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All Posts / Traditional Pumpkin Pie

Traditional Pumpkin Pie

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By Rosie Published: December 13, 2024 Updated: December 30, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links.

Nothing beats this homemade traditional pumpkin pie recipe! From the warm spices to that perfectly creamy texture and flaky pie crust – this is a classic holiday season treat!

A homemade pumpkin pie with a single slice being cut from the dish. A banner of text along the bottom of the image reads "Traditional Pumpkin Pie" and "iheartrecipes.com"
Table of Contents
  1. The Secret to Classic Pumpkin Pie Flavor
  2. Ingredients for a Traditional Pumpkin Pie 
  3. How to Make a Traditional Pumpkin Pie (+ Video Tutorial) 
  4. FAQs and Tips for Making the Perfect Pumpkin Pie Recipe
  5. More Pumpkin Desserts from I Heart Recipes
  6. Traditional Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Attention pumpkin pie haters… this one is for you! This classic pumpkin pie recipe is good enough to convert even the most serious haters.

Every time I mention I’m going to make a pumpkin pie for a family event, I usually get a collective “oh HELLLLLLL nah” from my family and friends. Like the true Southern fam they are, they make it clear that they only want sweet potato pie, and that’s IT! I can’t blame them because I, too, was a pumpkin pie hater once upon a time!

I remember one Thanksgiving, my mom bought pumpkin pie for dessert and tried to pass it off as a sweet potato pie. We took a bite and cried – we were so dang mad! All I tasted was pure clove and nutmeg. It was just not our thing… until I came up with my very own recipe for the perfect pumpkin pie that can ALMOST pass as a sweet potato pie.

The Secret to Classic Pumpkin Pie Flavor

I actually have several pumpkin pie recipes, but my favorite one (this one) tastes JUST like a sweet potato pie. I kid you not… there’s just something about this recipe. I was even able to fool a few of my die-hard sweet potato pie family and friends into believing this was the real deal.

So, what’s my trick? I don’t use pumpkin pie spice! People either love or hate pumpkin spice. Me personally, I’m not a huge fan (even though, yes, I do have my own pumpkin pie spice recipe–it’s trendy, y’all!). I just think it’s a little too much. This recipe has the perfect balance of those classic seasonings – cinnamon, ginger, clove, and nutmeg, without being over the top. I also add a dash of allspice, extra vanilla, and lemon juice! This combination takes the pumpkin pie filling from overwhelmingly sweet to just spiced and savory enough–like a classic Southern sweet potato pie. The outcome is freaking AH-MAZ-ING!

Ingredients for a Traditional Pumpkin Pie 

So, we talked a little about traditional pumpkin pie spices, but what about the rest of the ingredients? What do y’all need to make this classic pumpkin pie recipe? Thankfully, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Scroll on down to the recipe card to find the full recipe with ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions!

  • Pumpkin Puree: I used canned pumpkin puree for this recipe, but if you’re feeling ambitious, feel free to make your own homemade pumpkin puree for that authentic from-scratch flavor. 
  • Spices: like I said above, I use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and clove.
  • Vanilla Extract: y’all know what I’m about to say: if I see the word “imitation” anywhere near this recipe, it’s about to go down!! 
  • White Sugar and Brown Sugar: I promise this isn’t too much sugar! Using both white and brown sugar brings the flavors together. 
  • Lemon Juice: that little kick of acidity helps balance all the flavors and keep it a bit more savory instead of too sweet. 
  • Eggs: I use three large eggs to give the pie that perfect structure.
  • Evaporated Milk: this is my go-to when making homemade pie fillings.
  • Pie Crust: use a store-bought pie crust to make this recipe even easier.
A closeup image of a freshly baked pumpkin pie with a scalloped edge crust in a white ceramic pie dish.

Pumpkin Pie Ingredient Notes & Swaps 

Y’all know I always tell you to follow my recipe for best results, but this traditional pumpkin pie recipe has some wiggle room to swap some ingredients if you need to!

  • You can make your own crust if you don’t want to use store-bought crusts! I have a butter pie crust recipe to give you that perfect flaky crust result. 
  • If using a frozen pie crust, let it thaw completely before baking so everything bakes evenly.
  • You can swap out evaporated milk for whole milk or heavy cream if that’s all you have on hand. 
  • The lemon juice doesn’t give this pie a tart taste, but if you’re worried about it, you can feel free to leave it out! 
  • Dark brown sugar can be used instead of light brown sugar. 
  • Pretty, pretty please DO NOT BUY canned pumpkin pie filling. This comes pre-sweetened and spiced, which we do not want! Make sure you buy plain ol’ unsweetened pure pumpkin pie puree. 

Okay, cousins, that’s enough yapping out of me! Let’s get to the good part – how to make a delicious homemade pumpkin pie recipe!

