Pumpkin Pie: The Classic Fall Dessert for Beginners and Home Cooks in the USA

Introduction: The Iconic Taste of Fal

Nothing says autumn in the USA quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked pumpkin pie wafting through the kitchen. Known in French as Tarte à la Citrouille, this creamy dessert captures the essence of the season — warmth, spice, and nostalgia. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, a family dinner, or simply craving a slice of sweetness on a chilly day, this recipe is your ultimate guide.

This version is designed especially for beginners and home cooks, with simple ingredients, clear instructions, and expert tips to guarantee success every time.

Before we jump into the step-by-step guide, check out these other holiday favorites to complete your festive table:

• Roast Turkey with Stuffing
• Traditional Bread Stuffing
• Mashed Potatoes Recipe for Beginners and Home Cooks USA

Now, let’s bake!

What Is a Tarte à la Citrouille (Pumpkin Pie)?

Pumpkin pie is a traditional American dessert, especially popular during Thanksgiving and Halloween. It features a buttery pie crust filled with a smooth, spiced pumpkin custard made from pumpkin purée, eggs, milk or cream, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

The French name Tarte à la Citrouille literally means “pumpkin tart,” emphasizing its elegant simplicity. The flavor is a balance of sweet and earthy, with a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious pumpkin pie from scratch.

For the Pie Crust

You can use a store-bought crust for convenience, or make your own:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3–4 tablespoons ice water

Tip: For a complete fall dinner, pair your pie with a light entrée like Baked Chicken Breast with Steamed Broccoli.

For the Pumpkin Filling

• 2 cups pumpkin purée (homemade or canned)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pumpkin Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
4. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.

Tip: Don’t overwork the dough — keeping the butter cold ensures a flaky crust.

Step 2: Roll Out and Pre-Bake the Crust

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle.
2. Fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming excess edges.
3. Use a fork to prick the bottom and sides.
4. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or beans.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake 5 minutes more.

This process, known as blind baking, keeps the crust crisp and prevents sogginess.

Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, sugar, and spices.
2. Add eggs and whisk until smooth.
3. Gradually stir in cream and vanilla until the filling is silky and well combined.

The aroma will already remind you of cozy fall evenings and family gatherings.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

1. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the pre-baked crust.
2. Smooth the top with a spatula.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is almost set (it should jiggle slightly).
4. Let cool completely before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Tarte à la Citrouille with a dollop of whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

For a festive table, pair it with fun Halloween treats like Classic Caramel Apples or spooky drinks like Witch’s Brew Punch.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Pie

1. Use Pure Pumpkin Purée

Avoid pumpkin pie filling that already contains sugar and spices. Use pure pumpkin purée for control over sweetness and flavor.

2. Don’t Overbake

When the pie is slightly jiggly in the center, it’s done! Overbaking can cause cracks.

3. Chill Before Slicing

Let your pie rest at least 2–3 hours before cutting. This helps the custard set beautifully.

4. Spice It Your Way

Customize with your favorite spices — some add a touch of cardamom or maple syrup for depth.

Variations to Try

1. Coconut Pumpkin Pie

Replace half of the cream with coconut milk for a tropical twist.

2. Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Pie

Swirl melted chocolate into the filling before baking.

3. Pecan Pumpkin Pie

Top your pie with candied pecans for crunch and flavor.

Perfect Pairings for Your Pumpkin Pie

Create the ultimate holiday meal by pairing your pumpkin pie with:

• Roast Turkey with Stuffing
• Traditional Bread Stuffing
• Mashed Potatoes Recipe for Beginners and Home Cooks USA
• Lentil Soup with Carrots and Celery for a cozy start
• Avocado Toast on Whole Grain Bread for a lighter morning-after meal

Homemade Pumpkin Purée Recipe

If you prefer making your own purée, it’s easy:

1. Cut a small pumpkin in half and remove seeds.
2. Place face down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.
4. Scoop the flesh and blend until smooth.

Homemade purée has a fresher flavor and natural sweetness!

The History of Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie traces its roots back to 17th-century America, when early settlers discovered pumpkins and began experimenting with this native fruit. By the 19th century, it became the symbolic dessert of Thanksgiving, representing abundance and gratitude.

In France, the tarte à la citrouille gained popularity among pastry lovers who adore its velvety custard texture and comforting aroma.

Storing and Reheating

• Room temperature: Keep up to 2 hours.
• Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• To reheat: Warm a slice in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes — it’ll taste freshly baked again!

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Conclusion: Bake the Spirit of Fall in Every Slice

Whether you call it Pumpkin Pie or Tarte à la Citrouille, this dessert captures everything we love about autumn — comfort, warmth, and family. Simple to make yet deeply satisfying, it’s the perfect treat for beginners and home cooks who want to impress at their next holiday gathering.

Don’t forget to explore other cozy fall recipes like:

• Greek Yogurt Parfait with Granola and Honey
• Jack-O-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

Now grab your pumpkin, roll up your sleeves, and start baking the pie that defines the season.

Call to Action

If you loved this Tarte à la Citrouille (Pumpkin Pie) recipe, share it with friends and family, and explore more holiday classics on NYTRecipe.com — where delicious, easy-to-follow recipes await every home cook in America.

Tarte à la Citrouille (Pumpkin Pie): The Classic Fall Dessert for Beginners and Home Cooks in the USA

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Discover the ultimate Tarte à la Citrouille (Pumpkin Pie) recipe — creamy, spiced, and easy to make! Perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy fall evening.

• Author: touda
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 1 pie (8 servings) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3–4 tablespoons ice water
• 2 cups pumpkin purée (homemade or canned)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Dough: Combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add cold butter cubes and mix until crumbly. Add ice water gradually until dough forms. Chill 30 minutes.
2. Roll Out and Pre-Bake: Roll dough into a 12-inch circle, fit into a 9-inch dish, prick, line with parchment and weights. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, remove weights and bake 5 more minutes.
3. Make the Filling: Whisk together pumpkin purée, brown sugar, spices, and eggs. Stir in cream and vanilla until smooth.
4. Fill and Bake: Pour filling into crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes or until center slightly jiggles. Cool completely.
5. Serve: Add whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or cinnamon sugar. Enjoy your cozy fall dessert!

Notes

Use pure pumpkin purée, avoid pre-spiced filling. Don’t overbake — a slight jiggle means perfect texture. Chill 2–3 hours before slicing.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 85mg