Famous Libby Pumpkin Pie (1 Deep-Dish or 2 Pies) - Restless Chipotle (2024)

This is the original Libby's recipe - the one your grandmother probably made. It makes one deep dish or 2 shallow pies.

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🗝️ Key takeaways

• Creamy, classic pumpkin pie with the perfect blend of spices in a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth buttery crust is just out of this world delicious.
• This is a delicious, homemade tradition for Thanksgiving and Christmas but it's delicious anytime!
• If you've never used freshly grated nutmeg you are in for a treat! This recipe calls for whole nutmegs that you grate yourself and boy does it make a difference.

Making a perfect pumpkin pie doesn't need to be fussy, and this classic recipe will show you just how to do it.

Plus, the easy pumpkin pie recipe only takes five minutes of prep work, so you can enjoy more quality time with family and friends.

Isn't that what the holiday season is really about?

🧾 Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

📖Variations

• This homemade pie crust recipe is easy—even if it's your first time!
• Don't let pie dough stop you from enjoying pumpkin perfection. Pop by the grocery store and grab refrigerated or frozen pie crust, instead.
• Or, experiment with a gingersnap crumb crust for extra festive spice!
• To make one 9-inch pie or one 10-inch pie, use a premade deep-dish pie shell or a pan labeled for 4-cup volume.
• On the other hand, you can make two 9-inch shallow pies by using two 2-cup volume 9-inch pans.
• You can use all white sugar, but brown adds a slightly richer depth.
• For a bit of boozy flavor, stir in a tablespoon of bourbon or rum.
• If you like cardamom, add a pinch with the other spices.
• You can get really creative and add your favorite streusel topping!
• Garnish with chopped pecans, drizzle with salted caramel sauce, and, whatever you do, don't forget whipped cream for serving!

🔪 Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.

1. In a large bowl, mix sugar, spices, and large eggs.
2. Blend pure pumpkin and evaporated milk into the sugar-spice mixture.
3. Pour pumpkin pie filling into one or two pie shells.
4. Sprinkle nutmeg over the pumpkin mixture and bake.

🥫 Storage

The only problem with homemade pumpkin pie is that it's usually gobbled down quicker than a hiccup. However, if you manage to have some leftovers, consider yourself lucky!

Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. It'll last for three or four days if you don't manage to eat it all by tomorrow's breakfast!

Unlike apple pies, the pumpkin variety doesn't freeze quite as well, so I wouldn't recommend trying to store leftover pumpkin pie that way.

💭 Things to know

Expert Tip: Good pumpkin is the key to this traditional recipe. Don't use canned pumpkin pie filling, just pure canned pumpkin, or pumpkin puree.

• On that note, using fresh pumpkin might sound like a tempting way to fancy up your pie, but it can be too watery, so I don't recommend it. There's a reason why Libby's famous pumpkin pie recipe tells you to use canned—it makes the best pumpkin filling!
• Some people "blind bake" their crust first, but I've never found it necessary in this recipe.
• Be careful when shopping—sweetened condensed milk is not the same thing as evaporated, so don't grab it by mistake.
• Don't use fat-free evaporated milk. It doesn't taste as good, and you're making a traditional holiday pumpkin pie, after all—the diet can wait!
• I use kosher salt. If you use table salt, reduce the measurement a bit.
• The nutmeg tastes best grated fresh if you can!
• Speaking of freshness, make sure your spices are well within their expected shelf life. If they're approaching their "use by" date, or if the jar is so old the expiration information has rubbed off, it's time to replace it!
• Pinch the pie crust edge between your thumb and the softer part of your pointer finger. Continue pinching around the pie to make an impressive yet simple design.
• If your crust edges hang over the side of your pie plate, place the plate on a cookie sheet before putting it into the oven for easier handling.
• Use your extra crust and some small leaf cookie cutters to make a festive fall leaf garnish around the edge of the pie. Whisk some water and an extra egg yolk in a small bowl, and brush it on the leaves to give them a golden finish as they bake!
• If your crust starts to get too dark before the pie is done baking, cover just the crust loosely with a ring of aluminum foil.
• Your pie will cool more quickly if you set it on a wire rack. This also prevents residual warmth from continuing to cook the center of the pie once you take it out of the oven.

👩‍🍳 FAQs

• Homemade Sweet Potato Pie is pumpkin's much-loved cousin, especially in the South. It's the sweet, creamy, holiday classic you crave!
• Fan of pumpkin recipes, but not of baking? This No-Bake Double Layer Pumpkin Pie has a luscious cheesecake layer—it's swoon-worthy!
• If you're planning charcuterie for the holidays this year, you must try this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip! It's creamy, decadent, and full of pumpkin spice flavor—oh, and great with so many fun dipping options, too!
• For something a little different go with this luscious pumpkin cheesecake!

📞 The last word

One of the best things about fall is the pumpkin pie!

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Recipe

First published November 6, 2014. Last updated August 9, 2023 for editorial corrections.

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