Here’s the Secret Ingredient for Perfect Pumpkin Pie
Updated: Dec. 06, 2022
You can make a pumpkin pie from scratch that will have everyone asking, "How DID you do that?"
It’s about that time of year when pumpkin reigns over every food group. I’m looking for the best pumpkin beer, the best PSL and, of course, the best pumpkin desserts.
Aside from making sure you have the right baking tools for a perfect pie every time, the best way to make a homemade pumpkin pie stand out, is that little something extra.
I have the secret!
Why Spicy and Sweet Matter
To understand the secret ingredient, you need to know what makes a pumpkin dessert so special. It isn’t the orange gourd color, although that sure doesn’t hurt. It’s the perfect balance of spicy and sweet.
The usual blend of pumpkin pie spices is made from ginger, cloves, allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg. This spoonful of bold and flavorful spices has great depth of flavor. You’re used to them being cooled by sugar in most dishes; however, taste a sample straight and you’ll see that pumpkin spice has heat!
Don’t miss our recipe for homemade pumpkin spice mix.
The Secret Ingredient in My Pumpkin Pie
The best way to preserve the spiciness of pumpkin spice is with freshly cracked black pepper. It adds a robust bite to the traditional spice mix, which comes across subtly in each mouthful of pumpkin pie.
When making your next pumpkin dessert, add the same amount of black pepper as the recipe calls for cloves. If you’re timid about heat, add three quarters of the amount of the cloves. (But I bet you’ll wish you added the whole amount after your first taste.)
Don’t worry—your guests won’t call your pie “spicy.” There’s not enough pepper for that. If anything, they’ll ask, “Did you get super-fresh spices?”
This black pepper trick works like a charm with almost any pumpkin recipe. Try adding a pinch of pepper to our top 10 pumpkin pies. My favorite is adding a ⅛ teaspoon of freshly ground pepper to this copycat Starbucks pumpkin spice latte. It’s a perfect spicy-sweet way to start any fall morning.
Fresh Pumpkin Pie
In my opinion, there’s no contest as to which homemade pumpkin pie is best. No matter how good your canned filling is, it will never match pumpkin pie from scratch. —Christy Harp, Massillon, Ohio Don’t forget to check out our collection of the best pumpkin pie ideas.
Easy Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie does not have to be difficult to make. This easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe has a wonderful taste and will be a hit at your holiday meal. Be sure to follow these steps to prevent your pumpkin pie from cracking!—Marty Rummel, Trout Lake, Washington
Praline Pumpkin Pecan Pie
My husband and I are not big fans of traditional pumpkin pie, but my mother and others are, so we must have pumpkin pie as one of the desserts at Thanksgiving. I decided to meet everyone halfway with this pumpkin pecan pie recipe and it was a hit. Now I bring it to Thanksgiving every year. My mother doesn't even feel the need to bake her own pumpkin pie! —Emily Reese, Glade Hill, Virginia
Maple Sugar Pumpkin Pie
We make our own maple syrup, and that's what gives this pie its special taste. You might want to bake this for your Thanksgiving meal. —Martha Boudah, Essex Center, Vermont
Five-Spice Pumpkin Pie
I always make a pumpkin pie for our big "pie night" party on Thanksgiving Eve. This recipe is a classic with a special spiced-up twist. Don't forget to refrigerate pumpkin pie! —Shawn Barto, Palmetto, Florida
Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie
If you’re looking for a classic autumn dessert, try this pumpkiny cheesecake pie. It’s a winner at potlucks and on the Thanksgiving table. The gingersnap crust forms a spicy-sweet foundation and canned pumpkin provides you with a head start. —Sharon Crockett, La Palma, California
Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie
The addition of apple butter gives this pumpkin pie a slightly fruity flavor. I'm always happy to share reliable recipes like this. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Classic Pumpkin Pie
Nothing says Thanksgiving like a slice of pie. And you can relish every luscious bite of this pumpkin pie recipe since the tender crust is made with canola oil and a mere hint of butter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Streusel Pumpkin Pie
Basic pumpkin pie is good, but we think this dressed-up version is even better. Plenty of pecans add a nutty crunch to the crust and the streusel topping. It's a perfect dessert for Thanksgiving or any time you want to end a dinner with something special. -Bertha Johnson, Indianapolis, Indiana
Traditional Pumpkin Pie
Usually I prepare two different desserts for our holiday dinner, but one of them must be pumpkin pie—otherwise, it just wouldn't seem like Thanksgiving. My version calls for more eggs than most, making this pie's pumpkin custard fillings especially rich-tasting. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
