When the crisp autumn air rolls in and the scent of spices fills the kitchen, nothing captures the heart of the season quite like a Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie.
This Thanksgiving pumpkin pie with maple cream is the epitome of cozy indulgence, rich, velvety, and infused with warm spices that define the holidays.
Crafted from fresh pumpkin, aromatic spices like nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon, and topped with a luscious maple cream, this recipe transforms a classic dessert into a show-stopping centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast.
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Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Recipe
There’s no shortage of pumpkin pie recipes out there, but this version stands out for its depth of flavor, creamy texture, and perfect crust balance.
Every bite blends the earthiness of pumpkin with the sweetness of maple and the buttery crispness of shortcrust pastry.
- Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Rich and smooth filling thanks to the blend of single and double cream.
- Golden buttery crust with a hint of cinnamon baked to perfection.
- Topped with maple cream, adding a decadent finish to each slice.
- Ideal make-ahead dessert for stress-free holiday entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Thanksgiving pumpkin pie
Creating this perfect pumpkin pie requires just a handful of quality ingredients. Each one contributes to the luxurious texture and flavor that make this dessert unforgettable.
- 500g shortcrust pastry – Buttery and crisp, the perfect base for your pie.
- A large pinch of cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth to the crust.
- 800g pumpkin, peeled and chopped – Fresh pumpkin brings a rich, authentic flavor.
- 150ml single cream – For a smooth and creamy filling.
- 150g light muscovado sugar – Adds a deep caramel sweetness.
- ¼ nutmeg, grated – A key spice for that holiday aroma.
- A pinch of ground ginger – Balances the sweetness with a touch of spice.
- 3 eggs – Helps to set the custard filling perfectly.
- 30g butter, melted – Adds richness to the filling.
- 150ml double cream – For whipping into the maple cream topping.
- 3 tbsp maple syrup – Sweetens the topping with pure maple flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by rolling out your shortcrust pastry on a lightly floured surface. Line a 20cm round tart tin with the pastry, trimming the edges neatly. Don’t discard the excess, it can be used for decorative pastry leaves later.
Sprinkle a large pinch of cinnamon over the base to infuse it with gentle warmth. Cover the pastry and chill for 30 minutes to prevent shrinking during baking.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Filling
In a large saucepan, combine the pumpkin, single cream, light muscovado sugar, nutmeg, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover halfway with a lid, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender and fragrant.
Once cooked, purée the mixture using a blender or food processor until smooth. Allow the purée to cool slightly before adding the eggs later, this helps avoid curdling.
Step 3: Blind Bake the Pastry
Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C / gas 6).
Line the pastry case with baking paper or foil, fill it with baking beans or rice, and bake for 15 minutes to set the crust. Remove the beans and paper, then bake for another 5 minutes to crisp the base.
Lower the oven temperature to 180°C (fan 160°C / gas 4) for the next stage.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pie
Whisk the eggs and melted butter into the pumpkin purée until fully incorporated. Pour this luxurious filling into the baked crust. Depending on your tart tin’s depth, you might have a little filling left over.
If you’d like to add a decorative touch, cut shapes from the reserved pastry and place them around the edges, avoid the center, as they’ll sink during baking.
Bake the pie for 30 minutes, then check for doneness. The center should have a slight wobble, indicating the perfect custard-like texture. If it’s too runny, bake for another 10 minutes.
Step 5: Whip the Maple Cream
While the pie cools, prepare the maple cream.
Whip the double cream until it forms soft peaks, then gently fold in the maple syrup. The result is a light, airy cream with a hint of maple sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spiced filling.
Serve each slice of pie with a generous dollop of maple cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Baker’s Notes and Tips
- Use fresh pumpkin for a truly rich and earthy flavor. Canned pumpkin can be used in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite as vibrant.
- Chill the pastry thoroughly before baking to prevent shrinkage.
- For extra depth, you can add a dash of vanilla extract to the filling.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing for clean, even cuts.
- Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, simply reheat gently or enjoy cold.
Nutrition Information (per serving) For Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie
- Calories: 585 kcal
- Fat: 36.6g
- Carbohydrates: 54.4g
- Fiber: 2.9g
- Protein: 7.9g
- Salt: 0.8g
How to Store and Reheat Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie
Store any leftover pumpkin pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’d like to prepare it in advance, the pie can also be frozen for up to one month.
To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 160°C for 10–15 minutes. Avoid the microwave to maintain the crust’s crispness. Always add the maple cream just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
Perfect Pairings
This Thanksgiving pumpkin pie pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday favorites:
- Spiced apple cider or chai latte for cozy comfort.
- Whipped maple cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
- Roasted pecans or candied walnuts sprinkled on top for texture.
- Mulled wine for an elegant dinner party finish.
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie with Maple Cream
A rich and creamy Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie with maple cream topping, featuring fresh pumpkin, warm spices, and a buttery shortcrust pastry.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 500g shortcrust pastry
- A large pinch of cinnamon
- 800g pumpkin, peeled and chopped
- 150ml single cream
- 150g light muscovado sugar
- ¼ nutmeg, grated
- A pinch of ground ginger spice.
- 3 eggs
- 30g butter, melted
- 150ml double cream
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Roll out the pastry and line a 20cm tart tin. Sprinkle with cinnamon and chill for 30 minutes.
- Combine pumpkin, single cream, sugar, nutmeg, and ginger in a saucepan. Simmer until tender, purée, and cool.
- Blind bake the pastry at 200°C for 15 minutes with baking beans, then remove and bake for 5 more minutes. Reduce oven to 180°C.
- Whisk eggs and butter into the purée, pour into the crust, decorate edges with pastry shapes, and bake for 30–40 minutes until slightly wobbly in the center.
- Whip double cream and fold in maple syrup. Serve with the pie.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 585
- Sodium: 0.8 g
- Fat: 36.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 54.4 g
- Fiber: 2.9 g
- Protein: 7.9 g
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Frequently Asked Questions (Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie)
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the pumpkin filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake the pie the next day, then whip the maple cream right before serving.
What can I use instead of muscovado sugar?
If you don’t have muscovado sugar, substitute with dark brown sugar for a similar depth of flavor.
Can I make the crust from scratch?
Absolutely. Homemade shortcrust pastry made with butter, flour, and a touch of sugar yields the best flavor and texture.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The filling should be set around the edges but have a slight wobble in the center, this means it will be perfectly creamy once cooled.
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, but ensure it’s 100% pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which already contains sugar and spices.
Conclusion For Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie
There’s a reason Pumpkin Pie with Maple Cream is a beloved classic, it’s simple yet elegant, comforting yet refined.
With its buttery crust, silky pumpkin filling, and luscious maple cream topping, this dessert captures everything we love about Thanksgiving in one perfect slice.
Serve it as the grand finale to your holiday feast and watch as guests reach for seconds. Because nothing says gratitude and togetherness quite like a homemade pumpkin pie.