Embrace the rich heritage of America with this cinnamon pumpkin pie, a staple at gatherings in the Midwest and beyond. Celebrated as a native crop, pumpkins bring a taste of American tradition to your table. This recipe not only captures the essence of autumn but also transforms a humble pumpkin into a spectacular dessert, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour – 14 oz (400 grams)
- Butter – 8.8 oz (250 grams)
- Eggs – 3 large
- Pumpkin – 2 lbs (900 grams)
- Sugar – 7 oz (200 grams)
- Heavy Cream (30% fat) – 6.8 fl oz (200 ml)
- Cinnamon – to taste
- Vanilla Extract – to taste
- Salt – to taste
Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Sift flour and a pinch of salt into a large bowl. Rub the soft butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add one lightly beaten egg and knead into a dough. If the dough is too crumbly, add 1-2 teaspoons of cold water. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-50 minutes.
Cook the Pumpkin:
- Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds, and cut the flesh into cubes. Place in a heavy-bottomed pot with a little water and simmer until soft and the water has evaporated. Puree the pumpkin with a blender until smooth. For extra smoothness, strain the puree through a sieve.
Bake the Pie Crust:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 10-inch (25 cm) round pie dish. Line the dish with the dough, place a sheet of parchment paper over it, and fill with dry beans or rice to weigh it down. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a deep bowl, mix the pumpkin puree with the remaining two eggs, sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until well combined.
Bake the Pie:
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust. Bake at 356°F (180°C) for 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden.
Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Serve each piece as is or garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
This cinnamon pumpkin pie recipe offers a slice of American culinary history with every bite, combining warm spices and creamy textures to delight your palate. Enjoy this dessert as a celebration of fall or a comforting treat any time of the year.
