Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Pie

Serves 8 335 kcal per serving Prep 20 min Cook 50 min

Ingredients

  • 750g Pumpkin
  • 350g Shortcrust Pastry
  • Dusting Plain Flour
  • 140g Caster Sugar
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Nutmeg
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 2 Beaten Eggs
  • 25g Butter
  • 175g Milk
  • 1 tblsp Icing Sugar

Instructions

  1. Peel, deseed, and cut the pumpkin into large chunks. Place it in a large saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the pumpkin is tender. Drain well and allow to cool.
  2. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the shortcrust pastry. Use it to line a 22 cm loose-bottomed tart tin, pressing it neatly into the base and sides. Chill the pastry case for 15 minutes.
  3. Line the chilled pastry with baking parchment and fill with baking beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the beans and parchment and return to the oven for another 10 minutes, until the base is dry and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
  4. Increase the oven temperature to 220°C (200°C fan). Push the cooled pumpkin through a sieve or purée until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, salt, nutmeg, and half of the cinnamon. Stir in the beaten eggs, melted butter, and milk, then combine this mixture with the pumpkin purée.
  5. Pour the filling into the prepared pastry case and bake for 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (160°C fan) and continue baking for 35–40 minutes, until the filling is just set with a slight wobble in the centre.
  6. Allow the pie to cool completely, then remove it from the tin. Mix the remaining cinnamon with the icing sugar and dust over the top. Serve chilled.

Tips

  • Use pumpkin purée rather than pumpkin pie filling to have full control over the spice levels.
  • Blind bake the crust to ensure the bottom stays crisp under the heavy, moist custard filling.
  • To prevent the surface from cracking, don’t overbake; the center should still have a slight jiggle when you pull it out.

Variations

  • Spiced Crust: Add a pinch of ginger and cinnamon to the pastry dough.
  • Maple Pumpkin: Substitute half the sugar in the filling with pure maple syrup for an earthy sweetness.

Storage

Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Because it is a custard-based pie, it should not be left at room temperature for long periods.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve chilled with a large dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
  • Enjoy as the centerpiece of a Thanksgiving or Autumn celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin?

Yes, but you must roast and purée it first. Note that fresh pumpkin is often more watery than canned, so you may need to strain it.

Why is my pie grainy?

This can happen if the eggs are overcooked. Baking at a lower temperature for a longer time helps keep the custard smooth.

How do I know when it's done?

The edges should be set and slightly puffed, but the center 2-3 inches should still jiggle slightly like Jello.

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