If there’s one dessert that truly embodies the heart of Thanksgiving, it’s a Classic Pumpkin Pie—creamy, silky, warmly spiced, and tucked inside a perfectly flaky crust. This classic pumpkin pie recipe is everything you want in a Thanksgiving dessert: nostalgic, comforting, and irresistibly delicious.
Whether you host the big holiday feast or bring a dessert to share, this deep-dish pumpkin pie is the kind of crowd-pleasing recipe that earns a permanent spot on your Thanksgiving table. With a buttery homemade crust and a rich, custardy filling, it tastes like pure holiday tradition—warm, cozy, and made with love.
What makes this version extra special? The combination of real pumpkin, classic spices, and techniques that guarantee the best pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving—smooth, sliceable, and never grainy or watery. Let’s bake a pie everyone will remember!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Pumpkin Pie
This Thanksgiving pumpkin pie recipe is a keeper because:
- It uses simple pantry ingredients but tastes bakery-level delicious.
- The homemade crust is flaky, tender, and sturdy enough for a deep-dish filling.
- The custard bakes up silky and perfectly spiced.
- You can make it ahead—ideal for busy Thanksgiving prep.
- It’s adaptable with tons of variations, from maple to bourbon to pecan streusel.
- It’s an actual homemade pumpkin pie from scratch
Ingredients for the Best Classic Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients for the Crust
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ cup (55g) cold vegetable shortening
- 4 tablespoons ice-cold vodka (won’t use it all)
- 4 tablespoons ice-cold water (won’t use it all)
Ingredients for the Filling
- 1 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs + 1 large yolk
- 18 ounces (530g) Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin
- 15 ounces (445 mL) evaporated milk
How to Make Classic Pumpkin Pie (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Make the Flaky Pie Crust
A buttery crust is the foundation of a delicious classic pumpkin pie, and this one delivers every time.
1. Prep the fats: Chill the butter and shortening for at least 10 minutes to keep them cold and create a flaky texture.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: Add flour, salt, and sugar to a food processor. Pulse to combine.
3. Cut the fats: Add the butter and shortening. Pulse 8–10 times until you see pea-sized crumbs.
4. Add liquids: Combine ice-cold water and vodka. Slowly drizzle in 4 tbsp of the mixture while the processor runs. Add more only if needed.
5. Shape the dough: Turn onto a floured surface, gather into a ball, then flatten into a disk. Do not knead.
6. Chill: Wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour (up to 2 days).
7. Roll it out: Roll into a 13-inch circle and transfer to a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate.
Crimp or flute edges.
8. Chill again: Refrigerate 20–30 minutes to prevent shrinkage.
Cold ingredients + resting = the secret to the best flaky pumpkin pie crust.
Make the Pumpkin Pie Filling
This smooth, velvety filling is the star of your traditional Thanksgiving pumpkin pie.
Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a medium bowl, whisk the sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs.
Add pumpkin and the spice mixture; combine until smooth.
Gradually whisk in evaporated milk until the custard is thoroughly blended.
Pour the filling into the unbaked crust.
Bake Your Deep-Dish Pumpkin Pie
- Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes, or until the center has the slightest wobble.
- Cool for 2 hours on a wire rack.
- Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
- Serve with fresh whipped cream—or decorate with cute pie crust cutouts for a festive Thanksgiving touch!
This method ensures a silky, crack-free custard-like filling.
Recipe Notes for the Perfect Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie
- Keep everything cold for the flakiest crust.
- Don’t overprocess the dough—visible fat = tender layers.
- Bake on a preheated sheet pan for better bottom browning.
- Cool completely before slicing so the custard sets cleanly.
Classic Pumpkin Pie Substitutions
Perfect for customizing your classic pumpkin pie recipe:
Crust
- Use plant-based butter for dairy-free
- Sub shortening or lard for extra flakiness
- Use gluten-free flour blends (with xanthan gum)
Filling
- Replace pumpkin with homemade purée (well-strained)
- Swap evaporated milk for heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk
- Use brown sugar or a mix of white + brown
- Sub 2½ tsp pumpkin pie spice mix for the individual spices
Variations to Try
Take your classic pumpkin pie to the next level:
- Maple Pumpkin Pie – Add ¼ cup maple syrup
- Bourbon Pumpkin Pie – Add 1 tbsp bourbon
- Pecan Streusel Pumpkin Pie – Sprinkle pecan-brown sugar topping
- Coconut Pumpkin Pie – Use coconut milk + vanilla extract
- Gingersnap Crust Pumpkin Pie – Swap in gingersnap crust for spice
Recommended Tools
- 9-inch deep-dish pie plate
- Food processor
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Wire cooling rack
FAQ: Making the Best Classic Pumpkin Pie
Why use vodka in the pie crust?
Vodka moistens the dough without developing gluten, making the crust extra flaky once baked.
Can I make the crust ahead?
Yes—chill up to 2 days or freeze up to 2 months.
How do I prevent cracks?
Do not overbake! Remove when the center still has a soft jiggle.
How long does pumpkin pie keep?
3–4 days in the fridge or 1 month in the freezer.
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?
No—it’s pre-sweetened and spiced, which will throw off your recipe balance.
Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be complete without a classic pumpkin pie, and this deep-dish version brings all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of the holiday to your table. Whether you enjoy it after the big feast, slice it up for Friendsgiving, or serve it with a cup of coffee the morning after (we’ve all done it!), this is one dessert everyone returns to year after year.
