Table of contents
Ingredients
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked pumpkin pie wafting through the house during the holiday season. It’s a dish that’s become synonymous with fall gatherings, Thanksgiving feasts, and cozy winter evenings. With its rich, spiced filling and flaky crust, pumpkin pie offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth that feels like home. To take it a step further, a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream elevates the dessert into something truly memorable, creating an irresistible, velvety topping that complements the pie’s rich, spiced flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner, attending a potluck, or just indulging in the joy of the season, this pumpkin pie with cinnamon whipped cream is sure to be the star of your holiday dessert table.
For the Pumpkin Pie:
- 1 (15-ounce) can of pure pumpkin puree (or 2 cups fresh pumpkin, cooked and pureed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 store-bought pie crust (or homemade, if desired)
For the Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
The Secret to Perfect Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is simple, but its magic lies in the balance of spices, the creamy filling, and the texture of the crust. It’s important to select the right pumpkin, whether you’re using fresh pumpkin or canned puree. For a smoother filling, canned pumpkin tends to work best because it’s been pre-cooked and pureed, making it perfect for this pie recipe. However, if you’ve got fresh pumpkins on hand, roasting and pureeing them yourself adds a lovely depth of flavor.
The spices are crucial to bringing out the warmth of the holiday season. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves combine to create that unmistakable fall flavor. The spices meld perfectly with the pumpkin, offering a smooth, comforting bite with every forkful.
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s dive into how to make this iconic pumpkin pie with a special twist: cinnamon whipped cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
If you’re using a pre-made pie crust, simply place it in a 9-inch pie dish and set it aside. If you’re going the homemade route, you can either make your favorite pie crust recipe or use a store-bought dough, rolling it out to fit the pie dish. Be sure to press the dough gently into the edges and crimp the rim for a decorative finish.
Pre-bake your pie crust at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. This helps prevent a soggy bottom later on. Let it cool as you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Pie Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and eggs until smooth and well-combined. The heavy cream gives the pie its rich texture, making it more luxurious and creamy.
Next, add the sugars—brown and white—along with the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. The sugar helps to sweeten the natural earthiness of the pumpkin, while the spices bring warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. Vanilla adds an aromatic sweetness that ties all the ingredients together and enhances the spices.
Step 3: Pour and Bake the Pie
Pour the prepared filling into the cooled pie crust. Gently tap the pie dish on the counter to level the filling and release any air bubbles. This ensures a smooth, even texture when baked.
Bake the pie in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The pie will firm up as it cools. If the crust edges begin to brown too much during baking, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
After baking, take the pie out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. It’s important to let the pie cool fully so the filling has time to set and achieve the perfect consistency.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Whipped Cream
While the pie cools, it’s time to prepare the cinnamon whipped cream. In a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks begin to form. This usually takes around 2 to 3 minutes.
Once soft peaks have formed, add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Continue to whip until stiff peaks form, about another 1 to 2 minutes. The whipped cream should be light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet with a touch of cinnamon warmth.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the pumpkin pie has fully cooled, slice it into wedges and serve with a generous dollop of cinnamon whipped cream on top. The cool, airy whipped cream balances the rich, spiced filling, creating a heavenly combination that’s sure to delight every guest at your holiday gathering.
If you’re feeling extra festive, you can sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or even a few crushed pecans on top of the whipped cream for a decorative touch. This adds a bit of texture and visual appeal, making your dessert look as good as it tastes.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Pie
- Crust Tip: To prevent the crust from getting soggy, make sure to pre-bake it until golden. Also, you can brush the inside of the crust with a thin layer of egg wash before baking to help create a barrier that keeps it crisp.
- Flavor Variations: While the traditional spices are beloved, you can experiment with other warm flavors such as allspice or cardamom. Just be sure to use these sparingly to maintain balance in the filling.
- Texture Tip: If you prefer a super smooth filling, you can run the pumpkin puree through a fine-mesh sieve before adding it to the mixture. This step eliminates any remaining fibers and ensures the filling is silky-smooth.
- Make-Ahead: Pumpkin pie is an excellent make-ahead dessert. In fact, it’s even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Simply bake the pie a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serving Tip: If you prefer warm pie, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds before serving, then top with freshly whipped cinnamon cream for that “just-baked” experience.
Why Pumpkin Pie is a Holiday Favorite
There’s something magical about pumpkin pie that makes it an irreplaceable part of any holiday spread. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia associated with it, or the way it perfectly embodies the flavors of fall. Whatever the reason, no Thanksgiving or holiday dinner is complete without it.
The rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin combined with a mix of aromatic spices makes for a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. The addition of cinnamon whipped cream takes this dessert over the top, providing a light, sweet contrast to the rich filling.
This pie is also incredibly versatile. While it shines during the holidays, it can be enjoyed year-round—whether it’s a casual weekend treat or a dessert for a special occasion. The combination of textures—the buttery crust, smooth filling, and airy topping—makes it universally adored.
