Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups + 2 Tbsp All-Purpose (Plain) Flour
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (for crust)
- ½ teaspoon Fine Sea Salt (for crust)
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, very cold, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 4–6 tablespoons Ice Water
- 15 ounces Canned Pumpkin Purée (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 Large Eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup Evaporated Milk (or Heavy Cream)
- ½ cup Dark Brown Sugar, packed
- ¼ cup Granulated Sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ teaspoon Fine Sea Salt (for filling)
- 1 ½ teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cloves or Allspice
Instructions:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl or food processor, whisk together the flour, salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar for the crust.
- Cut in the Fat: Cut the cold butter cubes into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- Add Water: Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of ice water over the mixture. Mix gently until the dough just comes together. Add more water, a teaspoon at a time, until the dough is cohesive but not sticky.
- Chill: Form the dough into a flat disc, wrap tightly in cling film, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes.
- Preheat and Roll: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Transfer to Pan: Carefully transfer the dough to the 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Trim the edges, leaving a 1-inch overhang, then tuck and crimp the edges decoratively.
- Chill Again: Freeze the crimped crust for 15 minutes before baking. This step is crucial for holding the shape.
- Blind Bake: Line the frozen crust with parchment paper and fill completely with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove Weights: Carefully remove the weights and paper. Prick the bottom of the crust lightly with a fork (docking). Return the crust to the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the bottom looks dry and lightly golden. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together both sugars, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Combine All: Add the canned pumpkin purée to the wet ingredients. Gradually whisk in the dry spice and sugar mixture until the filling is perfectly smooth and uniform. Do not overmix.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the pumpkin filling into the warm, blind-baked crust. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes.
- Check Doneness: The pie is done when the edges are set and slightly puffed, but the center still has a slight, gentle wobble. A thin knife inserted near the edge should come out clean.
- Cool Completely: Carefully remove the pie from the oven. Cool on a wire rack for at least 3 hours at room temperature until fully set before serving.