Delicious Pumpkin Chess Pie Recipe for Fall
As the leaves change color and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin pie. But what if I told you that there was a way to take this classic dessert to the next level? Introducing: Pumpkin Chess Pie.
If you are a lover of pumpkin pie and custard, then you simply must try this recipe. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with warm spices like ground cinnamon, cloves, and ginger that will take your taste buds on a ride. This Southern-style dessert is made with a delightful mix of canned pumpkin, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, half-and-half, and butter in a single crust pie.
Now, you may be wondering what makes this pie chess? The name derives from the classic buttermilk chess pie- a tradition of Southern cuisine made with milk, sugar, butter, and eggs. In place of milk or buttermilk in this recipe is pureed pumpkin which adds a subtle hint of nuttiness underlining the smooth custard filling.
Whether for Thanksgiving or any other fall occasion or craving, Pumpkin Chess Pie is sure to satisfy all your dessert desires with its flavorful blend of ingredients that create an irresistible harmony melting together as one perfectly smooth filling. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll never go back to plain old pumpkin pie! So let’s dive into our ingredient list and how-to instructions for mastering this dessert masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pumpkin chess pie recipe is not just any ordinary pumpkin pie recipe. It’s a dessert that strikes a perfect balance between pumpkin and chess with every bite. If you love pumpkin and love pie, you’re sure to fall head over heels for this delicious dessert.
Firstly, this recipe uses canned pumpkin, which is cheaper than fresh pumpkins and makes preparation fast and easy. Additionally, it combines smooth custard with the rich flavor of classic chess pie, resulting in an irresistible texture and taste. Trust me when I say that one slice will leave you yearning for more.
What sets this recipe apart from the rest is its unique blend of spices, including ground cloves, ginger, and cinnamon, combined with the perfect amount of vanilla extract to give it that extra kick. These spices are blended perfectly to create a warm sensation that makes every bite feel like a hug on a chilly autumn day.
Lastly, this recipe pairs perfectly with anything from whipped cream to praline sauce or even chocolate bourbon if you’re feeling adventurous. It can also be served on its own as a wonderful end to any meal or holiday gathering.
Overall, if you’re looking for a dessert that will delight your palate and impress your guests with its unique combination of flavors and textures, look no further than this delightful pumpkin chess pie recipe. I am confident that once you try it, you’ll never use another pumpkin pie recipe again.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious pumpkin chess pie recipe:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 tablespoons ice-cold water
For the Filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
(or substitute with canned evaporated milk)
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
(chilled in the refrigerator for at least an hour) - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
If you’ve got all these ingredients, then we’re ready to get started!
The Recipe How-To
Before the actual mixing of the ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remember to position your oven rack in the middle part to ensure proper baking.
For the crust, use a 9-inch single-crust pie dish or a deep-dish alternative if you prefer thicker pies. Pro-tip: The deep dish is perfect because it allows you to put more of that delicious filling.
You can choose between making your own pie crust or using the store-bought one. If you are using a frozen one, take it out of the freezer and thaw for about 10-15 minutes first.
Use cornmeal to dust the bottom and sides of the pie crust so that it won’t stick or become soggy. This works better than love letters when it comes to preventing sticking!
Mix the Pumpkin Chess Pie Filling
In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar (1), brown sugar, all-purpose flour (2 tablespoons), ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon), ground ginger (1 teaspoon), and salt until well-combined. For this recipe, grandma likes using her bare hands instead of whisking everything altogether.
Add in two cups of pumpkin puree (equivalent to one 15 oz canned pumpkin), along with half-and-half (1 cup) and vanilla extract (2 teaspoons). Beat together with an electric mixer or by hand until well-blended.
Mix in unsalted butter (6 tablespoons), softened, and add 3 eggs to the mixture one at a time. This will guarantee smoothness like a jazz tune.
Bake and Enjoy Your Delicious Pumpkin Chess Pie
Pour your batter into your prepared crust. Smooth it out as evenly as possible with a spatula or a spoon. Give it a final touch by shaking gently if you want it extra smooth.
Bake at 350°F degrees for fifty- five to sixty-five minutes and watch it turn golden brown as its lovely aroma spreads throughout your kitchen. Use a toothpick inserted in the center of the pie to check whether it is done or not. When it comes out clean, take it out of the oven.
Now place your Pumpkin Chess Pie on an even surface to cool before slicing. Pair your homemade dessert with whipped cream or topping with praline sauce for some extra sweetness!
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, there’s always room for substitutions and variations. Don’t be afraid to get creative with this Pumpkin Chess Pie Recipe!
