What’s the Secret to a Great Pumpkin Pie?
For many Americans, the taste of pumpkin pie evokes memories of family gatherings, the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg filling the air, and, of course, Thanksgiving feasts.
If you're in New Zealand and missing the traditional flavours of home, or you're simply curious about trying an iconic American dessert, we’ve got the answer for you: the secret to a great pumpkin pie is Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin.
At International Sweets, we’re excited to offer Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin so that you can bring a little slice of the US to your Kiwi kitchen. Whether you’re a pie-making pro or a first-timer, here’s why Libby’s is a pantry essential and how it can help you whip up the perfect pumpkin pie this season.
Why Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin?
Libby’s is known as the go-to brand for creating delicious pumpkin-based recipes, and it’s a staple in American households, especially around Thanksgiving. But why is it the best?
- 100% Pure Pumpkin: No preservatives, no artificial ingredients—just pure, creamy pumpkin, ready to use straight out of the can.
- Perfect Texture: Libby’s has a smooth and consistent texture, making it the ideal base for pie fillings, soups, muffins, and more.
- Rich Flavour: The natural sweetness and earthiness of the pumpkin shines through, creating that unmistakable flavour that’s essential for a great pie.
How to Make a Classic Pumpkin Pie
The beauty of a pumpkin pie is that it’s surprisingly simple to make, especially when you have Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin as your base.
Ingredients
- 1 can (425g) of Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin
- 1 unbaked short crust pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- ¾ cup (150g) sugar (brown or white)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can (375ml) evaporated milk
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Method:
-
Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Prepare the pie crust: Roll out your short crust pie pastry and line a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges for a decorative touch, and set the crust aside.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir until evenly blended.
-
Prepare the pumpkin filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs lightly.
- Add the can of Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin and mix well.
- Stir in the sugar and spice mixture.
- Gradually mix in the evaporated milk until smooth.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue baking for another 40–50 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the centre comes out clean.
- Cool the pie: Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to set properly.
- Serve: Once cooled, slice and serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top.
Pumpkin Pie and Beyond: More Ways to Use Libby’s Year Round
Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin isn’t just for pies—it’s incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas to make the most of this seasonal ingredient:
- Pumpkin Pancakes: Add a few spoonfuls of pumpkin to your pancake batter for a variation to a brunch favourite.
- Pumpkin Soup: The fastest way to whip up a warming, hearty soup any time of year - with no dangerous chopping of whole pumpkins to contend with! Blend a can or two of Libby’s pumpkin with vegetable stock, onions, and a touch of cream. Add a can of creamed corn if you have it in the pantry for more of a chowder vibe. Cook till well warmed through and serve with a swirl of cream or sour cream on top.
- Pumpkin Muffins: Whip up some pumpkin muffins for a tasty snack that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or tea. One of our favourite Tiktokers just posted a great Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffin recipe - give that a try!
- Pumpkin Bread: Moist, sweet, and spiced, pumpkin bread is a great way to use Libby’s for a satisfying treat. We'll add our favourite recipe to the blog very shortly!
So, what’s the secret to a great pumpkin pie? Now you know—it’s Libby’s!