Pumpkin Meringue Pie Recipe

Pumpkin Meringue Pie Recipe

This Pumpkin Meringue Pie Recipe is a classic and creamy recipe, which is made with a spiced pumpkin filling and a fluffy homemade meringue. It’s a show-stopping holiday dessert, ready in about 3 hours plus chilling time.

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Pumpkin Meringue Pie Recipe Ingredients

FOR THE CRUST:

  • 1 whole Store-bought Pie Dough (or Homemade)
  • All-Purpose Flour, for dusting
  • 2 tsp. Coarse Sugar, for sprinkling

FOR THE PUMPKIN FILLING:

  • 1 can (15 Oz. Size) Pure Pumpkin Puree
  • 1 1/4 cups Heavy Cream
  • 2/3 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 3 Large Eggs, divided
  • 1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 tsp. Freshly Grated Nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt

FOR THE MERINGUE:

  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 8 Large Egg Whites, at room temperature

How To Make Pumpkin Meringue Pie

  1. Prepare the pie crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie dough into a 12-inch circle. Gently ease it into a 9-inch pie plate. Fold the overhanging dough under itself to create a thick rim, then crimp the edges decoratively with your fingers. Pierce the bottom and sides all over with a fork. Chill the prepared crust in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Blind bake the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the chilled pie shell with foil, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden.
  3. Finish baking the crust: Carefully remove the foil and pie weights. Continue to bake the crust for another 10-15 minutes, until the bottom is dry and golden all over. Transfer the crust to a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. Make the pumpkin filling: In a large bowl, gently whisk the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, granulated sugar, 2 of the eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt. Be careful not to over-mix.
  5. Bake the pie: In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg to create an egg wash. Brush the cooled crust’s edge with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Pour the pumpkin filling into the crust. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. The pie is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle. Transfer to a wire rack and let it cool completely.
  6. Make the Swiss meringue: Combine the 2 cups of sugar and the egg whites in the heatproof bowl of a stand mixer. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water). Whisk constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is warm to the touch, about 3 minutes.
  7. Whip the meringue: Transfer the bowl to the stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk on medium speed for 3 minutes, then increase the speed to high. Continue to whisk until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 6 more minutes.
  8. Top and toast: Dollop the finished meringue onto the completely cooled pie. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative swirls and peaks. To toast, hold a kitchen torch 3-4 inches from the surface and move the flame back and forth until the meringue is lightly browned. Slice and serve.
Pumpkin Meringue Pie Recipe
Pumpkin Meringue Pie Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • How to prevent a soggy bottom crust: The two-step “blind baking” process is essential. Baking first with pie weights prevents the crust from puffing up, and the second bake without them ensures the bottom gets fully cooked and golden, creating a barrier against the wet filling.
  • How do I know when the pumpkin filling is set? The pie is perfectly baked when the outer edges of the filling are firm and don’t move, but the very center (about a 2-inch circle) still jiggles slightly like gelatin. It will finish setting as it cools.
  • Why won’t my meringue form stiff peaks? For a successful meringue, your equipment must be impeccably clean and free of any fat or grease. Even a tiny speck of egg yolk in your whites can prevent them from whipping up properly. Using room temperature egg whites also helps them achieve maximum volume.
  • What if I don’t have a kitchen torch? You can toast the meringue under your oven’s broiler. Place the pie on a baking sheet and put it in the oven on a middle rack. Watch it very closely, as it can go from golden to burnt in under a minute.

What To Serve With Pumpkin Meringue Pie

This stunning pie is a complete dessert on its own. It needs no accompaniment other than perhaps:

  • A strong cup of black coffee
  • A hot cup of tea or a chai latte

How To Store Pumpkin Meringue Pie

Refrigerate: This pie must be stored in the refrigerator due to the custard filling and egg-white meringue. Cover it loosely (a cake dome is ideal to avoid touching the meringue) and store for up to 3 days. Be aware that meringue can sometimes “weep” or become slightly sticky after a day in the fridge. Freeze: Freezing is not recommended, as it will ruin the texture of both the filling and the meringue.

Pumpkin Meringue Pie Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 450kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 50g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake the pie (crust and filling) a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For the best results, make and top with the meringue just a few hours before serving.

Why is my meringue weeping (leaking liquid)?

“Weeping” is usually caused by undissolved sugar or humidity. Ensure the sugar is completely dissolved in the egg whites over the simmering water before you start whipping. It’s also best to make meringue on a dry day, as high humidity can affect its stability.

What is a Swiss meringue?

It’s a type of meringue where the egg whites and sugar are gently heated over a water bath before being whipped. This process dissolves the sugar completely and creates a very stable, dense, and glossy meringue that is less likely to weep.

Try More Recipes:

Pumpkin Meringue Pie Recipe

Recipe by Marry ThompsonCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

25

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 

30

minutes
Calories

450

kcal

A stunning holiday dessert featuring a crisp, golden pie crust, a creamy spiced pumpkin filling, and a mountain of fluffy, toasted Swiss meringue.

Ingredients

  • 1 pie dough

  • Filling: 1 can pumpkin puree, 1.25 cups heavy cream, 2/3 cup sugar, 3 eggs (divided), cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, salt.

  • Meringue: 2 cups sugar, 8 large egg whites.

Directions

  • Prepare and blind bake the pie crust at 350°F until fully golden and cooked. Let cool completely.
  • Gently whisk together all filling ingredients (using only 2 of the eggs).
  • Brush crust edge with the remaining beaten egg. Pour filling into the cooled crust.
  • Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Cool completely.
  • Make the meringue: Heat egg whites and sugar over simmering water until sugar dissolves.
  • Whip the mixture in a stand mixer until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  • Top the cooled pie with the meringue and toast with a kitchen torch until golden brown.

Notes

  • Chilling the pie dough for at least an hour is crucial to prevent it from shrinking during baking.
  • Do not over-mix the pumpkin filling; whisk gently just until combined to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
  • The pie must be completely cool before you top it with the meringue, otherwise the meringue can melt and weep.
  • Swiss meringue is very stable, making it a great choice for pies. Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved for the best texture.
Marry Thompson

About the author

Marry Thompson

Recipe creator & food photographer Tunisia

Tunisian home cook sharing easy, tested recipes with a Mediterranean touch.

Marry Thompson

Tunisian home cook sharing easy, tested recipes with a Mediterranean touch.

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