Best Yet Pumpkin Pie is a spicy, creamy, pumpkin pie with a vibrant flavor and shiny top. Its flavor is enhanced by hints of candied yam and spices -- specifically, fresh ginger and cinnamon. If you're still looking for the ultimate pumpkin pie, this one's worth a try. Thanks to James for this pumpkin pie recipe.
I've posted more pictures and some notes from my experience after the jump.
Best Yet Pumpkin Pie Texture
What I like best about this pie is the texture. It sets and slices perfectly, but has a creamy and smooth interior. It does require attention to detail, though. The filling gets stirred over low heat for a while, and you have to strain it.
It takes a while to bake, and you'll need plenty of time to let it set. so make sure to bake it the day before you want to serve it. Also, the cook-time listed in the recipe may or may not be precise. Mine took almost 15 minutes longer to bake than James's did, but since I knew the internal temperature was suppose to be 175 degrees F, I was able to monitor it with an instant read thermometer.
Vodka Pie Crust
One last thing. James used CI's vodka pie crust. For the sake of being different, I used Dorie Greenspan’s crust and replaced the water with Vodka. If you like making crust, use your favorite recipe and par-bake it as per the directions, but if you don’t have time, just use a store-bought crust, par-bake it as directed on the package, then fill and continue baking as directed.
Recipe is here: Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe from James over at Cook Like James.
Anna says
Hi Shannon,
Thanks for sharing the results of your evaporated milk pumpkin pie test. I hope the final product tastes great. Sounds like it was a success.
Shannon in Canada says
I had asked you before asking cutting the fat by using evaporated milk instead of cream and full fat milk. Well, I made this yesterday for our family Christmas dinner today and used skimmed evaporated milk. I havn't tried it yet, but the pie looks gorgeous! I have made hundreds of pumpkin pies and I can definately see a difference in texture in this one. It looks smooth and creamy and absolutely gorgeous. Hopefully everyone will like the new recipe, as I have been making the same pumpkin pie recipe for my inlaw's for years.
Kerstin says
Hi Anna, I made this yesterday for Thanksgiving and it's SOOO good! I just ate a piece for breakfast 🙂 Even our guests who usually aren't huge pumpkin pie fans enjoyed it and loved the lighter texture - thanks for sharing the recipe! Oh, and I also had to bake it for a lot longer than the directions stated too.
Randi says
Cook's strikes again. Their recipes rock!!
Kerstin says
How awesome, I'm going to try this for Thanksgiving this year!
Judy says
It looks like James has changed the CI recipe. It calls for canned, not candied yams, and there is no straining of filling. The texture of the original recipe is wonderful, but I found it underspiced. The vodka pie crust is outstanding. I made it two years ago and the original recipe (with some added spices) is on my blog. I actually made a better pumpkin pie last year, which is my new fave.
Anna says
Shannon, I just don't know. I'm all for cutting fat, but I don't think you'd get the same smooth texture. If you try it, let me know.
Shannon says
This looks gorgeous! Pumpkin pie is very high on my (very long!) list of faves for sure.
How do you think this would turn out replacing the heavy cream and full fat milk with part skimmed evaporated milk to cut some of the fat? I use evap milk in my traditional pumpking pie recipe, so I wonder if it work with this as well?
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
I'm so excited to meet you today in NYC!
Maggie says
I discovered that recipe last year on the Cooks Illustrated website. (I've got a subscription.) And I have to agree: I liked pumpkin pie before, but with this one I absolutely LOVE it. It is so amazing. I could eat the filling out of the bowl before it's cooked. And the vodka in the pie crust makes it easy to work with but it all evaporates before you eat it. Neat trick. I already decided that this will be my Gift to give this year to my favorite people and clients.
James says
So glad you tried the recipe! The pie looks great - I'm planning on making lots of them this Thanksgiving. Happy Cooking! James
Mackenzie @ The Caramel Cookie says
I love pumpkin pie! YUM! The crust looks really good too!
Krystle says
That slice of pie looks amazing! Ill have to add this one to the must try list!
Camille says
This looks absolutely perfect. I have yet to find an amazing pumpkin pie recipe! Thanks!
Katrina says
Always looking for new/great-er pumpkin pies. This one does sound interesting!