Thanksgiving is a time of warmth, family, and, of course, delicious food. Among the many mouth - watering desserts that grace the Thanksgiving table, the pumpkin - pecan pie stands out as a unique and scrumptious option. This delightful dessert combines the best of two worlds, bringing together the classic flavors of pumpkin pie and the rich, buttery taste of pecans.
Let's start with the foundation of any great pie - the crust. A classic pastry crust is the perfect base for this pumpkin - pecan creation. To make a traditional pastry crust, you'll need flour, butter, salt, and a bit of ice water. Begin by cutting the cold butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then, gradually add the ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to over - mix, as this can make the crust tough. Once the dough is formed, shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least an hour. This chilling step helps the dough hold its shape when rolled out.
After the dough has chilled, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to make it easier to roll. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a circle that is slightly larger than your pie pan. Carefully transfer the rolled - out dough into the pie pan, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough around the edges and crimp the edges for a decorative touch. You can blind - bake the crust at this point to prevent it from getting soggy. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake it in a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for about 12 - 15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. Then, remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes to finish baking the bottom of the crust.
Now, let's move on to the star of the show - the pumpkin pie filling with a pecan twist. For the pumpkin filling, you'll need canned pumpkin puree, eggs, evaporated milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of salt. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, and evaporated milk until well combined. Then, add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. The spices give the pumpkin filling that warm, comforting flavor that is so characteristic of Thanksgiving desserts.
But what really sets this pie apart is the addition of pecans and brown sugar on top. Take a handful of pecans and chop them coarsely. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the pumpkin filling in the pre - baked crust. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of brown sugar over the pecans. The brown sugar will caramelize as the pie bakes, creating a sweet, crunchy topping that pairs perfectly with the smooth pumpkin filling.
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 - 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the pie comes out clean. As the pie bakes, the wonderful aroma of pumpkin, spices, and caramelized brown sugar will fill your kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation. Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour. This allows the filling to set and makes the pie easier to slice.
When it's time to serve, you can top the pumpkin - pecan pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool, creamy topping contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced pie. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors - the smooth, velvety pumpkin filling, the crunchy pecans, the sweet caramelized brown sugar, and the buttery crust. It's a dessert that will surely be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering, leaving your guests asking for seconds.
In conclusion, the pumpkin - pecan pie is a must - try dessert for Thanksgiving. It combines the traditional flavors of the holiday with a unique twist that makes it stand out from the crowd. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is relatively easy to follow and the end result is truly rewarding. So, this Thanksgiving, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and bake a delicious pumpkin - pecan pie that will make your holiday even more special.
