Libby’s Pumpkin Pie Recipe

To me, no matter what time of year it is, there’s no better way to indulge in the cozy part of every season’s flavors than with a delicious pumpkin pie.

One recipe that has stood the test of time is Libby’s Famous Pumpkin Pie.

This classic dessert has been a favorite among home cooks and baking enthusiasts for decades, just like their pumpkin bread.

So what makes Libby’s Pumpkin Pie recipe so unique?

It’s the perfect balance of creamy pumpkin filling infused with just the right amount of spices combined with a flaky pie crust – resulting in a comforting and delectable dessert.

How to Make Libby’s Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients List

To make Libby’s Famous Pumpkin Pie, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie shell (4-cup filling volume)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 large eggs
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Set your oven to preheat at 425°F (220°C).

Place the unbaked pie crust on a baking sheet.

This will make it easier to transfer the pie in and out of the oven and catch any spills.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients

In a small mixing bowl, mix the granulated sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves.

Step 3: Prepare wet ingredients

In a giant mixing bowl, beat the eggs.

Stir in the pumpkin puree and the sugar-spice mixture you prepared earlier.

Gradually stir in the evaporated milk until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the pie

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the unbaked pie shell, filling it to just below the rim of the crust.

If you have extra filling, set it aside for now.

Step 5: Bake the pie

Place the pie on the preheated oven’s middle rack.

Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C).

Continue baking for 40-50 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center of the pie comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and serve

Allow the pumpkin pie to cool on a wire rack for approximately 2 hours.

Once cooled, you may serve your delicious homemade Libby’s Pumpkin Pie.

If you have extra filling, consider using it to make mini pumpkin pies or freeze it for future use.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Spices

Fresh spices will enhance the fragrant quality of your pumpkin pie significantly, making the aroma and flavor much more inviting!

Perfecting the Texture

If you like your pumpkin pie with a crunch, adding nuts or seeds is a fantastic choice for both texture and taste.

Adjusting Sweetness

Adjust the sugar to your liking if you want a less sweet version by decreasing it slightly without compromising the overall flavor.

Cooling Technique

Let the pie cool completely before slicing to keep it intact and allow flavors to meld well.

Storage Tips

Store the pie in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and freshness, especially if you plan to enjoy it over the course of several days.

Toppings and Sides for Libby’s Pumpkin Pie

Fresh Fruit Garnishes

Top the pie with fresh fruit like raspberries, pomegranate seeds, or thinly sliced apples for a pop of color and brightness.

Savory Cheese Pairings

Serve small slices of sharp cheddar or a mild brie on the side.

The savory notes offer a surprising and delightful contrast to the sweetness of the pie.

Caramel or Chocolate Drizzles

A light drizzle of caramel or melted dark chocolate adds an extra layer of indulgence and complements the warm flavors of the filling.

Candied Nuts

Candied pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top provide texture and a nutty sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spiced pumpkin filling.

Warm Beverage

A cup of spiced chai, mulled cider, or rich hot chocolate can round out the flavors and create a cozy, satisfying dessert experience.

Spiced Yogurt

For a lighter alternative, spiced Greek yogurt with a touch of honey works as a creamy and tangy side that enhances the pumpkin’s flavor.

Whipped Cream

A classic accompaniment to any pumpkin pie, whipped cream adds a light and fluffy texture that contrasts nicely with the dense pie filling.

You can whip up your own using heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract or buy a ready-made version to save time.

Cinnamon Spiced Apples

Cinnamon-spiced apples make a fantastic side dish for pumpkin pie because they share similar autumn flavors.

Simply cook apple slices in a saucepan with butter, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar until the apples are tender and caramelized.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Sometimes, keeping it simple is best.

A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream next to a warm slice of pumpkin pie creates a delightful contrast between hot and cold and a sweet and creamy complement to the spiced pie.

By adding these side dishes to your dessert table, you’ll enhance the already delicious taste of Libby’s pumpkin pie and delight your guests with a well-rounded selection of desserts to enjoy.

How to Store Libby’s Pumpkin Pie

After you’ve enjoyed a delicious piece of Libby’s pumpkin pie, storing it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor is essential.

Here are some simple guidelines for preserving your pumpkin pie.

Cool it

First, let the pumpkin pie cool at room temperature for 2 to 4 hours after baking.

This allows the pie to be set and makes for easier slicing.

Be careful not to leave the pie out for more than 4 hours, as this may cause spoilage.

Cover the pie

Next, cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap.

It’s crucial to use plastic wrap instead of more rigid materials, as the wrap will prevent the crust from becoming too soggy while keeping the rest of the pie fresh.

Gently place the wrapped pie in your refrigerator.

Refrigerate it

It’s recommended to store your pumpkin pie in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

This will ensure that the pie remains fresh and tasty, ready for you and your family to enjoy.

Don’t freeze the pie

Finally, keep in mind that pumpkin pies shouldn’t be frozen.

Freezing can alter the texture and taste of your Libby’s pumpkin pie, especially the crust, making it less enjoyable.

By following these storage recommendations, you can ensure that your Libby’s pumpkin pie remains fresh and delicious for everyone to savor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Libby’s Pumpkin Pie.

Overcooking the filling

It is essential to avoid overcooking your pumpkin pie filling.

A common mistake is baking the pie for too long.

The ideal baking time for Libby’s pumpkin pie is usually between 40-50 minutes.

Overcooking the filling can result in a cracked pie with an unpleasant texture.

Keep an eye on the pie during the last few minutes of baking, and remove it from the oven when the filling is set on the edges but still jiggles slightly in the center.

Improper dough mixing and chilling.

When preparing the pie dough, remember not to overwork it.

Overworked dough can lead to a tough crust.

Also, after mixing the dough, chill it for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out and placing it in your pie shell.

Chilling the dough makes it easier to work with and ensures a flakier crust.

Choosing the wrong pie shell

Pie shells can greatly impact the final result of your pumpkin pie.

While store-bought crusts are convenient, making a homemade crust enhances the overall flavor.

For Libby’s pumpkin pie, a simple butter pie crust works best.

Avoid experimenting with fancy crusts that may not complement the pumpkin filling.