If you’re anything like me and adore the cozy flavors of fall, then this Pumpkin Pie with Maple-Maple Cream Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. I absolutely love how the warm spices meld with the natural sweetness of pumpkin, but what truly sets this pie apart is that luscious maple-infused cream topping—you’ll find it elevates a classic dessert into something truly special. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, a family gathering, or just craving a comforting treat, this recipe works like a charm every time.
When I first tried this Pumpkin Pie with Maple-Maple Cream Recipe, I was blown away by how simple ingredients could transform into such a rich and flavorful pie. You’ll appreciate the balance between the smooth pumpkin filling and the velvety cream with that hint of maple syrup—it’s like a hug in dessert form. Plus, it’s straightforward enough for even a busy home cook to pull off with confidence, and I can’t wait to share all my tips to help you succeed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Fall Flavors: The warm spices combined with maple sweetness make this pie a seasonal showstopper.
- Reliable and Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking pies, this recipe walks you through each step with ease.
- Decadent Maple-Maple Cream: The cream topping is a game-changer, adding indulgence without overpowering the pumpkin.
- Great for Entertaining: Everyone from kids to grandparents goes crazy for this dessert at holiday dinners and get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Pumpkin Pie with Maple-Maple Cream Recipe. I recommend fresh pumpkin for the best flavor, and those warming spices really bring the depth you want in a pie like this. Plus, using good-quality maple syrup makes a noticeable difference when creating the cream topping.
- Shortcrust pastry: Choose a ready-made or homemade version for a buttery, flaky base; homemade always impresses but store-bought is a great shortcut.
- Cinnamon: Freshly ground or good-quality ground cinnamon really enhances the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- Pumpkin: Fresh peeled and chopped pumpkin is ideal—it steams up tender and naturally sweet, unlike canned.
- Single cream: Adds smooth richness when cooking the pumpkin, keep it light but creamy.
- Light muscovado sugar: This molasses-rich sugar deepens the flavor beyond plain white sugar.
- Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg is magic here; it gives a warm aromatic note that sings in pies.
- Ground ginger: Just a pinch to cut through and brighten the filling’s flavor.
- Eggs: Bind the filling perfectly and give that wonderful custard texture you’re aiming for.
- Butter: Melted, it adds richness to the filling and helps everything marry nicely together.
- Double cream: For whipping into the maple cream topping — make sure it’s cold for best volume.
- Maple syrup: Grade A pure maple syrup is what adds that delicious sweet note to the cream topping.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Pumpkin Pie with Maple-Maple Cream Recipe to suit different tastes and occasions. Feel free to tweak the spice blend or switch up the crust to make it your own — this dessert is flexible and forgiving!
- Gluten-Free Crust: I swapped in a gluten-free shortcrust pastry once and the pie still came out beautifully tender and buttery.
- Vegan Version: Using coconut cream instead of dairy and egg replacers works well when I want a plant-based option.
- Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of cloves or cardamom gave the pie an unexpected warm depth that my guests raved about.
- Extra Maple: Sometimes I drizzle a little maple syrup over the top of the pie right before serving to boost that signature flavor.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie with Maple-Maple Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Chill the Pastry
Start by rolling out your shortcrust pastry to fit a 20cm tart tin. I love sprinkling cinnamon over the lined pastry before chilling—it infuses the base with subtle spice without being overpowering. Pop the tart shell in the refrigerator for 30 minutes; this resting time helps prevent soggy bottoms and keeps the dough from shrinking during baking.
Step 2: Simmer the Pumpkin Filling
While the pastry chills, it’s time to tenderize the pumpkin. Cook it gently with single cream, muscovado sugar, nutmeg, and ginger in a saucepan for about 20 minutes until soft. This slow simmer softens the pumpkin perfectly and draws out the spices, giving you an unbeatable, silky purée when you blend it. Let the pumpkin mixture cool until just warm to avoid curdling the eggs in the next step.
Step 3: Blind Bake the Pastry
Next, preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C/gas 6). Line the tart shell with baking paper and fill it with baking beans or rice to weigh it down. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and bake another 5 minutes so the base dries out nicely. This step is key to avoiding a soggy bottom—you want a crisp, golden crust that can hold all that luscious filling.
Step 4: Mix and Fill the Pie
Beat your eggs and melted butter into the pumpkin purée until fully combined—it helps develop a silky custard texture. Pour this filling into the prebaked tart shell. If you have leftover pastry, I like cutting out fun shapes to decorate the pie’s edges (just avoid placing shapes in the center, where they can sink). Bake the pie at 180°C (fan 160°C/gas 4) for about 30 minutes, then check the center. A gentle wobble means it’s perfectly set; if too loose, bake in 10-minute increments until just set.
Step 5: Whip Up the Maple-Maple Cream
While the pie cools, whip the double cream until thick peaks form, then gently beat in the maple syrup for that divine maple-maple flavor. This cream is the crowning glory—you’ll love how it balances the spiced pumpkin with its sweet, velvety richness. Dollop it generously on each slice when serving or let guests add their own.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Pie with Maple-Maple Cream Recipe
- Chill Pastry Thoroughly: I learned that letting the pastry chill after lining the tin prevents shrinking and keeps the crust crisp.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil Pumpkin: Cooking pumpkin gently with the lid half-on keeps it tender without drying it out—don’t rush this step!
