Easy Pumpkin Pie | Pumpkin Pie Recipe | Handle the Heat
Filed Under: Dessert | Fall | Pie | Thanksgiving

Easy Pumpkin Pie

By Tessa Arias
  |  
November 7th, 2019
4.91 from 10 votes
4.91 from 10 votes

Easy Pumpkin Pie made with a quick graham cracker crust, homemade spiced filling, and topped with freshly whipped cream. Quick and simple to prep ahead of time for Thanksgiving!

Yield: 9 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook: 1 hour 10 minutes

I’ve never been a huge fan of pumpkin pie.

Which is funny because I actually love pumpkin desserts. I recently came to realize it’s a texture problem.

Pumpkin pie with graham cracker crust in a ceramic pie dish

One of my favorite pie recipes that I could literally eat every single day is my Chocolate Pudding Pie.

It’s got chocolate, so of course the flavor is good. But what I love most of all is the TEXTURE.

So I set out to make a pumpkin pie recipe that was similar to the texture of that pudding pie. AND easier to make that traditional pumpkin pie. But still with an absolutely delicious taste.

That meant scratching the pastry crust in favor of a 5 minute graham cracker crust. That swap alone literally saves hours!

Quick and easy pumpkin pie in a pie dish with a slice removed

If you’re like me and want a spin on classic pumpkin pie, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let me know what you think.

EASY Pumpkin Pie Tips & Tricks

How to make graham cracker crust for pie:

Graham cracker crumbs being pressed into the pie plate

Crush the graham crackers in the food processor with the sugar and cinnamon until finely ground then add in the melted butter and toss until the mixture looks like wet sand.

Press firmly into the bottom and sides of a pie pan. I like to use the bottom of a flat measuring cup or glass to get an even crumb layer that’s compacted into the pie plate. This helps prevent the crust from crumbling a bunch when you go to cut slices.

In the recipe I included the cup measurement and weight measurements of the crumbs so you can use pre-ground crumbs if desired. You can also use gingersnap cookies or Biscoff cookies too!

Homemade pumpkin pie filling for the best pumpkin pie recipe:

This filling recipe doesn’t use pre-made canned pumpkin filling or evaporated milk. Instead it uses heavy cream, sour cream, and eggs so you get the best flavor and a smooth, creamy, rich texture. The texture is more like cream pie or pudding pie, which I personally prefer!

I actually recently experimented in the kitchen with organic canned pumpkin vs. fresh pumpkin puree vs. Libby’s pumpkin puree. Learn about the results in my Fresh vs. Canned Pumpkin Puree article!

comparison of pie dishes of baked homemade pumpkin puree, regular Libby's canned pumpkin puree, and organic canned pumpkin puree

How to bake pumpkin pie (and tell when it’s done!)

Pumpkin pie can be tricky to bake. If you underbake, the center may never set and you won’t get clean slices. If you overbake, the top will get cracks and the texture will be dry.

You’re looking for the edges of the filling to be set and look dry but for the center to still wobble a little bit, kind of like Jell-O.

The best way to tell when a pie is done is to use an instant read thermometer and insert it into the center (but don’t allow it to touch the crust and pan). It should read 175°F when the pie is done.

If you’re worried your pie might be a little on the loose side, pop it in the fridge for a few hours before serving to ensure you get clean cuts.

Note that metal pie tins will cook quicker than glass or ceramic.

How to store pumpkin pie:

Store covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. The longer the pie is in the refrigerator, the softer the crust will grow. This pie doesn’t freeze well.

Try to top the pie with the whipped cream as close to serving as possible. The cream will “weep” the longer it sits on the pie, losing its airy volume.

How to make homemade whipped cream for pie:

Combine all the whipped cream ingredients in a large bowl. Make sure the cream is cold and the bowl is totally dry. Beat with an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until soft peaks form.

I call for a tablespoon of bourbon in the whipped cream for this recipe but you can definitely leave it out. I just love how it complements the pumpkin. You can always add more ground cinnamon to the whipped cream too!

Slice of easy pumpkin pie on a plate with a dollop of whipped cream on top

More Thanksgiving Pie Recipes:

See my other favorite Thanksgiving recipes, from side dishes to bread, here at my Thanksgiving Headquarters!

4.91 from 10 votes

How to make
Easy Pumpkin Pie

Yield: 9 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Easy Pumpkin Pie made with a quick graham cracker crust, homemade spiced filling, and topped with freshly whipped cream. Quick and simple to prep ahead of time for Thanksgiving!

Ingredients

For the graham cracker crust:

  • 1 3/4 cups (230 grams) graham cracker crumbs (from 15 whole graham crackers)
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the pumpkin filling:

  • 1 15- ounce can (425 grams) pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup (200 grams) packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup (80 grams) sour cream, at room temperature
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature

For the whipped cream:

  • 1 1/3 cups heavy cream, cold
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon, optional

Directions

Prepare the crust:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray a 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and butter until the mixture is moistened. Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan using the bottom of a flat measuring cup or glass. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden, firm, and fragrant. Place on a wire rack to cool.

Make the pumpkin filling:

  1. In the bowl of a food processor or blender, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, spices, and salt for 1 minute. You can also whisk by hand, but the final texture may not be as smooth. On low speed gradually add in the cream and sour cream. Add in the eggs and 1 yolk, one at a time, and beat until just combined.
  2. Pour the mixture into the cooled crust. Bake at 325°F until the filling it set at the edges but still wobbly like gelatin in the center and the internal temperature is 175°F, about 50 minutes to 1 hour.
  3. Let cool completely. Serve at room temperature or chilled. If the pie is on the gooey side, chill in the fridge to firm up.