If you’re not a fan of the spice blend, feel free to swap it out for your favorite pumpkin spice mix. You can also add a touch of nutmeg or allspice to intensify the flavor.
For those who love a bit of crunch, try adding in some chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling. The nuts will add a lovely texture and flavor that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you could swap out the granulated sugar for coconut sugar or honey. Keep in mind that these alternatives will alter the taste and texture slightly.
For a fancier twist on this classic, sprinkle some brown sugar over the top before baking. This will add a beautiful caramelized crust to the pie.
Want to make small bite-sized portions instead? Use this recipe to create Pumpkin Chess Bars! Pour the mixture into a baking dish instead of a pie crust and cut into bite-sized squares once cooled.
The options are endless with this Pumpkin Chess Pie Recipe. Experiment with whatever ingredients you have on hand and see what delicious creation you can come up with!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have baked the perfect pumpkin chess pie, it’s time to serve and enjoy it with your loved ones. This dessert pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The creamy texture and sweet taste of the pie filling contrasts deliciously with the lightness and coldness of the toppings to make it a truly satisfying treat.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can also try some other pairing options. A warm cup of coffee or tea is a great choice to balance out the sweetness of the dessert. For an extra festive experience, you can even add some additional fall flavors such as pumpkin spice or cinnamon to your beverage.
If you’re hosting a gathering or special event and want to impress your guests, consider serving this pumpkin chess pie as part of a larger spread. It can be the centerpiece of your dessert table alongside other Southern specialties such as buttermilk pie, chess bars, or praline sauce for added variety.
Overall, this pumpkin chess pie recipe is versatile and easy to pair with many different flavors and dishes. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or even as a comfort food dessert after dinner. Just make sure to cut yourself a slice before it’s all gone!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
You can easily make this pumpkin chess pie recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in the fridge until ready to serve.
To reheat the pie, place it in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 30 seconds each.
If you choose to freeze your pumpkin chess pie, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving.
In addition, if you have any leftover pumpkin filling or custard, you can pour it into a greased baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes to make delicious pumpkin bars.
Finally, if you want to add an extra special touch, serve this pumpkin chess pie with whipped cream or drizzle some praline sauce on top. This addition will make the flavors of this already-irresistible dessert truly burst with flavor!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your pumpkin chess pie turns out to be a mouthwatering dessert, here are some tips for perfect results:
Firstly, when making the filling, make sure it’s smooth by using an electric mixer. It’ll mix the ingredients thoroughly, resulting in a more cohesive and uniform texture.
Secondly, when adding the eggs to the mixture, do it one at a time. This will help to prevent over-mixing and therefore avoid any cracks forming while baking.
Thirdly, don’t forget to preheat the oven to 350°F before baking your pumpkin chess pie. This ensures that your dessert gets evenly cooked and doesn’t end up with soggy spots.
Next, if you are short on time or energy and decide to use store-bought pie crusts, make sure they come up to room temperature before using them for your pie. If they are too cold or frozen, they can shrink or crack when baked.
Another tip is to sprinkle brown sugar on top of the pie during baking. This will create a nice crunchy topping that contrasts well against the smooth custard filling.
Additionally, let the pie cool down completely before slicing and serving. This will help get cleaner slices that hold their shape better.
Finally, be creative with the decoration! Whether you prefer whipped cream on top of your slice or want to drizzle praline sauce on your whole pie, it’s always fun to experiment with different toppings.
By following these tips carefully and experimenting with different variations according to your taste preferences, you’re sure to whip up a perfectly delicious pumpkin chess pie every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this pumpkin chess pie recipe is definitely one to add to your list of favorite desserts. It’s a classic with a twist, perfect for any fall occasion or even as a delightful indulgence any time of the year. With its smooth custard-like texture and spiced pumpkin flavor, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With the ease of canned pumpkin and simple ingredients available at your local grocery store, there’s no excuse not to make this pie. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced one, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So don’t wait any longer, get baking and enjoy every delicious bite of this heavenly pumpkin chess pie!
Pumpkin Chess Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (9 -10 inch) unbaked pie shells
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Defrost pie crust or make your own and put into a 10" pan preferably. If using a 9" pan you will have some leftover filling.
- Beat pumpkin, sugar and butter in a large bowl at medium speed until smooth, about 5 minutes
- Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Add remaining ingredients and beat until everything is well blended. Pour into pie shell.
- Bake for 1 hour 10 min., or until center is almost set.
- Cool completely before chilling or eating! Enjoy!
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.