Introduction
Brown Sugar Pumpkin Pie offers a delightful twist on the traditional pumpkin pie. Combining rich brown sugar with warm spices, this recipe results in a smooth and flavorful filling that is sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Perfect for fall festivities or holiday celebrations, this pie is a must-try for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
– 1 unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 150g brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 egg yolk
– 400g canned pumpkin puree
– 240ml heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground ginger
– ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
– ¼ teaspoon salt
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 190°C. Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 23 cm pie dish. Crimp the edges and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, eggs, and egg yolk until smooth.
3. Add the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mix well until fully combined.
4. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
7. Serve with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). This temperature is essential for achieving that perfect, golden crust and beautifully set filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
Roll out the unbaked pie crust, whether homemade or store-bought, to fit into a 23 cm pie dish. Once fitted, crimp the edges to create a lovely design. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes. This chilling step helps to prevent the crust from shrinking during baking.
Step 3: Mix the Sugar and Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, two large eggs, and one egg yolk. Using a whisk, blend them together until the mixture is smooth and uniform. The brown sugar will impart a rich, caramel-like flavor to your pie.
Step 4: Combine the Filling Ingredients
To the egg and sugar mixture, add the canned pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Next, sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Stir everything together until the filling is well-mixed and creamy. The warm spices will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
Step 5: Pour the Filling into the Crust
Carefully pour the smooth pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust. Use a spatula to gently smooth the top, making sure the filling is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pie. If you notice the edges of the crust browning too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
Step 7: Cooling and Refrigeration
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature. This cooling process is essential for setting the filling properly. After cooling, refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving to enhance the flavors and serve it chilled.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
When ready to serve, top the pie with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a light sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy the rich, flavorful combination of spices and the smooth texture of this delightful brown sugar pumpkin pie.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a perfect dessert experience.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious over time.
Baking Tips
For those who prefer a sweeter pie, consider increasing the amount of brown sugar slightly. Alternatively, nutmeg can be adjusted to taste for a more pronounced flavor.
Alternative Ingredients
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute with evaporated milk for a lighter filling while still achieving a creamy texture.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Pie Crust
Start by rolling out your pie crust and fitting it into a pie dish. Crimp the edges for a decorative touch and chill it in the refrigerator to prevent shrinking during baking.
Mixing the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, and egg yolk until smooth. This will create a creamy base for the filling.
Incorporating Ingredients
Add the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and spices to the egg mixture. Mix until everything is fully combined to ensure even flavor distribution.
Baking the Pie
Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Cooling and Serving
After baking, let the pie cool to room temperature before refrigerating it for two hours. Serving chilled enhances the flavors, and topping with whipped cream adds a delightful finish.
FAQ
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but be sure to cook and puree it until smooth before adding it to the filling.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use whole milk or a dairy-free alternative, but the texture and richness may be slightly different.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What spices can I use if I don’t have ground cloves or nutmeg?
You may increase the amounts of cinnamon and ginger, or consider using a pumpkin pie spice blend for convenience.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Pumpkin Pie is a delightful and flavorful twist on the traditional pumpkin pie, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings and celebrations. The rich brown sugar and warm spices not only enhance the flavor but also create a comforting aroma that fills the kitchen. This creamy filling, complemented by a flaky crust, makes for a dessert that will leave your guests wanting more.
Spiced Pecans Topping
Add a crunchy layer of spiced pecans on top for a delightful contrast to the creamy filling. Toss pecans in a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of butter before baking.
Coconut Whipped Cream
Serve with a dollop of coconut whipped cream to introduce a subtle tropical flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
Maple Syrup Drizzle
Enhance the sweetness by drizzling pure maple syrup on top before serving, adding depth and richness to each slice.
Chocolate Ganache Layer
For a decadent twist, layer dark chocolate ganache on the bottom of the pie crust before adding the pumpkin filling for a rich chocolate-pumpkin fusion.
Gingersnap Crust
Try using a gingersnap cookie crust instead of a traditional pie crust for extra spice and flavor that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin filling.
Caramel Sauce Swirl
Swirl homemade or store-bought caramel sauce into the pumpkin filling before baking for a sweet surprise in every bite.
Nutmeg and Clove Ice Cream
Serve with a scoop of nutmeg and clove flavored ice cream for a cool and creamy accompaniment that beautifully contrasts the warm spices of the pie.
