Pumpkin Spice Cream Pie: 1 Cozy Fall Favorite

Pumpkin Spice Cream Pie has officially arrived, signaling the start of my favorite season – fall! There’s just something magical about that first bite, a creamy, spiced delight that instantly transports me back to my childhood kitchen, filled with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. My grandma used to make a version of this every Thanksgiving, and now I’ve perfected my own, creating an easy pumpkin spice cream pie that’s perfect for any gathering. It’s the ultimate fall dessert idea that tastes like pure cozy comfort. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Cream Pie

This dessert is an absolute winner for so many reasons:

• Incredible flavor: It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spiced pumpkin and creamy goodness.
• Quick prep time: You can have this creamy pumpkin pie ready to chill in under 30 minutes.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters adore this smooth, spiced treat.
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple, common ingredients you likely already have.
• Versatile: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
• Simply delicious: The graham cracker crust adds a lovely texture to the smooth creamy pumpkin pie filling.
• Healthier option: It’s a lighter take on traditional pumpkin pie, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cream Pie

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating your perfect pumpkin spice cream pie. The magic happens with a crunchy graham cracker crust and a velvety smooth pumpkin cream pie filling. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers – for that classic, crumbly base
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar – to sweeten the crust
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – binds the crust together and adds richness
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – for a warm spice note in the crust
• 1 cup pumpkin puree – the heart of our pie, make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling!
• 1 cup heavy cream – creates that luscious, creamy texture
• ½ cup powdered sugar – for a light, airy sweetness in the filling
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves – the essential pumpkin pie spices that give it that signature flavor
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch – helps the filling set properly
• ½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and brings out the spice
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream – for a fluffy, cloud-like topping
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar – to sweeten the whipped cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – for flavor in the topping
• Optional: Ground cinnamon for dusting – for that final touch of warmth and aroma

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cream Pie

Creating this delightful dessert is a straightforward process, perfect for any home baker. You’ll end up with a truly memorable homemade pumpkin spice cream pie that tastes like fall in every bite.

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your crust bakes up perfectly golden.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir until everything is moistened and resembles damp sand.
3. Step 3: Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. This forms the base of our wonderful pumpkin spice cream pie recipe.
4. Step 4: Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Once it’s lightly golden, remove it from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Don’t rush this step; a fully cooled crust is key to preventing a soggy bottom in your homemade pumpkin spice cream pie.
5. Step 5: While the crust cools, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon salt. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and completely combined, creating that signature pumpkin cream pie filling.
6. Step 6: Pour this luscious filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula so you have a beautiful surface to work with.
7. Step 7: Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to set properly, ensuring a firm yet creamy texture for the best pumpkin spice cream pie.
8. Step 8: Just before serving, whip the topping. Beat 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract in a clean bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overmix!
9. Step 9: Gently spread or pipe this fluffy whipped cream over the chilled pie to create a lovely topping for your pumpkin pie with whipped cream.
10. Step 10: For an extra touch of autumn flavor, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon over the whipped cream. Slice and enjoy this delicious homemade pumpkin spice cream pie!

Making the Graham Cracker Crust

To create the perfect foundation for your pumpkin spice cream pie recipe, simply combine 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers with ⅓ cup sugar, ½ cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Press this mixture into your pie pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until golden. Let it cool completely.

Preparing the Creamy Pumpkin Pie Filling

The heart of this dessert is the rich pumpkin cream pie filling. Whisk together 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and all your pumpkin pie spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves). Stir in 1 teaspoon cornstarch and ½ teaspoon salt until perfectly smooth and ready to pour.

Assembling and Chilling the Pie

Once your graham cracker crust is cool, carefully pour the prepared pumpkin filling into it, spreading it evenly to the edges. This step is crucial for achieving the best pumpkin spice cream pie. Then, cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is essential for the filling to set properly and flavors to meld. For more delicious recipes, check out our recipes section.

Adding the Whipped Cream Topping

To finish off your beautiful pumpkin pie with whipped cream, whip 1 cup heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently spread this fluffy topping over the chilled pie. A light dusting of cinnamon adds a lovely final touch.

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Pumpkin Spice Cream Pie

Want to elevate your pie game? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make this pumpkin spice cream pie absolutely divine:

• For the creamiest texture, ensure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping it for the topping. This helps it achieve those perfect soft peaks.
• Don’t skip chilling the pie! A longer chill time (even overnight) really allows the flavors to meld and the filling to fully set, creating a truly sublime creamy pumpkin pie experience.
• Taste your filling before adding cornstarch and salt. Sometimes pumpkin purees vary, and you might want a touch more spice or sweetness.

