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Pumpkin Pie

A custard pie where protein chemistry decides between silky and curdled.

classic pumpkin piepumpkin custard pie

The Chemistry in This Bake

Baking the egg-based custard at a controlled low temperature until it just sets — too much heat overcooks (curdles) the proteins, too little leaves it liquid.

Learn the full technique →

Ingredients

  • Pumpkin purée
  • Eggs
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground ginger
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Pie crust

Method

  1. Blind-bake the pie crust until lightly golden.

  2. Whisk pumpkin purée, eggs, condensed milk, cream, sugar, and spices until smooth.

  3. Pour the filling into the warm crust.

  4. Bake at 190 °C for 15 minutes, then reduce to 175 °C until the center barely wobbles.

  5. Check doneness by nudging the pan — the filling should set with a slight jiggle.

  6. Cool completely at room temperature, then chill before slicing.