The Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe is here to warm your kitchen and your heart. Is there anything cozier than that sweet scent of cinnamon and pumpkin filling the air? This creamy, dreamy version has a twist that changes everything: cream cheese and butter. Together, they create the silkiest texture with just the right mellow sweetness. One bite and you’ll know this isn’t your average pumpkin pie.
If you’re craving more pumpkin joy, serve it with these gluten-free pumpkin cream cheese muffins for a full-on fall dessert table.
Table of Contents
Why This Is the Best Pumpkin Pie You’ll Ever Taste

This isn’t the watery, overly spiced pie you politely nibble at Thanksgiving. It’s rich and velvety, made with real pumpkin, warm spices, and a touch of cream cheese that gives it a gorgeous, custardy finish. Butter brings a smooth richness, while a homemade or quality crust holds it all together beautifully.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to a quiet slice with some mulled cider, this pie will impress. You can make it ahead, chill it overnight, and know it’ll slice like a dream.
Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling
1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin
8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
For the Crust and Topping
1 deep-dish 9-inch pie crust
1 cup heavy cream (optional for whipped topping)
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Crust
Roll out your crust and press it gently into a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan. Crimp the edges with your fingers and place the pan in the fridge while you prep the filling. Keeping the crust cold helps it stay crisp and buttery when it bakes.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s soft and fluffy. Add the pumpkin, butter, and vanilla and mix until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in powdered sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. The mixture should be thick and creamy, with no lumps.
Step 3: Bake
Pour the filling into your chilled pie crust. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 42 to 48 minutes. If the crust edges start browning too quickly, cover them gently with foil. When done, the pie will have a slight jiggle in the center.
Step 4: Cool and Chill
Cool the pie at room temperature for 1 hour. Then place it in the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set and brings out all those lovely spice flavors.

Tips for Pumpkin Pie Success
Let your cream cheese sit out until it’s truly soft for the silkiest filling
Always bake the pie on the lower rack so the bottom crust cooks through
Tent the edges with foil halfway if they brown too fast
Let the pie cool gradually before chilling to avoid cracking
If you love pumpkin flavor, you’ll also adore our soft and moist pumpkin banana bread
Make-Ahead, Storage and Freezing Tips
Make the pie up to three days ahead and store it covered in the fridge
To freeze, wrap the fully baked pie tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze up to two months
Defrost overnight in the fridge and enjoy chilled or gently warmed
Variations You Can Try
Add a maple twist by swirling in a spoonful of this pumpkin spice coffee creamer it adds a cozy sweetness that complements the spices beautifully
For a fun crunchy base, crush up a batch of these Halloween pretzels and use them as a gingersnap-style crust with a salty-sweet crunch
Instead of whipped cream, try topping each slice with a dollop of this keto pumpkin cream cheese it’s rich, lightly sweet, and totally addictive
FAQs About Pumpkin Pie
Do I need to blind-bake the crust?
Nope, this pie does just fine without it. The filling and bake time ensure a crisp base.
How do I know it’s done?
The center should jiggle slightly, like set custard. It will continue to firm up as it chills.
Can I make it less sweet?
Yes, reduce the powdered sugar to 2½ cups if you want a more subtle sweetness
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Print
The Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 pie (8 servings) 1x
Description
The Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe made with cream cheese and butter for a smooth, creamy texture and rich holiday flavor everyone will love.
Ingredients
1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin
8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
4 tbsp melted unsalted butter
1 tbsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg
½ tsp salt
1 deep-dish 9-inch pie crust
1 cup heavy cream (optional for whipped topping)
2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Roll out crust and press into a deep-dish 9-inch pie pan, crimping the edges. Chill in fridge.
2. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until fluffy.
3. Add pumpkin, butter, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
5. Stir in powdered sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
6. Pour filling into crust. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
7. Reduce heat to 350°F and bake 42–48 minutes more.
8. Let cool at room temp for 1 hour, then chill in fridge for at least 4 hours before slicing.
9. Top with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
To prevent crust from browning too fast, gently tent with foil halfway through baking.
Make sure cream cheese is very soft for best texture.
You can reduce sugar to 2½ cups for a less sweet pie.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 377
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 144mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 108mg
Meta Title
The Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe with Creamy Twist
Meta Description
The creamiest pumpkin pie recipe with a secret ingredient: cream cheese. Easy, smooth, and full of fall flavor.
SEO Title
The Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe + Silky Creamy Secret Inside
Tags: pumpkin pie, thanksgiving dessert, easy pie recipe
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