How to Make a Traditional Pumpkin Pie (+ Video Tutorial) 

If you want to follow my step-by-step recipe, watch my video tutorial below! Or head on over to YouTube and watch it there. While you’re there, be sure to subscribe to I Heart Recipes so you’re always catching the latest recipe videos and Cousin Rosie chat sessions 😊 

Classic Pumpkin Pie Recipe Steps: 

  1. Add the pumpkin puree, spices, and white and brown sugar in a large bowl. Use an electric hand mixer to combine the ingredients. 
  2. Next, add the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and evaporated milk. Mix again. 
  3. Finally, add in the eggs one at a time while continuously mixing until all the ingredients are smooth and combined into one creamy mixture.
  4. Place the pie crust into a 9-inch round pie pan, then pour the pumpkin pie filling into the crust. You’ll have a little excess – that’s just fine. You don’t want to overflow the crust! 
  5. Bake your pumpkin pie in a 350-degree F oven for about 50 minutes. The pie will be puffy when it comes out but will fall as it rests. Let it cool to room temperature before serving!

FAQs and Tips for Making the Perfect Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Now, fam, here’s the thing. There are a lot of ways to make a homemade pumpkin pie. Everyone has their own recipe and formula, from how much spice you use, fresh pumpkin puree vs. canned, and type of pie crust. But THIS recipe… this one is an absolute classic. As I said before, it’s more traditional because it’s all about the SPICE not sweetness. It’s not in-your-face pumpkin spice, but a nice balance of pumpkin flavor, warm spices, and creamy texture. If you have sweet potato pie loyalists in your family like me, this might just convert them into pumpkin pie lovers… and that’s on my ancestors, y’all! 

A closeup image of a traditional pumpkin pie served in a white pie dish, with a single slice cut from the whole pie.

Here are some Cousin Rosie tips for making this easy pumpkin pie recipe even better: 

  • It can be tricky to know when a pumpkin pie is done baking. The pie should ever-so-slightly wiggle in the center but shouldn’t be liquidy at all. Look for those golden brown edges and slightly jiggly-but-firm center. 
  • Your pumpkin pie will continue to set as it cools. However, don’t rush the process! Let it cool to room temperature first, then refrigerate for a few hours to overnight. This will give you the perfect texture.
  • If the edges of your crust are getting a little too brown for your liking, wrap some aluminum foil around the edges to prevent burning. You can also place the pie plate on a baking sheet while it bakes – this will help with even baking and give you more stability when putting the pie in and out of the oven.
  • Serve this tasty pumpkin pie with some whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect finishing touch. 

Should a traditional pumpkin pie crust be prebaked?

In this recipe, I don’t prebake the crust. However, if you want to blind-bake the crust, you definitely can! Blind baking helps ensure the crust is cooked evenly (a.k.a., it helps prevent that undercooked bottom of the crust problem. It’s easy to do but requires special tools like pie weights. Is it necessary? No. Does it help prevent a soggy crust and overbaked filling? Sure! So, it’s totally up to you. 

Is it better to make pumpkin pie the day before or the day of?

If you have the time, I always recommend making your pumpkin pie the day before! That extra setting time (especially in the fridge) really helps get the perfect pumpkin pie texture. However, if you’re making it the day-of, be sure to leave enough time for cooling. 

Does traditional pumpkin pie have to use homemade pumpkin puree? 

Heck no, it doesn’t! This pumpkin pie recipe is traditional because of the flavor – that less-sweet, more-savory balance. Plus, y’all know I Heart Recipes is all about making cooking easy for everyone, and let’s be honest, not everyone has the kitchen talent to make fresh pumpkin puree – and that’s okay! If you want to make a homemade pumpkin puree, you’d need pie pumpkins. They’re sweeter, and all you have to do is roast them up to make a homemade puree.

A closeup image of a slice of homemade pumpkin pie being removed from a pie dish.

More Pumpkin Desserts from I Heart Recipes

Well, cousins, that’s all I got for you! This homemade pumpkin pie recipe will convert even the most serious pumpkin pie hater. I swear, I could eat an entire pie on my own–don’t tempt me! If you loved this easy recipe, try out some of my other favorite pumpkin desserts below. 

