The Ultimate Pumpkin Pie Recipe with Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pumpkin pie is a quintessential autumn dessert, and this recipe using sweetened condensed milk makes it incredibly easy and delicious! This guide will walk you through creating a creamy, perfectly spiced pumpkin pie that will impress your family and friends. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to baking tips, ensuring your pie is a Thanksgiving or any-time-of-year triumph.
Why Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Sweetened condensed milk adds a unique richness and creaminess to pumpkin pie that's hard to match. It simplifies the process by eliminating the need for separate sugar and often some of the eggs, resulting in a smoother texture and intensely flavorful filling.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree: Look for 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk: This is the key ingredient for that extra creamy texture and sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: These bind the filling and contribute to its texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic pumpkin pie spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds warmth and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A touch of spice that elevates the flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the other spices beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust: You can use a store-bought crust for convenience, or make your own from scratch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Gently grease your 9-inch pie plate if using a non-stick crust.
-
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until completely smooth and well combined. Make sure there are no lumps!
-
Pour into Crust: Carefully pour the pumpkin mixture into your prepared pie crust.
-
Bake: Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 40-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Important: The center might still jiggle slightly – that's okay! It will set as it cools.
-
Cool & Chill: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the filling to set properly and the flavors to meld.
Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Pie:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and pumpkin puree can help create a smoother batter and prevent curdling.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can lead to a dry pie. Start checking for doneness around 40 minutes.
- Cool Completely: Patience is key! Allowing the pie to cool completely prevents the filling from becoming watery.
- Garnish: Once chilled, garnish your pie with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a few candied pecans for an extra touch of elegance.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled slices of your delicious pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
- Pair it with a warm beverage like coffee, tea, or hot cider.
This simple yet delicious pumpkin pie recipe using sweetened condensed milk is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the creamy texture and warm spices! Happy baking!
