweetness of the pumpkin but also adds depth, creating a warm and inviting aroma that will fill your home. It's essential to use fresh spices whenever possible; they have a more robust flavor that can transform this pie into something extraordinary.

Be mindful of the measurements when adding spices. Too much nutmeg, for example, can overpower the other flavors, while too little can leave the pie tasting flat. I recommend measuring your spices accurately and mixing them well with the pumpkin puree before adding the eggs and cream; this ensures a more uniform flavor throughout the filling.

Perfecting the Pie Crust

A flaky, buttery crust is a key component of any great pie, and this recipe is no exception. If you're using a store-bought crust, make sure it’s well-thawed and crimped properly to avoid any leaks during baking. If you opt to make your own, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out; this helps maintain the structure and ensures a tender crust.

When filling the crust, make sure to pour the pumpkin filling carefully, smoothing it out with a spatula. This prevents air bubbles from forming and overlapping the crust edges. A well-filled crust will bake evenly, resulting in a beautiful golden finish. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil to prevent burning while the center finishes baking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Festive Spiced Pumpkin Pie.

Ingredients

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
2 cups pumpkin puree
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure all your ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious pie.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Mix well until smooth.

Add Eggs and Cream

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform.

Fill the Crust

Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 45 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly.

Cool and Serve

Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. Serve with whipped cream if desired!

Enjoy your homemade Festive Spiced Pumpkin Pie!

Pro Tips

For a more flavorful crust, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the pie crust mixture. Also, if the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best aspects of this Festive Spiced Pumpkin Pie is that it can be made a day or two in advance. After baking, allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld, improving the overall taste by the time you serve it. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to bring back the creaminess.

If you’re planning to make this pie even further in advance, consider freezing it. Wrap the fully cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving, which helps retain the pie’s texture.

Serving Suggestions

While this pie is delicious on its own, serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream can take it to the next level. I like to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the cream for an extra festive touch. You can also consider drizzling a little caramel sauce or adding crushed pecans for texture and flavor contrast, which complements the creamy pumpkin filling beautifully.

When it comes to presentation, consider serving the pie with a side of spiced chai or a warm cup of coffee. Balancing the pie’s sweetness with a warm beverage enhances the entire dessert experience, inviting everyone to linger around the table. Make it a family tradition to enjoy this pie with loved ones, creating lasting memories with each slice taken.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.

→ What can I replace heavy cream with?

You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like coconut milk, but it will change the texture slightly.

→ How do I know when my pumpkin pie is done?

The pie is done when the filling is mostly set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.

→ Can I freeze pumpkin pie?

Yes! You can freeze the baked pie, just make sure it's completely cooled and wrapped tightly.