Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream

Introduction

Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream is a classic, comforting dessert that epitomizes the flavors of fall and holiday celebrations. This recipe combines a smooth, spiced pumpkin filling with a flaky, buttery crust, creating a pie that is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced. Topped with a dollop of light, airy whipped cream, each slice offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, from the velvety filling to the crisp crust.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or festive gatherings, this pumpkin pie is a timeless favorite that evokes warmth, nostalgia, and the joy of sharing a homemade dessert with loved ones. Its blend of sweet spices, creamy pumpkin, and buttery crust makes it a must-have on any holiday dessert table.

Why We Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple pumpkin puree into a creamy, flavorful, and aromatic dessert that is perfect for the holidays. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the smooth pumpkin filling creates a comforting, cozy flavor that evokes memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations.

Another reason I adore this recipe is its balance of textures. The buttery, flaky crust provides a crisp contrast to the silky, spiced pumpkin filling, while the whipped cream adds a light, airy finish that perfectly complements the richness of the pie.

I also love how classic and versatile this dessert is. It’s easy to make from scratch, can be served chilled or at room temperature, and pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of dessert wine. It’s a timeless favorite that delights both kids and adults, making it a perfect ending to any holiday meal.

It’s a must-try dish

• Classic Comfort Flavor: Pumpkin pie is the quintessential autumn dessert, combining the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Each bite evokes cozy, comforting feelings, making it a timeless favorite for family gatherings and festive occasions.
• Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Creaminess: The smooth, custard-like filling paired with a buttery, flaky crust creates a perfect balance of textures. Topping it with lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy contrast that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the pumpkin.
• Seasonal and Festive Appeal: Pumpkin pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of fall and holiday traditions. Serving it brings warmth to any meal and makes celebrations like Thanksgiving or Halloween feel extra special.
• Easy to Customize: Whether you like your pie extra spicy, lightly sweetened, or with a touch of ginger or cardamom, pumpkin pie allows for creative personalization. Adding whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel can elevate the dessert even further.
• Visually Inviting: A perfectly baked pumpkin pie topped with a fluffy swirl of whipped cream is not only delicious but also visually stunning. It looks beautiful on a holiday table, making it as impressive as it is tasty.
• Universally Loved: Pumpkin pie appeals to a wide range of palates—its gentle sweetness and aromatic spices are loved by both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55 minutes
• Cooling Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including cooling)
• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories (per slice without whipped cream): ~320 kcal
• Cuisine: American
• Cooking Method: Baking
• Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Pie Filling:

• 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) evaporated milk
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp salt

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare Crust:
   Place pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp edges as desired.
3. Make Filling:
   In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Add eggs and whisk until combined. Gradually whisk in evaporated milk until smooth.
4. Fill & Bake:
   Pour filling into the crust. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
5. Cool:
   Allow pie to cool completely on a wire rack (about 2 hours).
6. Make Whipped Cream:
   In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
7. Serve:
   Slice pie and serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Step 2: Place and shape pie crust in 9-inch dish.
3. Step 3: Whisk pumpkin purée, sugar, and spices in a bowl.
4. Step 4: Add eggs, then evaporated milk; mix until smooth.
5. Step 5: Pour mixture into pie crust.
6. Step 6: Bake 15 minutes at 425°F, then 40–45 minutes at 350°F.
7. Step 7: Cool completely for 2 hours.
8. Step 8: Beat heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla for whipped cream topping.
9. Step 9: Serve and enjoy.

How to Serve

Serve chilled or at room temperature with a swirl of whipped cream on each slice. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle lightly with cinnamon or nutmeg.

Additional Recipe Tips & Variations

• Extra Flavor: Add 1 tbsp maple syrup to the filling for a subtle caramel note.
• Crispier Crust: Blind-bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding filling.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk and top with coconut whipped cream.
• Mini Pumpkin Pies: Make in a muffin tin for individual servings.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked pie (without whipped cream) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer (for whipped cream)
• Cooling rack

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream is the very definition of holiday tradition — creamy, spiced pumpkin filling in a flaky crust, topped with airy whipped cream. It’s simple to make, deeply flavorful, and guaranteed to be a centerpiece on your dessert table.