Pumpkin Pie is a beloved classic dessert that has become synonymous with fall and holiday celebrations, particularly Thanksgiving in the United States. This delectable pie features a rich and creamy pumpkin filling seasoned with a blend of warm spices, all nestled in a buttery amaretti cookie crust. The combination of smooth pumpkin and fragrant spices creates a delightful and comforting flavor profile, making Pumpkin Pie a favorite treat during the autumn season.

The origins of Pumpkin Pie can be traced back to early American history. Pumpkins are native to North America and have been cultivated by indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The Pilgrims, who settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620, likely learned about pumpkins from the Native Americans and incorporated them into their diets.

The first English colonists did not have ovens to bake traditional pies, so they hollowed out pumpkins, filled them with a mixture of milk, honey, and spices, and then roasted them in hot ashes. This was a primitive version of the modern Pumpkin Pie, and it became a part of early American culinary traditions.

The concept of baking pumpkin fillings inside crusts began to evolve in the 17th and 18th centuries. As culinary techniques advanced, cooks experimented with different pie crusts, and the popularity of Pumpkin Pie continued to grow.

During the 19th century, Pumpkin Pie became a staple in American cookbooks, and recipes for the pie’s filling and crust became more refined. Over time, the addition of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves became standard, giving the pie its signature taste.

Today, Pumpkin Pie is an iconic dessert during the fall and Thanksgiving seasons. It is a symbol of warmth, family gatherings, and the bountiful harvest, making it a cherished part of American culinary heritage.

INGREDIENTS

FOR CRUST: 

• 1 7 oz. bag amaretti cookies, divided
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

FOR FILLING:

• 1 3/4 cup (1 15 oz. can) pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs plus 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 12 oz. can of evaporated milk
• Fresh whipped cream, for topping

INSTRUCTIONS

FOR CRUST:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. Measure out 6 ounces of amaretti cookies and place them in a food processor along with the sliced almonds. Reserve the remaining cookies for later.
3. Pulse the cookies and almonds until finely ground. Add the flour, light brown sugar, and salt, and pulse until combined.
4. Drizzle in the melted butter and pulse until the mixture is evenly moistened and begins to clump.
5. Lightly butter a 9-inch-diameter cheesecake pan with removable sides.
6. Press the crust mixture into the bottom and about 1 1/2-inches up the sides of the pan.
7. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the crust starts to darken. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

FOR FILLING: 

1. In a bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, both sugars, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until smooth.
2. Whisk in the eggs and egg yolk, along with the vanilla and almond extracts.
3. Add the evaporated milk and stir until fully incorporated.
4. Pour the filling into the cooled crust.
5. Gently place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is just barely jiggly.
6. Remove the pie from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool to room temperature, about 2 hours.
7. Slice and serve the Pumpkin Pie, or lightly cover and refrigerate overnight until ready to serve.
8. Top with freshly whipped cream and the remaining amaretti cookies, lightly crushed and sprinkled over the top before serving.

Enjoy this classic Pumpkin Pie, a symbol of autumnal comfort and a delicious addition to your holiday celebrations!