- Check Filling Set Carefully: The center should wobble slightly but not be liquid; overbaking leads to cracks, which I’ve definitely learned to avoid.
- Use Cold Cream for Whipping: Cold double cream whips faster and holds its texture better when folded with maple syrup.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pie with Maple-Maple Cream Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep garnishes simple—just a generous dollop of my maple-maple cream, sometimes topped with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or a few toasted pecans for crunch. It adds just the right touch of texture and flavor without overshadowing the pie’s natural warmth.
Side Dishes
This pie shines on its own but I often serve it alongside fresh apple slices or a warm cup of chai tea. For holiday dinners, I’ll pair it with roasted chestnuts or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—comfort food heaven!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve decorated the pie edges with little leaf-shaped pastry cutouts, dusted lightly with cinnamon sugar. Sometimes I serve it in individual mini tart shells for a fun twist that guests love—you get all the flavor but in perfect personal portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pumpkin pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, so it’s a win-win if you’re planning to enjoy it over a couple of days.
Freezing
Freezing this pie is totally possible! I wrap it well in foil and plastic wrap, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Just note that the texture of the cream topping isn’t quite the same after freezing, so I whip fresh maple cream when ready to serve.
Reheating
When reheating the pie, I use a low oven (around 150°C) for about 10 minutes to warm it gently without drying it out. Then I add a fresh dollop of the maple-maple cream to bring it back to life perfectly.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin for this Pumpkin Pie with Maple-Maple Cream Recipe?
Yes, you can use canned pumpkin puree as a convenient shortcut, but fresh pumpkin tends to provide a brighter, less watery flavor and better texture. If you do choose canned, ensure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling which contains added spices and sweeteners.
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How do I know when the pie filling is fully cooked?
The filling should have a slight wobble in the center when you gently shake the pie after baking. If it feels too loose or liquid, give it another 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to overbake, which can cause cracking.
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Can I make the maple-maple cream ahead of time?
It’s best to whip the cream fresh close to serving time for maximum fluffiness and flavor. However, you can mix the cream and maple syrup base and store it chilled, then whip just before serving.
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What’s the secret to avoiding a soggy pie crust?
Blind baking the crust fully before adding the filling helps seal it and keeps it crisp. Also, chilling the pastry before baking prevents shrinkage and sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Pie with Maple-Maple Cream Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the dessert I turn to when I want to impress but keep things cozy and uncomplicated. The combination of silky pumpkin filling with that dreamy maple cream always brings smiles around my table. I encourage you to try this recipe soon; I promise it’ll be your go-to fall dessert and a cherished tradition with your family too.
PrintPumpkin Pie with Maple-Maple Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic pumpkin pie features a spiced pumpkin filling nestled in a crisp shortcrust pastry. The filling is flavored with warming cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, simmered gently to bring out deep autumnal flavors. Topped with a rich, sweetened whipped double cream drizzle, this dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings and festive occasions.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 500g shortcrust pastry
- a large pinch cinnamon
Filling
- 800g pumpkin, peeled and chopped
- 150ml single cream
- 150g light muscovado sugar
- ¼ nutmeg, grated
- a pinch ground ginger
- 3 eggs
- 30g butter, melted
Topping
- 150ml double cream
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the shortcrust pastry and line a 20cm round tart tin, trimming any excess. Sprinkle a large pinch of cinnamon evenly onto the pastry base. Chill the pastry-lined tin in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Cook the Filling: Place the peeled and chopped pumpkin, single cream, light muscovado sugar, grated nutmeg, and ground ginger into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then cook gently with the lid partially on for about 20 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender. Purée the mixture until smooth and let it cool until just warm.
- Blind Bake the Pastry: Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C/gas mark 6). Line the tart case with baking paper or foil and fill with baking beans. Blind bake the pastry for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the base is dry and cooked. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (fan 160°C/gas mark 4).
- Assemble and Bake the Pie: Beat the eggs and melted butter into the pumpkin purée until fully combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared pastry case. Using any reserved pastry scraps, cut decorative shapes to place around the edges of the tart—avoid placing them in the center to prevent sinking. Bake the pie for 30 minutes, then check for a slight wobble in the center. If still too runny, bake for an extra 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Topping and Serve: Whip the double cream until thick peaks form, then fold in the maple syrup gently to sweeten. Serve the whipped cream alongside the pumpkin pie for a luscious finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure the pumpkin is cooked until very tender to achieve a smooth filling texture.
- Chilling the pastry before blind baking helps prevent shrinkage and maintains a crisp crust.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the amount of cinnamon or add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice.
- The pie filling should have a slight wobble when baked; it will firm up as it cools.
- Maple syrup in the whipped cream adds a subtle sweetness complementing the spices of the pie.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg