Avoid some of the most common problems, plus how to fix them if they do happen.
When it comes to Thanksgiving meal essentials,pumpkin pieis arguably as important as the turkey itself.
But even for experienced bakers, things dont always go to plan.
How Do I Know When a Pumpkin Pie Is Done?
Why Did My Pumpkin Pie Crack?
Why this happens:Pumpkin pie cracks when its been overbaked.
Elise Bauer
The filling for pumpkin pie is technically a custard, a liquid thickened with eggs.
For a custard to thicken, it must reach a temperature of at least 160F.
When the proteins tighten too much, it begins to pull the filling apart, causing cracks.
Elise Bauer
A helpful trick is to bake the pie in the lower third of the oven.
This will help brown the crust of the pie while keeping the filling further from the top heating element.
Cracking is so common with pumpkin pies that its almost inevitable, so dont beat yourself up about it.
It’s nothing a little whipped cream cant hide!
Why Is My Pumpkin Pie Weeping?
There are two possible reasons for weeping or condensation, and the cause depends on when the condensation appears.
If you notice that the pie is dewy when you remove it from the fridge, its just condensation.
It simply means that the pie was still warm when you placed it in the refrigerator.
How to prevent weeping and condensation:To prevent weeping, try not to overbake the pie.
Check above for the signs that pumpkin pie is done baking.
If theres condensation, simply blot the top of the pie with a paper towel to absorb the moisture.
Why Does My Pumpkin Pie Have a Soggy Crust?
Anyone who has seen The Great British Bakeoff knows to avoid a soggy, underbaked crust.
Why this happens:The pie was underbaked, or the oven temperature wasnt high enough.
If the oven isnt hot enough, the butter will melt and incorporate into the dough rather than steam.
Without the steam, the crust wont have a chance to get crisp and flaky.
Solution if its too late:you’re able to try returning the pie to the oven.
Cover the pie with foil and bake it at 425F on the lowest rack, checking after 15 minutes.
Why Didnt My Pumpkin Pie Set?
Taking the pie out of the oven prematurely is a very easy mistake to make.
But the center may not have reached the temperature it needs to fully set.
Another reason could be that the pie hasnt quite cooled enough before slicing.
Pumpkin pie needs lots of time to cool and set before you might slice it.
Check the signs from in the first question.
Its also important to let the pie cool for at least 4 hours before slicing and serving.
Cover the pie with foil and bake it at 425F, checking after 15 minutes.
Why Is My Pumpkin Pie Watery?
Why this happens:This happens most often when using fresh pumpkin.
Canned pumpkin puree has a lower moisture content than fresh pumpkin.
Most recipes are developed for canned pumpkin because the moisture content is consistent from can to can.
Your best bet is to use a sugar pumpkin and roast it, rather than boil it.
Roasting will evaporate some of the water, whereas boiling will increase the moisture content.
Solution if its too late:Unfortunately, this isnt a problem thats easily fixed after baking.
If you feel up for trying again, try our tried-and-trueOld Fashioned Pumpkin Pierecipe or ourChiffon Pumpkin Pie.