Make the whipped cream:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until soft peaks form. Garnish each slice with whipped cream just before serving.
Course : Dessert
Cuisine : American
Keyword : thanksgiving

Photos by Ashley McLaughlin.

Tessa Arias
Author: Tessa Arias

I share trusted baking recipes your friends will LOVE alongside insights into the science of sweets. I'm a professionally trained chef, cookbook author, and cookie queen. I love to write about all things sweet, carb-y, and homemade. I live in Phoenix, Arizona (hence the blog name!)

Tessa Arias

About Tessa...

I share trusted baking recipes your friends will LOVE alongside insights into the science of sweets. I'm a professionally trained chef, cookbook author, and cookie queen. I love to write about all things sweet, carb-y, and homemade. I live in Phoenix, Arizona (hence the blog name!)

Find Tessa on  

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Recipe Rating




  1. #
    Michelle Biggs — November 24, 2022 at 10:46 pm

    Best pumpkin pie recipe I’ve ever made!

  2. #
    Megan — January 9, 2022 at 1:26 pm

    Always delicious!

  3. #
    Nicole — December 19, 2021 at 10:38 pm

    I made this today and it’s delicious!! I did use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Also, non dairy sour cream (kite hill) instead of the dairy. It made it silky smooth and baked perfectly. Highly recommend this recipe.

    • #
      Emily — December 20, 2021 at 1:08 pm

      Happy your substitutions works! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  4. #
    AnnaBell — November 24, 2021 at 3:38 pm

    This is the absolute BEST pumpkin pie. My family hates pie crust, so the graham crackers are the perfect substitute. I’m also picky with my pumpkin pie, and this is the only recipe I haven’t had to adjust to actually make it taste like pumpkin pie. That being said, there is plenty of wiggle room with this recipe, so it’s a perfect choice to experiment with. I also love that it’s cheap and easy to make, and it makes your kitchen truly smell like the holiday season. If you love pumpkin spice then you have to make this recipe. Definitely a holiday staple in my family now!

    • #
      Emily — November 29, 2021 at 3:59 pm

      Hooray! So happy you love this recipe, AnnaBell! Thrilled to hear it’s a family favorite and a holiday staple! Thanks so much for the comment 🙂

  5. #
    Nicole — November 20, 2021 at 1:05 pm

    This really is the best pumpkin pie recipe! It’s great for people who love pumpkin pie but even for people who don’t! I used to think I didn’t like pumpkin pie until I tried this recipe. The texture is perfect and the grahama cracker crust is so much better than traditional pie crust.

    • #
      Emily — November 22, 2021 at 3:29 pm

      So happy to hear that!

  6. #
    Andreina — November 6, 2021 at 4:52 am

    Hi Tessa! What is your equivalent on grams for a tablespoon of butter (before melted)? I use 15 grs to made any recipe. But I would like yo know your perspective.

    • #
      Emily — November 9, 2021 at 12:34 pm

      Hi Andreina! Please check out our Ingredient Measuring Cheatsheet as Tessa lists her preferred measurements there 🙂 We are slowly making our way through older recipe posts and updating them with metric measurements. Hope that helps!

  7. #
    Kathleen — October 9, 2021 at 12:58 pm

    Hi There,

    What would you recommend substituting for the whipping cream? Would there be a possible substitute? Looking for a diary free option. I’m fine with the sour cream. Thank you!

    • #
      Emily — October 11, 2021 at 9:53 am

      Hi Kathleen! We don’t bake dairy-free; however, there are dairy-free brands of whipped cream that can be purchased at the grocery store. You can also search online for homemade dairy-free recipes. Good luck!

      • #
        Kathleen — October 14, 2021 at 9:20 pm

        Thanks for the reply! I caved and used the whipping cream! Such a delicious pie!! Highly recommend!

  8. #
    Tamela Bush — September 20, 2021 at 7:37 pm

    I’ve made this twice. It. Is. Perfect!!

    • #
      Emily — September 21, 2021 at 8:03 am

      So happy to hear you love it! Thanks for the comment!

  9. #
    Debby — November 23, 2020 at 12:56 pm

    Very easy and quick to make! Plus, it was so much better than the traditional pumpkin pie that has its instructions on the canned pumpkin label. Very light, fluffy and so delicious! Really liked the combination of spices that provided extra flavor.

    • #
      Tessa — November 23, 2020 at 4:11 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoyed this pumpkin pie recipe, Debby!

  10. #
    Rasbhari — September 9, 2020 at 11:07 am

    Thank you for this recipe. I tried this on the family and no one noticed the black pepper but raved about the pie.

  11. #
    Julie — July 20, 2020 at 3:39 pm

    Sorry.. EDIT

    It would be great if you could give the amounts in weight when there are tablespoons in the recipes (as you usually do with cups) as I’m in Australia and this gets very confusing.

  12. #
    Julie — July 20, 2020 at 3:37 pm

    It would be great if you could give the amounts in weight use tablespoons (as you usually do with cups) as I’m in Australia and this gets very confusing.

  13. #
    Alina — May 8, 2020 at 2:00 am

    Best tips ever, thanks for your work.

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