When it comes to fall desserts, there's nothing that screams cozy comfort like a homemade pumpkin pie. Lykkers, have you ever thought about skipping the canned pumpkin and making your own pie from scratch?

Trust us, the results are totally worth it! Our homemade fresh pumpkin pie, made with mashed, cooked pumpkin, has become a family favorite, and we're excited to share the recipe with you.

The buttery, flaky pastry crust and the warm, spiced filling come together to make a pie that's better than anything store-bought. Ready to give it a try? Let's dive in!

Ingredients You'll Need

To make this pie from scratch, we'll start with the basics. Here's everything you need:

For the Crust:

• 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup cold butter or shortening

• 3 tablespoons cold water (add more if needed)

For the Filling:

• 2 cups mashed, cooked pie pumpkin

• 1 can (12 fluid ounces) evaporated milk

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• ¾ cup packed brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (or more to taste)

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger (or more to taste)

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (or more to taste)

• ½ teaspoon salt

Making the Pie Crust

Let's start with the crust because it's the base of your pie! In a bowl, mix the flour and salt. Then, cut in the cold butter or shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is where the magic happens—those little buttery bits will create the flakiness we all love in pie crusts!

Next, add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix until the dough holds together. If you need a bit more water, go ahead and add it. Then, shape the dough into a ball, and roll it out on a floured surface to about ⅛ inch thick.

Take a 9-inch pie pan, and place it upside down on the dough. Use a sharp tool to cut a circle about 1 ½ inches larger than the pan. Now, carefully transfer the dough to the pan by rolling it over a rolling pin and unrolling it onto the pie pan. Once it's in place, flute the edges with your fingers to create that classic pie crust look.

Making the Pumpkin Filling

Now it's time for the filling, and this part couldn't be easier! In a large bowl, combine the mashed pumpkin, evaporated milk, brown sugar, beaten eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Use an electric mixer to blend everything together until smooth.

Once your filling is ready, pour it into the prepared pie crust. Be sure to spread it evenly so you get a nice, consistent filling.

Baking Your Pumpkin Pie

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake your pie for 40 to 60 minutes. The key is to check if the filling is set—stick a tool in about an inch from the edge of the pie, and if it comes out clean, it's done! If the crust starts to get too dark, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.

Once it's out of the oven, let it cool for a couple of hours before serving. The waiting time is essential for that perfect texture and flavor.

How to Make Mashed Pumpkin

Want to make your own pumpkin puree? Here's how we do it:

1. Cut a fresh pie pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds.

2. Cut the pumpkin into chunks and place them in a saucepan with about 1 inch of water.

3. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 30 minutes until tender.

4. Drain, cool, and remove the peel.

5. Mash the pumpkin with a potato masher or use a food mill for a smoother texture. You'll need about 2 cups of mashed pumpkin for this pie.

Can You Make This Pie Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! One of the best things about pumpkin pie is that it can be made ahead of time. Once it's cooled down, just cover it and pop it in the fridge. It'll stay fresh for up to four days. And if you're prepping for the long haul, you can freeze it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it'll last for up to a month. When you're ready, let it thaw in the fridge and it'll be as good as fresh.

Final Thoughts: Enjoying Your Homemade Pumpkin Pie

We know there's nothing quite like a slice of freshly made pumpkin pie. It's comforting, flavorful, and the perfect dessert to bring everyone together. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just because it's fall, this homemade pumpkin pie recipe will never disappoint. Lykkers, we hope you enjoy this delicious treat as much as we do!

Give it a try, and don't forget to share your creations with us. Happy baking!