Guide Note

As pumpkins are most frequently in season in the autumn, this uniquely North American dessert is served from October to December, most notably at Halloween and Thanksgiving. It consists of pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ginger, baked in a crust.

Fast Facts

1. Often served with a dollop of whipped cream or drizzled with maple syrup
2. Dates back to the early American settlers
3. Can be made with canned or fresh pumpkin
4. Bourbon can be added to the custard
5. Pecans are one of the few toppings common on pumpkin pie

Pumpkin pie arguably has the fewest variations of all dessert pies. It is made with minimal toppings other than the pumpkin custard and almost never has a top crust. Pumpkin pie is often, however, served a la mode, usually with vanilla ice cream.

In the 17th century, Plymouth pilgrims would stew pumpkins and eat in a baked shell. Though the "baking" process did not take place in an oven and the dish was almost assuredly less sweet, the European explorers brought with them their frequent practice of eating fruit and vegetable fillings inside of pastry dough.

The modern pumpkin pie likely originated in the 19th century, with widespread pumpkin productivity in the harvest season. It may have been into the 20th century before cinnamon, nutmeg, and cream were routinely added to the filling.