better than libby’s pumpkin pie! sshhh! hehe

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
3. Slowly add the evaporated milk and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
4. For a little extra flair, stir in bourbon or maple syrup if desired.

Pro Tip: Taste the filling before baking. Adjust spices if you like it more cinnamon-y or nutmeg-forward.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust.
2. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes to set the crust.
3. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40–50 minutes.
4. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.

Tip: If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through baking.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack (at least 2 hours). This ensures the filling sets perfectly.
2. Just before serving, top with freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Extra Secret Tips for “Better Than Libby’s”

• Homemade Pumpkin Puree: Roast sugar pumpkins, scoop out the flesh, and blend. It adds a depth of flavor that canned pumpkin can’t match.
• Brown Sugar Boost: Using half brown sugar enhances the molasses notes and makes the filling richer.
• Resting the Pie: Let the pie rest overnight in the fridge if you can resist it—the flavors meld beautifully.

Why This Pie Beats Libby’s:
It’s all in the subtle tweaks—the blend of brown and white sugars, the freshly ground spices, the vanilla and optional bourbon, plus the flaky, buttery crust. Every bite is creamy, lightly spiced, and downright comforting. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why this recipe deserves a spot in your dessert rotation.

This is a recipe that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, cozy fall nights, or whenever you need that perfect pumpkin fix. Shhh… just don’t tell anyone it’s better than Libby’s!

If you want, I can also create a step-by-step visual guide with photos or diagrams showing exactly how to make this pie from scratch—it’ll be like a professional bakery tutorial at home.

Do you want me to do that?