Pumpkin pie is a cherished part of many holiday tables, a warm and spiced comfort that signals the season. For those navigating a gluten-free lifestyle, finding a truly satisfying version that captures that classic taste and texture can be a quest. This recipe for Pumpkin Pie with Almond Flour Crust aims to deliver just that, offering a wholesome twist on the traditional favorite. Made with an almond flour crust for a delightful texture and naturally sweetened for a feel-good dessert, it proves that you don’t have to compromise on flavor or festivity. If you enjoy baking with almond flour, you might also like our Zesty Gluten-Free Lemon Bars with Almond Crust. Looking for other fall dessert inspiration? Our Warm Gluten-Free Apple Crisp is another seasonal delight.
Why You’ll Love This Almond Flour Pumpkin Pie
Crafting a perfect gluten-free pumpkin pie involves thoughtful ingredient choices. This recipe swaps traditional wheat flour crust for a delicious almond flour alternative, providing a tender, slightly nutty base. The filling is sweetened using pure maple syrup and coconut sugar, moving away from refined sugars and adding a complex, rich sweetness profile. Using fewer eggs results in a wonderfully creamy and dense filling, while full-fat almond or coconut milk contributes essential richness. The classic blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves ensures that signature pumpkin pie spice aroma and taste. These ingredients not only create a delicious dessert but also align with a focus on whole, nourishing foods within a gluten-free framework. They allow you to enjoy a beloved holiday treat that feels good inside and out.
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Instructions for Your Perfect Almond Flour Pumpkin Pie
Crafting this delicious gluten-free almond flour pumpkin pie is simple with these easy steps. Follow along for a truly satisfying dessert!
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Gather all your filling ingredients: one 15 oz can of organic pureed pumpkin (about 2 cups if homemade), 1/2 cup of full-fat almond milk or coconut milk (use 3/4 cup for the vegan option), 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup coconut sugar, 2 large eggs (or 3 tablespoons of organic cornstarch for the vegan version), 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated is always lovely!), 1/8 teaspoon cloves, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Place all these ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
- Using a wooden spoon, mix the ingredients together until the eggs (or cornstarch for vegan) are fully incorporated and the mixture appears smooth. If your canned pumpkin is particularly thick or not very smooth, you may find it helpful to transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until silky smooth.
- Carefully pour the prepared filling into your cooled, par-baked grain-free almond flour pie crust set in a 9-inch pie plate.
- Gently tap the pie plate on your kitchen counter a few times. This helps to release any trapped air bubbles from the filling.
- To prevent the crust edges from over-browning, use a pie crust shield or loosely wrap aluminum foil around the edges of the crust for the first 30 minutes of baking time.
- Place the pie carefully into the preheated oven on the bottom rack.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes. The pie is done when it no longer looks liquidy around the edges and the center jiggles only slightly when gently nudged. Be mindful not to overcook, as this can cause the pie filling to crack.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven. Allow it to cool slowly on the stovetop in a slightly warm spot, or place it back in the turned-off oven with the door slightly ajar.
- It’s crucial to let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly. Complete cooling takes approximately 4 hours.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can transfer the pie to the refrigerator after it has cooled down a bit at room temperature to speed up the setting process.
Enjoy your homemade, wholesome pumpkin pie! It’s worth the wait for that perfect slice.
Ingredients
Crafting the perfect gluten-free almond flour pumpkin pie starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the rich flavor and smooth texture of this wholesome dessert. Ensure you have the following:
- 1, 15 oz can organic pureed pumpkin (or 2 cups homemade)
- 1/2 cup full-fat almond milk or coconut milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (fresh grated is best)
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 par-baked grain-free almond flour pie crust
Nutritional Insights & Gluten-Free Benefits
This almond flour pumpkin pie offers more than just delicious flavor; it’s crafted with ingredients providing valuable nutrients while being naturally gluten-free. Opting for this recipe means enjoying a holiday favorite without gluten-containing grains, making it suitable for those with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
- Pumpkin Powerhouse: The star ingredient, pureed pumpkin, is a fantastic source of fiber, supporting digestive health which can be particularly beneficial for individuals managing gluten-related issues. It’s also loaded with Beta-carotene, converting to Vitamin A in the body, essential for immune function, vision, and skin health. You also get a good dose of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, potassium, and some Vitamin E, iron, and folate.
- Healthy Fats from Almonds and Plant Milk: By using a grain-free almond flour pie crust and full-fat almond milk or coconut milk, this pie incorporates healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats are crucial for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) found in ingredients like pumpkin. They can also contribute to heart health by helping manage cholesterol levels. The fiber content in almond flour further contributes to the nutritional value compared to traditional grain-based crusts.
- Natural Sweetness with Added Nutrients: Sweetened primarily with maple syrup and coconut sugar instead of refined white sugar, this recipe offers subtle flavor complexity. Maple syrup provides trace minerals like manganese and zinc, while coconut sugar contains small amounts of minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium, along with some fiber (inulin).
- Spice Benefits: The warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves not only provide classic pumpkin pie flavor but also contribute antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Enjoying this almond flour pumpkin pie is a delicious way to incorporate nutrient-dense, gluten-free ingredients into your dessert choices.
Tips and Variations
Achieve perfect results with your almond flour pumpkin pie by following these helpful tips and exploring variations:
- Pumpkin Puree Consistency: The consistency of canned pumpkin puree can vary significantly by brand. If your pumpkin is thick or not very smooth, we highly recommend pureeing the entire filling mixture in a blender before pouring it into the crust for the smoothest texture. If using a particularly thick pumpkin puree (like some conventional brands), you may need to add an extra 1/2 cup of almond milk or coconut milk and definitely blend until smooth.
- Spice Substitution: If you don’t have individual spices on hand, you can substitute the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves with 1 tablespoon of a pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice blend.
- Protect the Crust: Almond flour crusts can brown quickly. For the first 30 minutes of baking, protect the edges of your par-baked crust using a pie crust shield or by wrapping the edges carefully with aluminum foil.
- Cooling is Key: Avoid cracks by allowing the pie to cool slowly. Leave it in the oven with the door propped open after baking is complete, or let it cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature for at least 4 hours before slicing. Refrigeration can help speed up setting after initial cooling.
- Vegan Adaptation: Easily make this a vegan almond flour pumpkin pie! Replace the 2 eggs with 3 tablespoons organic cornstarch and increase the almond milk or coconut milk to 3/4 cup. This substitution results in a wonderfully creamy vegan filling.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
To prepare this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowls – A set of mixing bowls in various sizes is indispensable for any baker.
Find Mixing Bowls on Amazon - Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements are key to a successful recipe!
Find Measuring Cups and Spoons on Amazon - Baking Sheets – For even baking and perfectly cooked treats.
Find Baking Sheets on Amazon - Whisks – For incorporating air into mixtures and blending ingredients smoothly.
Find Whisks on Amazon - Spatulas – Flexible spatulas are perfect for scraping bowls and folding ingredients.
Find Spatulas on Amazon - Food Processors – Great for quickly processing ingredients or pureeing sauces.
Find Food Processors on Amazon - Saucepans – Essential for cooking sauces and other liquid-based ingredients.
Find Saucepans on Amazon - Chef’s Knives – A good chef’s knife is invaluable for chopping and preparing ingredients.
Find Chef’s Knives on Amazon - Cutting Boards – Protect your countertops while preparing your ingredients.
Find Cutting Boards on Amazon
