Libby’s Pumpkin Pie
Bake the ultimate holiday classic with this official Libby’s Pumpkin Pie recipe, featuring a smooth pumpkin custard spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
Libby’s Pumpkin Pie
- Publisher: Crisprecipe
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Dessert, Pies
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 280 calories
Nothing captures the warmth of autumn quite like a classic pumpkin pie. It is pure nostalgia. For over seventy-five years, families have gathered around holiday tables to share this velvety dessert flavored with cozy, aromatic baking spices. The silky custard filling cradled in a flaky crust defines Thanksgiving.
The aroma of cinnamon and cloves will instantly fill your entire home. It smells absolutely divine. As the pie bakes, the earthy sweetness of the pumpkin melts into rich evaporated milk to create an incredibly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Each bite offers a comforting balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
This specific recipe relies on a time-tested blend of simple ingredients. Consistency is the key. By using Libby's 100% Pure Pumpkin, you guarantee a deep orange color and a dense texture that never turns watery or bland. It remains the gold standard for home bakers across the country.
While Thanksgiving is the prime showcase, this dessert suits any cold-weather gathering. Share it with friends. Serve a chilled slice alongside a hot mug of spiced cider during cozy Sunday football games or festive December potlucks. It brings people together over shared memories and sweet indulgence.
You do not need professional pastry skills to master this iconic dessert. It is incredibly easy. Simply whisk the wet and dry ingredients together in one large bowl before pouring the smooth batter into your favorite unbaked pie shell. The oven does all the heavy lifting to deliver perfection.
Recipe
Follow this time-tested, step-by-step formula to bake a perfect, velvety pumpkin pie every single time.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can (15 oz.) LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
- 1 can (12 fl. oz.) NESTLE® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
- 1 unbaked 9-inch (4-cup volume) deep-dish pie shell
Method Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Mix the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, ground ginger, and ground cloves together in a small bowl.
- Beat the large eggs in a large mixing bowl until fully combined.
- Stir the LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin and the sugar-spice mixture into the beaten eggs.
- Gradually pour in the NESTLE® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk, stirring constantly until the batter is completely smooth and uniform.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into your unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie shell.
- Bake at 425°F for exactly 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for 40 to 50 minutes until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cool the pie on a wire rack for 2 hours before slicing, serving, or refrigerating.
Recipe Video
How to Make a Libby’s Pumpkin Pie – step‑by‑step recipe tutorial
Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 1240 reviews.
Recipe Tags: Libby's Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Pie Recipe, Holiday Desserts, Thanksgiving Pie, Pumpkin Custard, Carnation Evaporated Milk
Servings
Elevate your pumpkin pie presentation with these delicious and decorative serving suggestions:
- Classic Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream sweetened with a touch of powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- A Touch of Spice: Dust a light pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice over the whipped cream for a professional look.
- Ice Cream Pairing: Serve slices warm with a scoop of rich vanilla bean or butter pecan ice cream.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the plate before placing the pie slice down for an elegant restaurant-style finish.
Tips
- Use Deep-Dish Shell: Always use a deep-dish 9-inch pie crust with at least a 4-cup volume to prevent the filling from overflowing during baking.
- Do Not Substitute Pumpkin: Ensure you purchase 100% Pure Pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix, which contains pre-added sugar and spices.
- Gradually Add Milk: Stir the evaporated milk in slowly to prevent splashing and ensure a perfectly emulsified, smooth custard.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a clean knife halfway between the edge and the center of the pie; it should come out clean when done.
- Avoid Over-Baking: The center of the pie should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out; it will continue to set as it cools.
- Cool Completely: Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 full hours to allow the custard structure to set properly before slicing.
- Prevent Crust Burning: If the edges of your pie crust are browning too quickly, loosely cover them with strips of aluminum foil or a pie shield.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Use room temperature eggs to ensure they blend smoothly into the pumpkin puree without pockets of egg white.
- Whisk Gently: Avoid vigorously whipping the batter, as this introduces excess air bubbles that can cause the pie surface to crack.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; do not leave it at room temperature for more than two hours.
Ingredient Substitutes
If you are missing certain ingredients or have dietary restrictions, try these simple substitutes:
- Evaporated Milk Substitute: Replace evaporated milk with an equal amount of heavy cream or half-and-half for an even richer custard.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use canned coconut milk (shaken well) in place of evaporated milk to make the filling completely dairy-free.
- Sugar Alternatives: Substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper caramel-like flavor, or use a 1:1 sugar-free sweetener.
- Egg Replacement: Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer per egg, though the texture will be slightly less firm.
- Homemade Pumpkin Spice: If you do not have individual spices, replace the cinnamon, ginger, and cloves with 1 and 3/4 teaspoons of pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice.
Remarks
This classic Libby's Pumpkin Pie remains a beloved holiday staple for good reason. Its foolproof method, warm spiced aroma, and velvety texture deliver consistent perfection that brings warmth to any autumn or winter gathering.