Lusciously Light Cream Cheese Pumpkin Pie
This Lusciously Light Cream Cheese Pumpkin Pie is a game changer for pumpkin pie skeptics! Combining the traditional flavors of pumpkin pie with rich cream cheese creates an irresistibly creamy texture that is light yet indulgent. Even those who typically turn their noses up at pumpkin pie will be pleasantly surprised by the delightful flavor and smooth consistency. The extra thick crust elevates the pie, providing a delightful crunch to contrast the creamy filling. Whether served plain or topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, this pie is sure to be a hit at holiday gatherings and family dinners. The pie is versatile enough to be made with your favorite homemade pie crust or a convenient store-bought alternative, making it an easy choice for bakers of any skill level.
8
Servings
225
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
canned pumpkin
2 cups (none)
sugar
1 cup (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
eggs
2 (none)
half-and-half
1 cup (none)
melted butter
1/4 cup (melted)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (none)
pre-made pie dough
2 pieces (or your favorite homemade crust)
whipped cream
as desired (for serving (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
3
Add the canned pumpkin to the bowl and continue to beat until well combined with the cream cheese.
4
Gradually add in the sugar and salt, mixing until incorporated.
5
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6
Pour in the half-and-half (or heavy cream) and melted butter, mixing until smooth.
7
Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger, and give the mixture a final beat until fully combined.
8
Roll out one piece of pie dough and fit it into a 9-inch round pie dish, ensuring it covers the sides fully.
9
Roll out the second piece of dough and create a thick ring to place around the edge of the pie for additional structure and presentation.
10
Crimp the edges nicely to seal the crust and create a decorative border.
11
Carefully pour the creamy pumpkin filling into the pie crust, stopping just below the rim to prevent overflow during baking.
12
If you're worried about overflowing, consider placing a cookie sheet underneath the pie for any spills.
13
Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-65 minutes, or until a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (Adjust baking time as needed based on your oven).
14
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature before serving.
15
Serve the pie plain or with a generous dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Nutrition Information
13.9g
Fat
20.5g
Carbs
4.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lusciously Light Cream Cheese Pumpkin Pie?
It is a creamy variation of traditional pumpkin pie that incorporates cream cheese and a thick crust for an indulgent yet light texture.
How much cream cheese is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How much canned pumpkin should I use?
You will need 2 cups of canned pumpkin.
How much sugar is added to the filling?
The filling requires 1 cup of sugar.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened and beaten with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
When should I add the eggs to the mixture?
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, after the sugar and salt have been incorporated.
Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 cup of half-and-half or heavy cream.
What size pie dish is recommended?
A 9-inch round pie dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I make the extra thick crust?
Roll out a second piece of pie dough and create a thick ring to place around the edge of the pie for structure and presentation.
How long does the pie need to bake?
Bake the pie for approximately 50 to 65 minutes.
How can I tell if the pumpkin pie is fully cooked?
The pie is done when a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What should I do after removing the pie from the oven?
Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the calories per serving?
There are 225 calories per serving.
What spices are used in this pumpkin pie?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
How much butter is needed and how is it prepared?
You need 1/4 cup of butter, which should be melted before being mixed into the filling.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added for flavor.
How do I prevent the filling from overflowing?
Pour the filling just below the rim of the crust and consider placing a cookie sheet underneath the pie dish.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 13.9g of fat.
How many grams of protein are in a serving?
Each serving contains 4.5g of protein.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this pie?
There are 20.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use store-bought pie dough?
Yes, the recipe specifies 2 pieces of pre-made pie dough or your favorite homemade crust.
How should I finish the edges of the crust?
Crimp the edges nicely to seal the crust and create a decorative border.
What is a good topping for this pie?
A generous dollop of whipped cream is suggested as an extra treat.
When do I add the half-and-half?
Pour in the half-and-half after the eggs have been mixed in.
What is the amount of salt needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a Thanksgiving and holiday baking recipe.
What is the texture of the pie filling?
The filling has an irresistibly creamy and smooth consistency due to the cream cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including optional whipped cream.