The Easiest Pumpkin Pie Dessert Ever for Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving desserts don’t get any easier — or more delicious — than this Easiest Pumpkin Pie. It’s rich, creamy, perfectly spiced, and comes together with almost zero effort. Whether you’re hosting, bringing a dish, or making a last-minute dessert, this pumpkin pie is foolproof and guaranteed to impress.

With a silky smooth filling and a golden crust, it’s the kind of comforting, classic dessert everyone looks forward to during the holidays. And the best part? You only need a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep to make it happen.

2. Ingredients

This unbelievably easy pumpkin pie uses simple, reliable ingredients for a rich, festive flavor.

Ingredients List

Filling:

  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon cloves (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Crust:

  • 1 store-bought pie crust (frozen or refrigerated)
    or use a graham cracker crust for a no-fuss option

Toppings (Optional):

  • Whipped cream
  • Cinnamon sugar
  • Caramel drizzle
  • Pecans or walnuts

Key Ingredients

  • Pumpkin Purée: The heart of the pie — smooth, rich, and naturally sweet.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Replaces sugar + cream, making the pie unbelievably easy.
  • Eggs: Help the filling set perfectly.
  • Pumpkin Spices: Warm, cozy, and essential for classic holiday flavor.

Optional Add-Ons / Variations

  • Add extra cinnamon for stronger spice
  • Swap sweetened condensed milk with evaporated milk + sugar
  • Use maple syrup for deeper fall flavor
  • Add a cream cheese swirl for richness
  • Make mini pumpkin pies using muffin tins

3. Step-By-Step Instructions

This pie is as easy as mix, pour, bake — no complicated steps, no special equipment.

Preparation Steps

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Place pie crust into a pie pan (if using refrigerated dough).
  3. In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, condensed milk, eggs, spices, and salt until smooth.
  4. Pour filling into the pie crust.

Cooking Steps

  1. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes.
  2. Reduce heat to 350°F and bake for 30–40 minutes more.
  3. Pie is done when the center jiggles slightly but is not liquid.
  4. Let cool for at least 2 hours to fully set.
  5. Serve chilled or at room temperature with toppings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this easy Thanksgiving dessert with:

  • Fresh whipped cream
  • Cinnamon dusting
  • Caramel drizzle
  • Chopped toasted pecans
  • Vanilla ice cream

Perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, Friendsgiving, autumn parties, or cozy nights at home.

4. Tips, Substitutions & Notes

Pro Tips for Better Results

  • Don’t overbake — slight jiggle in the center is perfect.
  • Use glass or ceramic pie pan for even baking.
  • Place pie on the lower oven rack to prevent soggy crust.
  • Chill before slicing for cleaner pieces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using pumpkin pie filling instead of purée
  • Skipping the temperature change — affects texture
  • Cutting while warm — pie won’t hold shape
  • Overmixing eggs — creates bubbles and cracks

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use evaporated milk + ¾ cup sugar instead of condensed milk
  • Swap spices with pumpkin pie spice (2 teaspoons)
  • Use almond milk with cornstarch for a lighter version
  • Make crustless pumpkin pie for a gluten-free dessert

Texture, Flavor, or Health Variations

  • Add 2 tbsp maple syrup for deeper fall flavor
  • Mix in a little vanilla extract
  • Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version
  • Add a pecan topping for crunch

5. Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

  • Store covered in the fridge for 4–5 days.
  • Pie tastes even better on day two.

Freezing

  • Freeze whole pie or slices for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw in fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

  • Pumpkin pie is best served cold or at room temp.
  • Warm slices lightly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) if preferred.

6. Nutrition (Optional)

(Approximate per slice)

  • Calories: ~230–280
  • Carbs: ~30g
  • Fat: ~8g
  • Protein: ~5g
  • Sugar: ~22g

Varies depending on crust and toppings.

7. Conclusion

This truly is the easiest Pumpkin Pie Dessert ever — simple, creamy, and perfect for Thanksgiving. With rich pumpkin flavor, warm spices, and a silky texture, it delivers everything you love about the classic holiday dessert with none of the stress. Make it once, and it’ll become your go-to Thanksgiving recipe forever!

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