Autumn begs for aromatic baked goods, and pumpkin pie is the king – moist, soft, and fragrant with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. It's the perfect time for aromatic baked goods infused with seasonal vegetables and fruits. One of the most popular desserts during this time is pumpkin pie – soft, moist, and fragrant with spices. It's a great option for both afternoon coffee and family gatherings.
How to make pumpkin pie step by step
We'll show you how to bake pumpkin pie step by step: from choosing the pumpkin (Hokkaido or butternut) , through making a thick puree from the roasted pumpkin , to quickly mixing the ingredients and baking with confidence. All you need are two bowls, a whisk, and a baking pan, and preparation takes just a few minutes—the oven will do the rest. It's the perfect dessert with coffee, for weekends, and for family gatherings, and you can use the excess puree for pancakes or freeze it for future baking. Ready? Let's get started!
Which pumpkin should you choose for pumpkin pie?
Hokkaido pumpkin – has an intense, slightly nutty flavor and a beautiful orange color. Its skin is edible, so it doesn't need to be peeled, making it easier to prepare puree.
Butternut squash – very sweet, delicate, and creamy. Its flesh blends easily into a smooth puree, perfect for baking.
Muscat pumpkin – aromatic and fleshy, it perfectly highlights the flavor of spices, although it is more difficult to find in stores.
Ingredients needed for pumpkin cake
- 2 cups pumpkin puree (preferably from roasted pumpkin)
- 2.5 cups of wheat flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- ½ cup of vegetable oil or melted butter
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- a pinch of salt
- optional: a handful of walnuts or raisins
What kitchen accessories will you need to prepare pumpkin pie: 
- A board and a sharp knife – for cutting the pumpkin into pieces.
- Baking tray or ovenproof dish – for baking the pumpkin pieces before making the puree.
- Spoon or ice cream scoop – for scooping out the pumpkin seeds.
- Hand blender or jug blender – to blend the baked pumpkin into a smooth puree.
- Two bowls – one for dry ingredients, the other for wet ingredients.
- Whisk or mixer – to mix the ingredients (a mixer will speed up the process, but a whisk will also work).
- Measuring cup or kitchen scale – to measure exact amounts of ingredients.
- Baking tin – e.g. a cake tin, springform pan or rectangular baking tray (lined with baking paper).
- Skewer – to check if the cake is baked inside.
How to make pumpkin pie?
Step 1: Prepare the pumpkin - Peel the pumpkin , cut it into pieces, and roast it in the oven (approx. 30 minutes at 180°C). Then blend it into a smooth puree.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients - In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
Step 3: Combine wet ingredients - In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and oil (or butter) until fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree and mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Combine both mixtures - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms. Finally, you can add nuts or raisins.
Step 5: Bake - Transfer the batter to a parchment-lined baking pan and bake in an oven preheated to 180°C for approximately 50–60 minutes. Test with a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Step 6: Decorate and serve - Once cooled, you can sprinkle the pumpkin cake with powdered sugar, pour lemon icing over it or decorate it with whipped cream.
Tips and Hints
You can prepare the pumpkin puree in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer a moister cake, add a little plain yogurt or sour cream to the mixture. Pumpkin cake also tastes delicious with a caramel topping or chocolate chips.
Pumpkin pie is one of the most beautiful flavors of autumn – moist, aromatic, and full of spicy notes, it pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. Preparing it is truly simple: simply choose the right pumpkin , puree it, then combine the ingredients and bake in your favorite pan. With a few tried-and-true tricks and basic kitchen accessories, you can easily create a dessert that will delight family and guests. It's a perfect way to bring a touch of autumn warmth and the unique aroma into your home.