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Pumpkin Pie Filling

This homemade pumpkin pie filling delivers a creamy, deeply spiced custard using real pumpkin puree and customizable spices for a bakery-quality result.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 85

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 can 15 ounces pumpkin puree or 1 3/4 cups fresh pumpkin puree
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 can 12 ounces evaporated milk or heavy cream

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and measuring spoons
  • Can opener
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree and granulated sugar and whisk until smooth and slightly lighter in color, about 1 minute.
  2. Sprinkle in the salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves and whisk vigorously for 2 minutes to fully incorporate the spices.
  3. Crack the eggs into a small bowl and beat lightly, then add them slowly to the pumpkin mixture while whisking constantly to prevent scrambling.
  4. Pour in the evaporated milk (or heavy cream) in a steady stream while whisking until the filling is silky and uniform.
  5. Taste the filling and adjust the spice levels by adding a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg if desired, whisking to combine.
  6. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another bowl, pressing with a spatula to remove any lumps, about 2 minutes.
  7. Pour the strained filling into a prepared 9-inch pie crust, filling to about 1/4 inch below the rim.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30–35 minutes or until a knife inserted 1 inch from the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the pie cool completely to room temperature before slicing to allow the filling to set fully.

Notes

Make the filling up to 2 days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator in an airtight container; pour into the crust and bake when ready.