Make it once, and it just might become your family’s forever Thanksgiving pumpkin pie recipe.
MORE YUMMY DESSERTS TO TRY!
Pear Tart Recipe with Cranberries and Thyme Custard
Pumpkin S’mores Cheesecake Bars
Classic Lemon Bars Recipe: Bright, Tangy & Perfectly Set
Easy Pumpkin Cupcakes Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
No Bake Key Lime Pie {Easy & Creamy Dessert Recipe!}
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Classic Pumpkin Pie (Deep-Dish Recipe)
Description
Classic Pumpkin Pie with a flaky homemade crust and creamy spiced filling—an easy, deep-dish Thanksgiving favorite!
Ingredients
Ingredients For the Crust:
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
½ cup (1 stick / 115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
¼ cup (55g) cold vegetable shortening
4 tablespoons ice-cold vodka (probably won’t use it all)
4 tablespoons ice-cold water (probably won’t use it all)
Ingredients For the Filling:
1 cup (about 150g) granulated sugar
1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 large eggs plus one large yolk
18 ounces (1¾ cups / 530g) Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
15 ounces (about 1⅔ cups / 445 mL) evaporated milk (from the can, not the carton)
Instructions
Instructions for the crust:
- Cut the butter into small cubes and measure the shortening. Chill both for at least 10 minutes — the colder they are, the flakier your crust will be.
- Add the flour, salt, and sugar to your food processor. Pulse a few times to combine.
- Add the cold fats to the flour mixture. Pulse in short bursts (about 8–10 times) until you see a coarse, crumbly texture with pea-sized pieces of fat.
- Combine the cold water and cold vodka. With the processor running, drizzle in about 4 tablespoons of the water/vodka mixture through the feed tube. Stop and check — pinch a bit of dough; if it holds together, you’re good. If not, pulse in another tablespoon at a time until it comes together but isn’t sticky. Check frequently.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gather it into a ball without kneading, then flatten it into a disk.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour (and up to 2 days).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 13-inch circle (about ⅛ inch thick). Carefully transfer to a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate, pressing gently into the bottom and sides. Trim the edges if needed, fold under, and flute or crimp as you like.
- Refrigerate the shaped crust for 20–30 minutes before baking — this helps it keep its shape and prevents shrinkage.
Instructions for filling and baking:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Beat the eggs lightly in a large mixing bowl. Whisk or use a handheld mixer.
- Stir the pumpkin and the sugar–spice blend into the beaten eggs until smooth.
- Gradually pour in the evaporated milk, mixing until everything is evenly combined.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the unbaked pie shell.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until the center of the filling has almost no jiggle when the pan is moved.
- Cool for two hours at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator until cold. Serve plain or with whipped cream.
- Decorate with seasonal cutouts from baked pie crust. A store-bought, refrigerated pie crust works best for this.
Notes
Cold ingredients are key. Keeping your fats cold ensures a flaky crust. Chill everything — even the flour if your kitchen runs warm.
Don’t overprocess the dough. Visible butter bits mean a tender texture later.
Resting is essential. Chill time allows the gluten to relax, preventing shrinkage.
Bake on a preheated baking sheet to promote even browning on the bottom crust.
Check the doneness early. The filling should still have a tiny wobble in the center — it sets as it cools.
Cool completely before slicing. This helps the custard firm up and prevents a runny center.
A former school teacher, Jocelyn Brown created Hip Mama’s Place in 2007. Her motto for this blog is: get inspired, create and share! Jocelyn loves sharing about food and recipes, crafts, DIY projects and her random travels with her family. She also loves all things social media, but her latest obsession is Instagram.
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This is a gorges pie and I have never made a deep dish Pumpkin Pie before but so have too as it looks insanely good! I am pinning this recipe to come back to as I will be making for me and my husband 😉
We celebrate Thanksgiving differently since we don’t really have Thanksgiving in the PH. So we do it on December 1 to mark the official beginning of our Christmas celebration as a family and recall God’s abundance and provisions and blessings, for the year as a family. Anyway, I’ve always wanted to make pumpkin pie. What is Karo and Clove? We might have different terms for them here.
delicious pumpkin pie, it reminded me of the one my MIL makes every year (she cooks so well!). I love that the crust is so flaky, my favorite part.
Absolutely delicious. Well worth the effort. I did the maple variation. Impressed my friends. Not being from the US they were delighted to try something different.
I love your Classic Pumpkin Pie (Deep-Dish Recipe). It looks so yummy! I can’t wait to make it this weekend. It’s perfect for the Thanksgiving celebration.
I love the crust on this! The leaf cookies are just beautiful, and a lovely addition to a pie. It really adds a lot to this pie!
This pie looks so amazing! I’ll have to make it for sure. Yum! We love pumpkin pie.
You had me at pumpkin pie! It’s my favorite and always up for a slice. I can’t wait to try your recipe this Thanksgiving and share with the fam!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
This pumpkin pie looks amazing. I’m going to have to try your recipe out. It is a very lovely pumpkin pie. I’m sure it’s delicious too.
You had me at deep dish. I love pumpkin pie and this recipe needs to be made.
This pie is amazing! I loved the flavor and texture, and it’s sooo deep. YUMMO!