As fall approaches ever closer to its end and we begin to shift gears in preparation of winter, it is the best time to satisfy any last autumn inspired cravings. There are many flavors indicative of fall but none satisfy quite like a pumpkin pie does. Pumpkin pie has a way of pleasing the masses with its warm spiced flavor, which is why it is served by most Americans on Thanksgiving. Well I am one of those Americans that require pumpkin pie be at the table on Thanksgiving. However, as much as I adore pumpkin pie, I still have a dilemma every holiday.
You see, I love trying new things and I get bored making the “same old same old,” but I also can’t afford to not make my annual favorites. I have no shame and will openly confess I am forever conflicted when it comes to this. This year I managed to solve my dilemma with a reasonable compromise…….the pumpkin chiffon pie. This pie still has each of the traditional components (pie crust, spiced pumpkin filling, & dollop of whipped cream) all while taking pumpkin to a whole new level of awesome.
What separates this pie from the classic is the creamy filling. This version features a fluffier core, a welcoming change from the very dense original filling. It is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any fall holiday gathering as it was at Thanksgiving this year for my family.
Note:
- This recipe yields 2 pies. Each pie produces 10 servings with serving size being one wedge.
No-Bake Pumpkin Chiffon Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 (2-Pack) Frozen Pie Crusts
- 1 ¼ cups Canned Pumpkin
- ½ cup Light Brown Sugar; packed
- ¾ tsp. Ground Cinnamon
- ½ tsp. Vanilla Extract
- ¼ tsp. Salt
- 1/8 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
- 2 Large Eggs; separated
- 2/3 cup Evaporated Low-Fat Milk
- 1 envelope Unflavored Gelatin
- ¼ cup Pure Orange Juice
- 1/8 tsp. Cream of Tartar
- 5 tbsp. Granulated Sugar; divided
- 3 tbsp. Water
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- Cinnamon (for dusting); optional
Preparation:
- Preheat oven according to pie crust package directions. Place pie crusts on a baking sheet. Pierce bottoms of pie crusts with a fork. Bake pie crusts according to package directions for a no-bake pie (approximately 10 minutes). Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Whisk together the pumpkin, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, nutmeg, and 2 egg yolks in a medium saucepan. Stir in the evaporated milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer mixture, stirring frequently, for 4 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove mixture from heat.
- Place orange juice in a small microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over the orange juice and let stand 1 minute. Microwave gelatin mixture on high for 15 seconds, stirring until the gelatin dissolves. Stir the gelatin mixture into the pumpkin mixture. Cool.
- Meanwhile, place 2 egg whites and cream of tartar in the bowl of a stand mixture (or large bowl if using a hand mixer). Beat egg whites with a mixer at high-speed until frothy. Gradually add 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, beating until soft peaks form. Combine the remaining 4 tablespoons (¼ cup) granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons water in a small saucepan. Bring sugar mixture to a boil. Cook sugar mixture, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 250°. Pour the hot sugar syrup in a thin stream over the egg whites with the mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently stir ¼ of the egg white mixture into the cooled pumpkin mixture. Gently fold in the remaining egg white mixture and pour filling into the cooled crust. Refrigerate the pie for 4 hours or until set.
- Place the cream (preferably chilled) in a medium bowl and beat with a mixer on high-speed until stiff peaks form. Place into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe rosettes along the outside edge of the pie (where the crust and filling meet). Sprinkle ground cinnamon on the rosettes if desired. Serve.
PHOTOGRAPHY & STAGING: PETER MENDOROS
Honeybee's Patisserie 