  • Pecan Pumpkin Pie Recipe
  • Best Ever Pumpkin Pie Bars
  • The Perfect Personal-Size Pumpkin Pies
  • Caramel Pumpkin Coffee Cake
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
  • Moist Layered Pumpkin Cake
  • Pumpkin Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake

Loved this recipe? Share a photo of your holiday spread by tagging me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to I Heart Recipes on YouTube! Don’t forget to check out I Heart Soul Food, Super Soul Food with Cousin Rosie, and A Cousin Rosie Holiday, with many recipes you can’t find anywhere else.

pumpkin pie

Traditional Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Learn how to make a classic holiday dessert — pumpkin pie! This traditional pumpkin pie goes easy on the spices for the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Watch Video Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Christmas, holiday, Thanksgiving
Keyword Traditional Pumpkin Pie
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes minutes
Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/4 tsp ground clove
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tbsp of pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 12 oz evaporated milk
  • 1 9 inch pie shell or pie crust store-bought or homemade

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F.
  • Add the pumpkin puree into a large mixing bowl.
    2 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, ground clove, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, ground ginger, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
    2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground allspice, 1/4 tsp ground clove, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • Add in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and evaporated milk, then mix everything until well combined.
    1 tbsp of pure vanilla extract, 2 tsp lemon juice, 12 oz evaporated milk
  • Add in the eggs one at a time and mix.
    3 large eggs
  • Grab the pie shell and fill it with the pie filling. (It's okay if you have excess filling — you don't want to overflow the pie crust.)
    1 9 inch pie shell or pie crust
  • Bake the pie on 350 F for 50 minutes.
  • Remove the pie from the oven, and let cool completely — overnight is best!
  • Serve & enjoy with whipped cream!

Video

If you loved this recipe, leave me a review below. This helps future recipe makers and ensures continued high-quality recipes for years to come!
© 2025 I Heart Recipes
Recipe by: I Heart Recipes
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EXPLORE RECIPE CATEGORIESAll Posts, Dessert, Holiday Recipes, Pie, Thanksgiving Recipes

MEET THE RECIPE AUTHOR

Rosie

I’m a Soul Food blogger living in the Pacific Northwest, bringing Southern cooking to gorgeous Seattle, Washington. I was born and raised in the PNW, but my family roots go all the way to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where my grandparents were born and raised. I live every day to bring the traditional values, recipes, and love of food to life for my family—whether they’re online or in real life. So, welcome to the party, family!

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Comments

  1. Prencesse Jackson says

    September 25, 2016 at 7:41 pm

    Hello Rosie I’m fairly new to your blog and you tube channel.I have tried out a couple of your recipes and nobody complained. So i have to thank you,because you make it look so easy that now i want to get in the kitchen and cook. I’ve never had pumpkin pie so i can’t say i don’t like it. I must try this recipe. Where do i get pumpkin puree from???

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      September 25, 2016 at 7:43 pm

      Hi Prencesse! You can find pumpkin puree in the baking isle 🙂

      Reply
      • Prencesse Jackson says

        September 25, 2016 at 8:37 pm

        Oh ok thank you Rosie.

        Reply
  2. Nicole says

    September 26, 2016 at 7:49 am

    I find that using fresh pumpkin (and sweet potato) for our pies really makes a big difference for my family (as in, if puree is used, they all get mad and wont eat it! lol) Your pie looks delicious 🙂

    Reply
  3. Trisha says

    October 3, 2016 at 11:09 am

    Since this recipe makes 1 pie, if I wanted to make 2 pies would I just double all of the ingredients? I’m not crazy about pumpkin pie, but your pie looks delicious. I love your recipes. please keep them coming.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      October 3, 2016 at 3:12 pm

      Hi Trisha! Absolutely. Just double the recipe. XOXO

      Reply
  4. Rose says

    October 31, 2017 at 12:22 pm

    5 stars
    HI ROSE MY NAME IS ROSE ALSO ,I HAVE TO SAY THAT YOU MAKE PEOPLE FEEL GOOD AFTER EATING SOME OF YOUR RECIPES THANKS.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      October 31, 2017 at 12:23 pm

      Hi Rose! Thank you!! XOXO

      Reply
  5. Cookie2018 says

    November 25, 2019 at 6:07 am

    Does the lemon juice give the pie a tart taste? Can I substitute, don’t want to taste lemon in pumpkin pie?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 26, 2019 at 2:32 pm

      You can omit it

      Reply
  6. Kate says

    November 22, 2020 at 5:39 pm

    Hi Rosie, can you use heavy cream instead of evaporated milk?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 24, 2020 at 5:19 pm

      That should be fine hunny.

      Reply
  7. Kathryn says

    January 4, 2024 at 5:13 pm

    Rosie, on your video you say you add ginger, but the recipe given above doesn’t show it in the ingredients.
    Please clarify how much you use in the recipe.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      January 5, 2024 at 5:24 am

      1/2 tsp ground ginger can be used.

      Reply
  8. Jessica says

    November 21, 2024 at 10:50 am

    Hello! So confused on what 2 3/4 cups mean. Is it 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4 ?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 22, 2024 at 5:45 am

      Its 2 & 3/4 cup

      Reply

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Hey cousins, it’s Rosie!

I’m a Soul Food blogger living in the Pacific Northwest, bringing Southern cooking to gorgeous Seattle, Washington. I was born and raised in the PNW, but my family roots go all the way to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where my grandparents were born and raised. I live every day to bring the traditional values, recipes, and love of food to life for my family—whether they’re online or in real life. So, welcome to the party, family!

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