Harvest Moon Squash Pie
This delightful Harvest Moon Squash Pie is a comforting and indulgent dessert that celebrates the rich flavors of fall. Made with either canned pumpkin or a sweet, mild-flavored squash, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a velvety custard filling, perfectly nestled in a buttery pie crust. Inspired by the local farmer's market, where fresh produce sparks creativity in the kitchen, this pie can be enjoyed at family gatherings, holiday feasts, or as a cozy treat on cool autumn evenings. Whether you're using fresh squash from the garden or canned pumpkin, this pie is sure to impress with its smooth texture and aromatic spices, topped with a dollop of whipped cream for a touch of elegance.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pie Shell
1 (9 inch) (Use a pre-made pie shell or prepare a pat-in-the-pan crust.)
Large Eggs
2-3 (Use 2 eggs for a firmer custard and 3 eggs for a softer texture.)
Canned Pumpkin or Squash Puree
2 cups (Use canned pumpkin or homemade squash puree.)
Light Cream or Milk and Heavy Cream
1 1/2 cups (Use either light cream or combine 3/4 cup milk with 3/4 cup heavy cream.)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Granulated sugar.)
Dark Brown Sugar
1/3 cup (Firmly packed.)
Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (Freshly ground is best for flavor.)
Ground Ginger
1 teaspoon (Freshly ground is ideal.)
Freshly Grated Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (Grate fresh nutmeg for a more aromatic flavor.)
Ground Cloves or Allspice
1/4 teaspoon (Choose either for added spice.)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Kosher or sea salt works best.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
3
Add canned pumpkin or squash puree, light cream (or milk and heavy cream), both sugars, spices, and salt to the bowl, and mix well until fully combined and smooth.
4
Place your pie crust in the oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until it is hot to the touch. This helps to set the crust and keep it from becoming soggy once the filling is added.
5
Carefully pour the custard mixture into the hot pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula as needed.
6
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the center of the filling is set but still has a gentle jiggle when nudged slightly.
7
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack to allow the flavors to develop.
8
Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for up to one day before serving.
9
Serve cold, at room temperature, or slightly warmed, topped with whipped fresh cream to enhance the flavors.
10
Enjoy the comforting taste of autumn with every slice!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harvest Moon Squash Pie?
It is a comforting fall dessert featuring a velvety custard filling made with squash or pumpkin in a buttery pie crust.
What are the main ingredients for the filling?
The filling consists of canned pumpkin or squash puree, eggs, cream or milk, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and various aromatic spices.
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh squash?
Yes, you can use 2 cups of either canned pumpkin or homemade squash puree.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 large eggs. Use 2 for a firmer custard and 3 for a softer texture.
What kind of cream should I use?
You can use 1 1/2 cups of light cream, or a combination of 3/4 cup milk and 3/4 cup heavy cream.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking.
Why should I pre-heat the pie crust?
Heating the crust for 5-10 minutes before adding the filling helps it set and prevents it from becoming soggy.
How long does the pie need to bake?
The pie should be baked for 35-45 minutes.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The center of the filling should be set but still have a gentle jiggle when nudged slightly.
Should the pie be cooled before serving?
Yes, let it cool completely on a wire rack to allow the flavors to develop.
Can I prepare this pie in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate the pie for up to one day before serving.
What are the serving suggestions?
Serve the pie cold, at room temperature, or slightly warmed, topped with whipped fresh cream.
What spices are used in the Harvest Moon Squash Pie?
The recipe uses ground cinnamon, ground ginger, freshly grated nutmeg, and a choice of ground cloves or allspice.
What type of sugar is best for this recipe?
A combination of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/3 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar is used.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 150 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7.5g of fat.
How much protein does each serving provide?
Each serving provides 2.5g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 20g of carbohydrates.
What size pie shell is needed?
A 9-inch pie shell is required.
Can I use a pre-made pie crust?
Yes, you can use a pre-made shell or prepare a pat-in-the-pan crust.
Is fresh nutmeg recommended?
Yes, grating fresh nutmeg provides a more aromatic flavor compared to pre-ground.
What type of salt should I use?
Kosher or sea salt works best for this recipe.
Is ground ginger necessary?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger is used to provide the ideal autumn flavor.
Can I substitute cloves for allspice?
Yes, you can choose 1/4 teaspoon of either ground cloves or allspice based on your preference.
How much cinnamon is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by fresh produce found at local farmer's markets.
Is this pie suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is designed for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or cozy autumn evenings.
Should the brown sugar be packed?
Yes, the 1/3 cup of dark brown sugar should be firmly packed.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is described as a velvety custard.
Is the serving size specified?
The exact serving size is not specified, but the recipe is based on a 9-inch pie.