What’s the secret to perfect pumpkin spice cream pie?

The magic is in the balance! Using a good blend of spices and ensuring your cream is properly whipped creates that luxurious, creamy dessert pie texture. A chilled crust also prevents sogginess, which is key for a perfect slice. Learn more about the history of pumpkin pie.

Can I make pumpkin spice cream pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the graham cracker crust and the pumpkin filling up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them separate and chilled. Assemble the pie and add the whipped cream topping just before serving for the freshest taste and best presentation.

How do I avoid common mistakes with pumpkin spice cream pie?

A common pitfall is a soggy crust; make sure it’s fully cooled before adding the filling. Also, be careful not to over-whip the cream topping, as it can turn grainy. Stick to soft peaks for a smooth finish on your pumpkin spice cream pie.

Best Ways to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cream Pie

This delightful pie is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few complementary treats. For a truly festive spread, consider serving slices alongside a warm mug of apple cider or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. It’s also a wonderful addition to a lineup of other pumpkin dessert recipes, like mini pumpkin muffins or spiced pumpkin cookies. The creamy, spiced flavor profile makes it a perfect centerpiece for any fall gathering or holiday meal. If you enjoy baking, you might also like our chicken meatballs with lemon orzo.

Nutrition Facts for Pumpkin Spice Cream Pie

When you’re enjoying a slice of this delightful pumpkin spice cream pie, here’s a general idea of what you’re consuming. Remember that these are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 275
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 150mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your creamy pumpkin pie.

How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin Spice Cream Pie

Properly storing your delicious pumpkin spice cream pie is key to keeping it fresh and flavorful. Once your pie has cooled completely after baking and chilling, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help prevent it from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator. You can keep your creamy pumpkin pie refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option! Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you prefer it slightly warm, you can gently reheat individual slices in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. This ensures your pumpkin dessert recipes stay tasting amazing! For more baking inspiration, see our zucchini noodle chicken alfredo.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Spice Cream Pie

Can I make a no-bake pumpkin spice cream pie?

Yes, you absolutely can! For a no-bake pumpkin spice cream pie, you’ll want to skip the crust baking step. Just press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the pie pan and chill it thoroughly before adding the filling. The filling itself doesn’t require baking, so the whole pie comes together without an oven, making it a fantastic option for warmer days or when you’re short on time. You might also enjoy our jalapeno buffalo chicken casserole.

What can I use instead of graham crackers for the crust?

If you don’t have graham crackers, there are plenty of other delicious options for your pumpkin spice cream pie crust! Consider using crushed vanilla wafers, gingersnap cookies, or even shortbread cookies. You’ll use about the same amount, mixing them with the melted butter and a little sugar (and maybe a pinch of cinnamon if you like) before pressing into the pan.

How do I get a really smooth pumpkin cream pie filling?

To achieve that signature smooth and velvety texture for your pumpkin cream pie filling, make sure to whisk all the filling ingredients together thoroughly in a large bowl. Pay special attention to incorporating the cornstarch evenly. Using a whisk rather than a spoon helps break up any lumps and ensures a uniform consistency. Chilling the pie properly is also key for that perfect smooth finish, so don’t skimp on the refrigeration time! For more tips on baking, visit King Arthur Baking.

Why is pumpkin spice cream pie so popular?

This pie is a quintessential fall dessert idea because it perfectly captures the cozy flavors of the season – warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, combined with creamy pumpkin. It’s comforting, delicious, and relatively easy to make, making it a crowd-pleaser for holidays and gatherings. The combination of the spiced filling, crunchy crust, and light whipped topping is simply irresistible!

Variations of Pumpkin Spice Cream Pie You Can Try

While this classic recipe is amazing, don’t be afraid to get creative! You can easily adapt this pumpkin spice cream pie to suit your needs or simply try something new. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next baking adventure:

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the graham crackers for gluten-free crushed cookies or even a nut-based crust made with almonds and pecans. This makes a delicious spiced pumpkin pie accessible to everyone.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use full-fat coconut milk or canned coconut cream for the filling and whipped topping, and a dairy-free butter alternative for the crust. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a creamy, dairy-free dessert.
• No-Bake Crust Option: For an even quicker dessert, skip baking the crust. Just press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the pie plate and chill it thoroughly before adding the filling. This turns it into a fantastic no-bake pumpkin spice cream pie.
• Add a Cookie Crust: Experiment with different cookie crumbs like gingersnaps or shortbread for a delightful twist on the classic graham cracker base. This adds another layer of flavor to your pumpkin dessert recipes.

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