If you’re ready to wow your friends and family this season, the Praline Pumpkin Pie Recipe is an absolute must-try. This isn’t just any pumpkin pie — it’s a luxurious twist packed with warm spices, velvety pumpkin filling, and a crunchy, sweet praline pecan topping that creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Every bite is a cozy celebration of fall, with a rich depth that makes this pie unforgettable and a definite star at any holiday table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A light gray bowl holds five separate layers of ingredients before mixing: white granulated sugar, dark brown cinnamon powder, a little white salt, light yellow beaten eggs, and dark brown vanilla extract, spread evenly across the bottom. To the left of the bowl is a silver metal whisk laying on a white marbled surface. Above the bowl, a white pie crust with crimped edges sits ready. To the bowl's right, a clear glass bowl full of bright orange pumpkin puree and a clear glass measuring cup with pale liquid are visible. A white cloth is partly shown at the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Praline Pumpkin Pie Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each component plays its part: spices add warmth and complexity, pumpkin brings creamy richness, and the praline topping adds delightful crunch and sweetness.

Pie crust pastry (1 9-inch): Use homemade or store-bought for a buttery, flaky base.
Dark brown sugar (¾ cup and ½ cup): Adds deep caramel notes and subtle molasses richness.
Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Brings comforting warmth intrinsic to pumpkin desserts.
Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, zesty kick that brightens the filling.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every flavor, balancing sweetness perfectly.
Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Invokes that classic autumnal aroma we all love.
Pinch of ground cloves: Adds a spicy little punch that elevates the spices.
Large eggs (3): Provide structure and richness for the creamy filling.
Pumpkin puree, 15-ounce can: The heart of the pie, smooth and earthy.
Evaporated milk, 12-ounce can: Makes the filling luxuriously silky.
Pecans (1 cup, finely chopped): Essential for that chewy and nutty praline topping.
Dark corn syrup (2 teaspoons): Helps bind the praline topping and adds extra sweetness.
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds fragrant sweetness and depth.
Granulated sugar (1 teaspoon): A final sprinkle to create a subtle crunchy crust on top.
Freshly whipped cream: A luscious accompaniment to complete the experience.

How to Make Praline Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms, carefully place your 9-inch pie crust pastry into a deep dish pie plate. Trim any excess crust and flute the edges to make them look extra charming. This crust will hold our luscious filling just perfectly.

Step 2: Mix Your Spice Blend

In a small bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ginger, salt, nutmeg, and cloves. This blend is what brings that unmistakable autumnal warmth and layers of flavor to your pie filling.

Step 3: Combine Pumpkin Filling Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, lightly whisk your eggs, then add pumpkin puree and the prepared sugar-spice mixture. Stir everything until it’s well combined, then mix in the evaporated milk. The filling should be velvety and smooth, ready to impress.

Step 4: Bake the Pie Filling

Pour the filling into your prepared pie crust. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll want to look for a firm center that jiggles just slightly when shaken.

Step 5: Prepare the Praline Topping

While the pie bakes, toss finely chopped pecans and brown sugar in a small bowl, then add corn syrup and vanilla extract. Use your fingers to blend the ingredients thoroughly, forming a sticky, nutty concoction ready to crown your pie.

Step 6: Add and Bake the Praline Topping

Once the pie comes out of the oven, spread the praline topping evenly over the surface and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Place the pie back in the oven on a baking sheet or foil at 350 degrees. Bake for about 15 minutes until the topping bubbles and the pecans turn fragrant.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Remove the pie and let it cool completely on a wire rack, at least two hours, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This resting time lets flavors meld and the praline topping set to that perfect crackly texture.

How to Serve Praline Pumpkin Pie Recipe

A single slice of pecan pie with a golden, flaky crust is placed in the center of a white round plate that has a subtle ridged texture along its edge. The pie filling is dark brown and dense, studded with chopped pecans that add a rough, chunky texture on top. A dollop of white whipped cream sits on the center of the pie slice, sprinkled lightly with a fine brown spice, possibly cinnamon or nutmeg. Small crumbs and bits of pecan are scattered around the slice on the plate. To the left of the slice, a simple silver fork rests on the plate. In the upper right corner of the image, part of the remaining pie is visible on another white round plate against a white marbled background, along with a bowl filled with more chopped pecans in the lower right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A dollop of freshly whipped cream is practically essential with this Praline Pumpkin Pie Recipe, adding a light, creamy contrast to the sweet, nutty topping and spiced filling. For an extra touch, sprinkle a few toasted pecans or a dash of cinnamon atop the cream.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness. If you want something savory alongside, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the sweetness, making for a well-rounded dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve single slices on rustic wooden boards or vintage china for a cozy, inviting feel. You can also pipe whipped cream decoratively and drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over each slice to up the indulgence level. The praline topping has such a gorgeous texture that keeping presentation simple lets it shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve enjoyed your Praline Pumpkin Pie Recipe, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the filling creamy and the crust crisp.

Freezing

You can freeze the pie before adding the praline topping if you want to make it in advance. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the praline topping fresh for best texture.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, place slices on a baking sheet in a 300-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes. This method refreshes the crust and softens the filling without melting the praline topping unpleasantly. Serve warm with a little whipped cream for a cozy treat.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast a sugar or pie pumpkin until soft and then puree it in a blender. Just be sure it’s completely smooth to maintain that perfect filling texture in the Praline Pumpkin Pie Recipe.

Is it possible to make the praline topping nut-free?

Yes! You can substitute pecans with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch. The topping will still be sweet and satisfying, though the classic nutty flavor is part of what makes this pie so special.

What is the purpose of evaporated milk in the filling?

Evaporated milk gives this pie its rich, creamy consistency without being overly heavy. It blends beautifully with the pumpkin and spices, creating that smooth texture everyone loves in a pumpkin pie filling.

How do I know when the pie is fully baked?

The filling should be mostly set with just a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pie. Overbaking can cause cracks or dry texture, so watching the center carefully at the end is key for perfect results.

Can I prepare the praline topping ahead of time?

Sure! You can mix the praline topping ingredients a few hours before baking. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to top the warm pie, which helps keep the mixture sticky and fresh for baking into a gorgeous topping.

Final Thoughts

This Praline Pumpkin Pie Recipe has become a treasured classic in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to make it yours. It’s that wonderful balance of creamy, spiced pumpkin filling topped with a sweet, crunchy praline layer that turns a simple pumpkin pie into a showstopper dessert. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process — your holiday table just found its new star.