Pumpkin pie always feels like the heart of the Thanksgiving table. This version comes together easily and fills the kitchen with warm, sweet aromas that make everyone smile. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a rich autumn flavor that tastes like pure comfort. You can also prepare it ahead, which makes holiday cooking feel calmer and more enjoyable.
The key to this pie is the blend of pumpkin, orange juice, maple syrup, and apple butter. Each ingredient adds something special to the filling. The orange lifts the sweetness. The apple butter brings gentle fruit notes. The maple syrup deepens the flavor without making it heavy. Everything works in harmony and creates a pie that tastes familiar yet a little brighter.
The texture is silky, and the spices stay balanced. The cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice add warmth without overpowering the filling. The result is a pie that tastes both classic and fresh. It cuts beautifully and sets well, even when made the day before. That simple advantage helps when preparing a full holiday menu.
The decorative pastry shapes add charm without extra effort. They look lovely on top of the pie and toast nicely in the oven. They also make the dessert feel special. People always comment on the presentation, even though the decorations take only minutes to prepare.
The baking process is straightforward, and the ingredients come together quickly. The filling mixes smoothly and pours easily into the crust. The oven does most of the work while you prepare the rest of the meal. After baking, the pie cools nicely on a rack and slices cleanly once chilled. The flavor improves after a night in the refrigerator, so leftovers taste amazing.
This pumpkin pie suits any autumn celebration. It feels traditional, yet the added citrus and maple give it a lovely twist. Each bite delivers soft sweetness, warm spice, and a hint of brightness. Serve it with whipped cream or enjoy it on its own. It always brings joy to the table.
If you need a dessert that feels comforting and easy, this pie is a perfect choice. It captures the season in every slice and makes your gathering feel even more festive.
Perfect Pumpkin Pie
Equipment
- 9 inch pie dish
- Baking Sheet
- cooling rack
- Halloween Cookie Cutter
Ingredients
- Store bought pie crusts
- 2½ cups canned pumpkin 590g
- 1¼ cups packed brown sugar 250g
- ¾ cup half and half 180ml
- ¼ cup apple butter 60ml
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425F (220ºC).
- Place one of the pie crusts into a 9 inch pie dish.
- Use the other pie crust to cut out decorative shapes and place onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Beat together the canned pumpkin, brown sugar, eggs, half and half, apple butter, orange juice, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and salt.
- Pour into the pie dish.
- Decorate the edge of the pie with the pastry cut outs.
- Bake in the center of the oven for fifteen minutes then cover the pie loosely with foil and reduce the heat to 350F (175ºC).
- Bake for an additional 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the pie comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack. Store in the refrigerator.
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @Addthelove_ on Instagram and hashtag it #Addthelove.
This recipe may include affiliate links. If you decide to buy through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.