The aroma of pumpkin pecan pie wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm hug of spices and sweetness. Imagine that velvety filling cradled in a buttery crust, topped with a crunchy layer of toasted pecans, ready to dance on your taste buds.

Every Thanksgiving at my grandma’s house, the pumpkin pecan pie was the star of the show. With family gathered around, laughter filled the room as we eagerly anticipated that first slice. The combination of flavors always left us craving more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This pumpkin pecan pie is incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike
- Its rich flavor profile balances sweetness and nuttiness beautifully
- The golden crust and glossy topping make it visually appealing on any holiday table
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed during fall festivities or cozy winter evenings
Everyone who tries this pie just can’t resist going for seconds, especially when it’s fresh out of the oven.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pumpkin Puree: Use canned or homemade puree for the best texture; just ensure it’s 100% pumpkin.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener creates that delightful balance with spiced flavors for a perfectly sweet filling.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor to the pie.
- Ground Cinnamon: Essential for that warm, cozy aroma; use fresh spice for maximum impact.
- Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering the other spices.
- Eggs: They bind everything together while adding richness; large eggs work best here.
- Evaporated Milk: Provides creaminess without making the filling too heavy; avoid sweetened condensed milk for this recipe.
- Pecan Topping: Choose fresh pecans for that irresistible crunch and nutty flavor on top of your pie.
- Pie Crust: You can use store-bought or homemade; either way, make sure it’s deep-dish for all that filling!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Oven and Crust: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using store-bought crust, fit it into your pie pan and crimp those edges like a pro.
Mix Filling Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, and evaporated milk until smooth. It should look like creamy autumn goodness.
Pour into Your Crust: Carefully pour the filling into your prepared crust. Don’t worry if it looks like too much; it’s supposed to be full!
Add Pecan Topping: Scatter chopped pecans evenly over the top of your pie filling. This adds both texture and flavor that will make everyone swoon.
Bake Until Set: Place your pie on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes until set.
Cool Before Serving: Once baked, let your pumpkin pecan pie cool completely before slicing. This helps set everything beautifully! Serve with whipped cream if desired—because why not?
Now you’ve created a masterpiece that will have family members fighting over who gets to lick the plate clean! Enjoy every delectable bite as you savor this delightful dessert.
You Must Know
- This delightful pumpkin pecan pie combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and crunchy pecans, creating a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion
- The aroma of warm spices wafting through your kitchen will have everyone anticipating the first slice
- It’s easy to make, yet impressive enough for guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with your pumpkin pecan pie, start by pre-baking the crust for about 10 minutes. While it cools, prepare your filling and pecan topping to ensure a deliciously harmonious blend of textures.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional spices for something unique, like adding ginger or nutmeg. You can also experiment by using maple syrup instead of sugar for an extra layer of flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, pop it back in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, keeping it deliciously fresh.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your pumpkin pecan pie experience, use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned for richer flavor
- Always let your pie cool completely before slicing; this helps set the filling beautifully
- Don’t skip on toasting those pecans—they add a delightful crunch and depth!
This pie has brought smiles and happy faces during Thanksgiving dinners with friends and family. Seeing everyone enjoy my creation is always heartwarming, reminding me why I love to bake.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought crust for my pumpkin pecan pie?
Absolutely! Store-bought crust saves time and still delivers delicious results.
How long does pumpkin pecan pie last in the fridge?
Your pumpkin pecan pie can last up to four days in the refrigerator if stored properly.
Can I freeze my pumpkin pecan pie?
Yes! Wrap it tightly and freeze; just be sure to let it thaw overnight before serving.

Pumpkin Pecan Pie
Indulge in the classic flavors of Pumpkin Pecan Pie, where a silky pumpkin filling meets a crunchy pecan topping, all enveloped in a buttery pie crust. This mouthwatering dessert is perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or cozy winter evenings. With its delightful blend of spices and textures, this pie is sure to become a beloved centerpiece on your holiday table.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup fresh pecans (chopped)
- 1 deep-dish pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using store-bought crust, fit it into your pie pan and crimp the edges.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, and evaporated milk until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes until set.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (107g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 183mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 63mg