Pumpkin pie has long been a staple of American holiday tables, especially during autumn and Thanksgiving. This handwritten recipe captures the essence of homemade comfort food, featuring a simple pie crust made from scratch and a pumpkin filling that combines wholesome pumpkin puree with sugar and spices. Unlike modern recipes that often rely on pre-made crusts or condensed milk, this version emphasizes rustic, hands-on preparation, where the crust is carefully rolled and pressed to form the base. Its enduring charm lies in its simplicity, minimal ingredients yielding a pie rich in tradition, warmth, and seasonal flavor.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- ½ cups flour
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp lard (or shortening/butter)
- ⅛ cup cold water
Filling:
- ½ cups mashed pumpkin
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk (or cream if preferred)
- 2 eggs
- spices to taste (commonly cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
- Put flour in a bowl, add salt, and mix.
- Cut in lard with a knife until very fine.
- Gradually add water, mixing as little as possible.
- Form dough, place on floured board, and roll out slightly larger than the pie tin.
Step 2: Fit the Crust
- Place rolled crust in a greased pie tin.
- Build up the edges to prevent filling from boiling over.
- Avoid overhandling to keep the crust tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- Make a regular white sauce (milk, sugar, and eggs whisked together).
- Add mashed pumpkin and spices. Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
- Pour filling into crust.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45–50 minutes, or until set.
- Cool before serving.
Tips
- Substitute butter for lard for a richer crust flavor.
- Add 1–2 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp nutmeg for classic pumpkin spice flavor.
- Use evaporated milk for a creamier texture.
- For a lighter crust, replace lard with vegetable shortening.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream when serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 110mgPotassium: 270mgFiber: 2gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 9500IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 2mg
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