Heavenly Pecan-Praline Pumpkin Pie Recipe for Fall Feasts

Autumn’s golden embrace brings warmth to every kitchen, where this praline pumpkin pie recipe weaves magic into seasonal desserts.

Crisp leaves dance outside while comfort bakes within your oven.

Rich, velvety pumpkin filling nestles beneath a crunchy praline topping that sparkles with nutty caramel notes.

Buttery pecans add a delightful crunch that breaks through the smooth custard base.

Each slice tells a story of harvest traditions and sweet indulgence.

The aroma promises a dessert that celebrates fall’s most beloved flavors.

Let this pie become the showstopper at your next gathering.

Tools for Baking a Flawless Praline Pumpkin Pie

• Stand mixer or large bowl: Essential for mixing pumpkin pie filling smoothly and efficiently.
• Fork: Perfect for piercing pie crust before par-baking to prevent bubbling.
• Parchment paper: Crucial for protecting pie crust during initial baking and preventing sticking.
• Pie weights: Helps maintain crust shape during par-baking process.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for precise ingredient measurements.
• Baking sheet: Provides stable surface for pie and catches potential drips.
• Sharp knife: Used to test pie doneness and create clean slices.
• Medium bowl: Needed for preparing praline topping.
• Broiler-safe pie dish: Allows for final topping caramelization.

How to Prepare Praline Pumpkin Pie Easily

Pie Crust Preparation

Create a partially baked pie shell by gently piercing the dough with a fork. Cover with parchment paper and add pie weights to prevent bubbling. Place in a hot oven and bake until edges turn golden brown. Remove weights and allow crust to cool completely.

Praline Foundation

Craft a delicious base layer by generously sprinkling chopped pecans and brown sugar across the cooled crust. This creates a delightful nutty foundation that adds unexpected texture and sweetness to the classic pumpkin pie.

Pumpkin Filling Creation

Blend pumpkin purée with rich condensed milk, warm spices, and eggs until silky smooth. Pour the creamy mixture carefully over the pecan-sugar layer, ensuring an even distribution. The filling should look luxurious and velvety.

Baking Journey

Start with high heat to set the pie’s structure, then reduce temperature for gentle, even cooking. Watch carefully to prevent over-browning. The pie is ready when the center sets but still has a gentle wobble when nudged.

Praline Crown

After the pie cools, crown it with a final layer of buttery, caramelized pecans. Quickly broil to create a glistening, crisp topping that adds crunch and drama. Serve at room temperature or chilled for maximum enjoyment.

Tips to Personalize Praline Pumpkin Pie Flavor

• Pie Perfection Secrets: Pecan praline transforms this classic pumpkin pie into a showstopping dessert with extra crunch and caramel-like sweetness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire pie up to two days before serving. Store covered in the refrigerator to keep the praline topping crisp and fresh.
• Texture Tricks: Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add deeper complexity to the pie's overall taste profile.
• Substitution Savvy: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired. For a nut-free version, use toasted pumpkin seeds or omit the praline layer completely without losing the pie's delicious character.
• Temperature Tips: Let the pie cool completely before adding the praline topping to ensure the broiled layer sets perfectly and doesn't become soggy. A wire rack helps prevent condensation buildup underneath the pie.

Serving Praline Pumpkin Pie at Fall Gatherings

• Festive Fall Feast Companion: Pair this praline pumpkin pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy, cool contrast against the warm, spiced filling.
• Cozy Comfort Presentation: Dust the pie with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon and serve on a rustic wooden board to enhance the homemade, autumnal feel of the dessert.
• Whipped Cream Elegance: Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, garnished with a few whole toasted pecans for added crunch and visual appeal.
• Coffee Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a steaming mug of spiced chai latte or strong black coffee to complement the rich, sweet flavors of the praline pumpkin pie.

Best Storage Tips for Praline Pumpkin Pie

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Chilled Sanctuary: Refrigerate the pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 4 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its delicate flavor profile.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap the fully cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best texture and taste.
• Slice Separation Strategy: Place wax paper between individual slices when storing multiple pieces. This prevents sticking and makes grabbing a quick slice super easy.
• Temperature Tip: Allow refrigerated pie to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps soften the filling and enhances the rich, creamy texture of the praline and pumpkin layers.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 60-70 minutes

Total Time: 85-95 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients That Go into Praline Pumpkin Pie

• Pie Crust: Choose a homemade or store-bought crust with a flaky, buttery texture that provides a sturdy base for the decadent pie.

• Pecans, Brown Sugar: Select fresh, crunchy pecans and rich, moist brown sugar to create a sweet, nutty foundation that adds delightful depth and texture to the pie.

• Pumpkin Purée: Opt for smooth, 100% pure pumpkin with vibrant orange color for authentic, rich flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy milk that brings luxurious sweetness and silky consistency to the filling.
• Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind and stabilize the filling, creating a smooth, custardy texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds warm, caramel-like sweetness that complements the pumpkin.
• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves: Freshly ground spices ensure an aromatic, complex flavor profile that screams autumn comfort.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the sweet and spicy notes.

• Pecans, Brown Sugar, Butter: Combine these ingredients to craft a crunchy, caramelized layer that elevates the pie with a delectable, nutty crunch.

Creamy Praline Pumpkin Pie Recipe

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• Total Time: 85-95 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Rich, creamy praline pumpkin pie blends classic autumn flavors with Southern charm. Pecans and caramel create a luxurious topping that elevates this traditional holiday dessert, inviting you to savor each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pie crust recipe (par-baked)
• 1 ¾ cups (425 ml) pumpkin purée
• 14 oz (396 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (240 g) pecans (1 cup chopped, 1 cup finely chopped)
• 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar, packed (divided)
• 3 tbsps butter, melted
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pierce pie crust meticulously with fork, creating numerous small holes across the base for even baking.
2. Initial Baking: Line crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights, and roast at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until edges turn golden brown, then remove weights and allow complete cooling.
3. Praline Foundation: Combine chopped pecans with brown sugar, spreading evenly across the pre-baked crust to create a rich, textured base layer.
4. Pumpkin Filling Creation: Whisk pumpkin purée, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, brown sugar, and warming spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves) until achieving a silky, homogeneous mixture.
5. Filling and Primary Baking: Pour pumpkin mixture over praline base, carefully distributing without overflowing, then bake at 425°F for 15 minutes before reducing temperature to 350°F and continuing for 40-50 minutes until center sets completely.
6. Crust Protection: Shield pie edges with aluminum foil if browning occurs too rapidly during baking process.
7. Praline Topping Finalization: Create a crumbly mixture of chopped pecans, melted butter, and brown sugar, then sprinkle evenly across cooled pie surface.
8. Caramelization: Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, vigilantly monitoring to achieve a bubbly, caramelized finish without burning the topping.
9. Serving: Present the pie either slightly warm or thoroughly chilled, according to personal preference.

Notes

• Prevent Crust Shrinkage: Fork-pierce the dough base multiple times to release trapped air and maintain the crust’s shape during baking.
• Weight Management Technique: Use pie weights or dried beans to prevent the crust from rising and maintaining a flat, even surface during par-baking.
• Spice Balancing Act: Mix spices thoroughly to ensure an even, harmonious flavor throughout the pumpkin filling, avoiding clumpy or concentrated spice pockets.
• Caramelization Caution: Monitor broiling closely during praline topping to achieve a golden-brown finish without burning, as sugar can quickly turn from perfect to bitter.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg