Ultimate Pumpkin Crumble Pie Recipe: A Fall Baking Delight

Introduction

Embrace the flavors of fall with this irresistible pumpkin crumble pie recipe! Combining the classic comfort of pumpkin pie with a delightful crumble topping, this dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation. Get ready to bake a pie that will impress everyone! This isn’t just any pumpkin pie; it’s the ultimate pumpkin crumble pie, a symphony of textures and tastes that will have your family and friends begging for more.

Introduction: The Magic of Pumpkin Crumble Pie

The classic pumpkin pie is a staple of autumn, but adding a buttery, crumbly topping elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness. The smooth, spiced pumpkin filling contrasts beautifully with the crunchy, golden-brown crumble, creating a textural masterpiece in every bite. This pumpkin crumble pie is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect ending to a Thanksgiving feast, a welcome treat on a chilly evening, or a delightful surprise for a potluck. The warm spices and comforting flavors evoke feelings of nostalgia and happiness, making it a truly special dessert for the fall season. It’s also surprisingly easy to make, even for novice bakers, so don’t be intimidated! This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a perfect pie every time.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Before we begin our baking adventure, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is divided into three parts: the crust, the filling, and the crumble topping. Make sure you have everything on hand before you start, as this will make the baking process much smoother and more enjoyable.

Featured Recipe

Pumpkin Crumble Pie

A cozy fall dessert combining the creamy spiced flavor of pumpkin pie with a buttery, crunchy crumble topping. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a comforting autumn treat.

30mPrep Time

1hCook Time

1 (9-inch) pie, about 8 servingsServings

420 kcalCalories

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed

1/4 cup ice water

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour (for crumble)

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for crumble)

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (for crumble)

1/2 cup rolled oats (optional)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for crumble)

1/4 teaspoon salt (for crumble)

Instructions

1
Whisk flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water gradually until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes, roll out, and fit into a 9-inch pie dish. Pre-bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until lightly golden.
2
In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugars, spices, and salt. Whisk in evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3
Combine flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4
Pour pumpkin filling into the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over filling. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes until set and golden. Cool completely before serving.

For the Crust:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/4 cup ice water

Note: For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the butter is very cold to create a flaky crust. You can also use a store-bought pie crust to save time.

For the Pumpkin Filling:

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Note: Using high-quality pumpkin puree will significantly enhance the flavor of your pie. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of evaporated milk.

For the Crumble Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/2 cup rolled oats (optional, but adds a nice texture)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Note: The oats add a wonderful chewiness to the crumble topping, but you can omit them if you prefer a smoother texture. Make sure the butter is cold for a crumbly topping.

Step-by-Step Recipe: Baking Your Masterpiece

Now for the fun part! Follow these detailed instructions to create your very own ultimate pumpkin crumble pie. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned baker; this recipe is designed to be easy to follow and foolproof.

1. Make the Crust:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The smaller the butter pieces, the flakier the crust.
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this will make the crust tough.
Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a tender crust.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate.
Trim the edges and crimp the crust as desired. You can use a fork to create a simple crimped edge, or get creative with more elaborate designs.
Pre-bake the crust: Dock the bottom of the crust with a fork (this prevents it from puffing up during baking). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. This helps prevent a soggy bottom crust.

2. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling:

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk until smooth.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Be careful not to overmix the filling, as this can cause it to crack during baking.

3. Make the Crumble Topping:

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats (if using), cinnamon, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Again, make sure the butter is cold for the best crumble texture.

4. Assemble and Bake the Pie:

Pour the pumpkin filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filling.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crumble topping is golden brown. The center of the pie should jiggle slightly but not be liquid.
If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents it from being too runny.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pumpkin Crumble Pie

Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your pumpkin crumble pie turns out perfectly every time:

Preventing a Soggy Crust: Pre-baking the crust is crucial for preventing a soggy bottom. Make sure to dock the crust with a fork and use pie weights or dried beans to keep it from puffing up.
Balancing the Flavors: Taste the pumpkin filling before pouring it into the crust and adjust the spices to your liking. You can add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
Achieving the Perfect Crumble: Use cold butter and work quickly to create a crumbly topping. Avoid overmixing, as this will result in a doughy texture.
Checking for Doneness: The pie is done when the filling is set around the edges but still jiggles slightly in the center. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
Preventing Cracking: Avoid overbaking the pie, as this can cause the filling to crack. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
Chill Time is Key: Letting the pie cool completely allows the filling to set properly, resulting in a cleaner slice and a more enjoyable eating experience.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This pumpkin crumble pie is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions and variations to try:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream is the classic topping for pumpkin pie. You can sweeten the cream with a little powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cool and creamy contrast to the warm pie.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Maple Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.
Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the crumble topping for a decadent twist.
Different Spices: Experiment with different spices, such as allspice, cardamom, or star anise, to create your own unique flavor profile.
Nut Crust: Use a nut-based crust for a gluten-free and flavorful alternative.

Storing and Reheating Your Pie

Leftover pumpkin crumble pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain its flavor and texture, follow these storage and reheating instructions:

Storing: Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheating: To reheat the pie, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.

Note: Reheating the pie may slightly soften the crust, but it will still be delicious.

Data Table

Here’s a table summarizing the key steps and estimated times for each component of the pumpkin crumble pie:

Component	Step	Estimated Time	Notes
Pie Crust	Mixing Ingredients	10 minutes	Use cold butter and ice water for a flaky crust.
	Chilling Dough	30 minutes	Allows gluten to relax and prevents shrinking during baking.
	Rolling and Shaping	10 minutes	Roll out to a 12-inch circle and transfer to a 9-inch pie plate.
	Pre-baking	20-22 minutes	Dock the crust and use pie weights to prevent puffing. Bake until lightly golden brown.
Pumpkin Filling	Mixing Ingredients	10 minutes	Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Adjust spices to taste.
Crumble Topping	Mixing Ingredients	5 minutes	Use cold butter and work quickly to create a crumbly texture.
Assembly & Baking	Assembling Pie	5 minutes	Pour filling into pre-baked crust and sprinkle with crumble topping.
	Baking Pie	50-60 minutes	Bake at 350°F (175°C) until filling is set and crumble is golden brown. Cover edges with foil if crust browns too quickly.
Cooling	Cooling Pie Completely	2-3 hours	Allows filling to set properly for easier slicing.

Key Benefits

Creates a delicious and comforting dessert: The combination of pumpkin spice and buttery crumble is simply irresistible.
Perfect for fall holidays and gatherings: This pie is a crowd-pleaser and a festive addition to any celebration.
Relatively easy to make with readily available ingredients: Even novice bakers can create this masterpiece with simple ingredients and clear instructions.

For more amazing recipes, be sure to check out our other sections to explore a variety of ideas that will enrich your cooking experience. Each section offers its own unique flavors to ensure a delightful culinary journey:

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Professional Tips

Use high-quality pumpkin puree for the best flavor: Look for a brand that is smooth and rich in color.
Chill the pie crust before filling to prevent shrinking: This allows the gluten to relax and the crust to hold its shape during baking.
Don’t overbake the pie to avoid a dry filling: The filling should be set around the edges but still jiggle slightly in the center.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve just learned how to make the ultimate pumpkin crumble pie, a dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its creamy pumpkin filling, crunchy crumble topping, and warm spices, this pie is the perfect embodiment of fall flavors. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a pie that will become a new holiday tradition. The next step is simple: Bake this amazing pie and enjoy the delicious results! Happy baking, and happy fall!