Southern Pumpkin Pie: An Easy Recipe for Beginners

Introduction: The Aroma of Autumn

We are finally in the autumn season, even if the Florida temperatures don’t want to yield to cooler weather. Early mornings bring with them the first cool air of autumn, and it always sends me straight to the kitchen. And the very first pie I bake is a Southern Pumpkin Pie. There’s nothing like the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves drifting through the house. It feels like fall has truly arrived long before the first slice is served. Pumpkin pie is tradition, comfort, and celebration all in one bite.

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Did You Know? : A Slice of Pumpkin Pie History

Pumpkin pie hasn’t always looked the way it does today.

Back in the 1600s, settlers didn’t have ovens or fancy pie pans. Instead, they hollowed out pumpkins, poured in milk, honey, and spices, then roasted the whole thing in hot ashes. Imagine scooping custard straight out of a pumpkin shell, rustic yet delicious.

Over time, pumpkin custard found its way into pastry crusts. Cookbooks in the 1700s and 1800s disseminated recipes widely. By then, pumpkin pie was no longer just food. It was tradition.

By the mid-1800s, writers were already referring to it as the crown jewel of the Thanksgiving holiday. From there, pumpkin pie evolved into more than just a dessert; it became a symbol of harvest, family, and home.

So every time you slice into one, you’re tasting more than pie. You’re tasting centuries of tradition.

Why A Southern Pumpkin Pie Still Reigns Supreme

Pumpkin pie is timeless. Its flavor is simple yet layered. Sweet pumpkin, creamy custard, and spices that warm from the inside out. It’s the kind of dessert that whispers home, even when you’re far from it.

Another reason it stays at the top? Accessibility. No special skills are required, nor are any fancy tools needed. A pie pan, a whisk, and a little patience are all you need to create something extraordinary.

Spotlight: A Southern Pumpkin Pie Recipe

The recipe I’m sharing today is a Southern-style pumpkin pie. What makes it Southern? A smooth, custard-like filling that leans into warm spice and just enough sweetness to highlight the pumpkin itself. It’s unfussy, comforting, and forgiving, perfect for new bakers looking to impress.

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Southern Pumpkin Pie

Creamy, spiced, and full of Southern charm — this pumpkin pie is the easiest way to bring fall flavors to your table.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American Southern

Servings: 8

Calories: 208kcal

Author: Blissful Foods Plus

Equipment

• 1 mixing bowls
• 1 measuring cups and spoons
• 1 whisk or
• 1 Hand Mixer
• 1 spatula or
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 9-inch deep dish pie pan If you choose to make your own pie crust.
• 1 baking sheet
• 1 cooling rack

Ingredients

• 1 cup light brown sugar Can use granulated sugar instead.
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cornstarch This helps the pie to set.
• 2 large eggs
• 1 15 oz can of 100% pumpkin puree Do not use canned pumpkin pie mix.
• 1 12 oz can of evaporated milk Do not use sweetened condensed milk.
• 1 9-inch frozen deep-dish pie crust I use Marie Callender's frozen deep-dish pie crust.
• 1 dopple whipped cream (optional)
• 1 drizzle Caramel syrup (optional)

Instructions

Prep

• Preheat the oven to 425℉. Place your frozen pie crust on a baking sheet and set it aside to pre-thaw somewhat.

Pie Filling

• In a small mixing bowl, combine and whisk together the first six ingredients thoroughly, then set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk two large eggs until they are light and fluffy. Using a spatula stir in the canned pumpkin puree and mix well.. Add the six-ingredient dry mixture to the eggs and pumpkin puree mixture and mix well. Add the entire can of evaporated milk and mix thoroughly.

Bake Pie

• Using a spatula pour and scrape the pumpkin pie mixture into the pie crust. Carefully place the uncooked pie into the oven on the middle rack to bake. Bake for 15 minutes at 425℉. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350℉ and bake an additional 40-50 minutes. There are two methods I use to test a pie's doneness. #1-Insert the tip of a knife into the center of the pie; if it comes out clean, the pie is done. However, this method may cause the pie to crack. #2-Gently shake the pie, and if there is just a slight jiggle in the center of the pie, then the pie is done. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.

Serving Your Pumpkin Pie

• Pumpkin pie can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold right from the refrigerator. My preference is cold with a drizzle of caramel sauce over a dollop of whipped cream. But no matter to me, warm, cold, or room temperature, it is awesome.

Notes

Make this recipe and leave a rating on the blog — we love hearing from you!

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Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 208kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 222mg | Potassium: 296mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 1mg

Tips for Beginner Bakers

• Use pure pumpkin puree, not the premixed canned filling.
• Don’t overload with spice; balance is everything.
• A store-bought crust works fine, but chilling it first helps prevent the bottom from becoming soggy.
• Let the pie cool before slicing. It sets as it rests.

Serving & Variations

Nothing is more classic than a slice of pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream. Want to add a little elegance to an otherwise rustic pie? Try drizzling caramel syrup on your dessert plate before placing a slice of pumpkin pie in the center. Another flavor bump, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before serving. For a different twist, swap the traditional crust for gingersnap crumb or add a layer of pecan for a crunchy topping.

Conclusion: A Cozy Slice of Fall

If someone asked me what my favorite pie is, pumpkin pie comes first, with pecan right behind it. Pumpkin pie is more than a dessert. It’s history, tradition, and comfort baked into one golden slice. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or baking your very first pie, this Southern Pumpkin Pie is where the season begins. Bake it, share it, and savor the cozy magic of autumn at your own table.

May the sweet aromas of fall fill your home, and the cozy spirit of autumn linger in your heart with every slice of pie.

Did you try this recipe? ⭐ Give it a star rating and let us know how it turned out! Do you have a tip, twist, or favorite variation? Share it in the comments — we love hearing from you!

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