When autumn rolls in, few things evoke the cozy comfort of the season like the warm aroma of pumpkin pie wafting through the kitchen. Among all the pumpkin pie recipes out there, Libby’s pumpkin pie recipe stands out as the gold standard. This beloved recipe has been a staple on American holiday tables for generations, offering the perfect blend of creamy texture, warm spices, and rich pumpkin flavor.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why Libby’s pumpkin pie recipe is so iconic, provide you with step-by-step instructions, and share tips to make sure your pie turns out perfect every time.
Why Libby’s Pumpkin Pie Recipe is So Popular
Libby’s, a trusted brand known for its canned pumpkin, first introduced its famous pie recipe on the label over 75 years ago. It quickly became a classic because of its simplicity, reliability, and delicious flavor. The secret? The use of Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin—not pumpkin pie mix—which gives the pie its rich, authentic pumpkin taste without added sugar or spices.
Unlike other pumpkin pie recipes that can be overly sweet or spiced, Libby’s pumpkin pie recipe strikes the perfect balance. The smooth, velvety filling combined with the crispness of a flaky pie crust makes it a dessert everyone looks forward to during Thanksgiving and the entire fall season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Libby’s pumpkin pie recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients:
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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2 large eggs
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1 can (15 oz) Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin
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1 can (12 fl oz) evaporated milk
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1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie shell
This recipe yields one 9-inch pie, perfect for about 8 servings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
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Beat the eggs in a large bowl. Stir in the pumpkin and the sugar-spice mixture.
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Gradually stir in evaporated milk until fully combined.
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Pour the filling into the unbaked pie shell.
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Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 40–50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
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Cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving.
You can serve the pie plain or with a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Pie
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Use fresh spices: Ground spices lose potency over time. For the most flavorful pie, use freshly opened spices.
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Don’t overbake: Overbaking can cause cracks in the center. The pie should be slightly jiggly in the middle when you take it out— it will continue to set as it cools.
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Make ahead: Libby’s pumpkin pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes holiday prep easier.
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Use a glass or ceramic pie plate: These materials distribute heat more evenly, which helps the crust bake consistently.
Variations to Try
While Libby’s pumpkin pie recipe is perfect as is, you can also try some fun variations to switch things up:
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Maple twist: Replace some of the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper, richer sweetness.
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Graham cracker crust: Swap the traditional crust for a graham cracker base for added texture and flavor.
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Mini pies: Make individual pumpkin pies using a muffin tin for easy serving during parties or gatherings.
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Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pie crust to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
Why You Should Choose Libby’s Pumpkin
Libby’s uses a proprietary strain of Dickinson pumpkins, specially grown for baking. These pumpkins are naturally sweet, smooth, and full of flavor. When you use Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin, you’re not just getting convenience—you’re getting quality and consistency trusted by bakers for decades.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a large Thanksgiving dinner or simply craving the taste of fall, Libby’s pumpkin pie recipe is the go-to dessert that never disappoints. Easy to make, deliciously spiced, and endlessly adaptable, this pie continues to earn its place as a holiday classic.
So grab a can of Libby’s, roll out your pie crust, and get baking—because no fall season is complete without a slice of this iconic pie.
Learn more: Hoisin sauce recipe