This delectable Smoked Pumpkin Pie brings a smoky twist to a classic dessert and we’re so excited for you to try it! This isn’t your typical pumpkin pie. We’re taking it up a notch and adding a dash of BBQ magic.
The result? A scrumptious pie, its rich, sweet filling beautifully complemented by a smoky hint from our trusty smoker. You’ll love this recipe because it’s a fun, unique way to bring the BBQ flavor into a sweet dish.
Now, don’t be intimidated by the word “smoked.” You don’t have to be a BBQ maestro to pull off this recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner just starting your BBQ journey, you can easily prepare this delightful dessert. All it needs is some patience and the willingness to try something new. And trust me, the end result is well worth it!
As for the tools needed, if you have a smoker and some basic kitchen gear, you’re all set! A smoker (of course), a mixing bowl, a baking tin for the pie, and a toothpick or an instant-read thermometer are all you need. So, it’s nothing too out of the ordinary or hard to get your hands on.
Trust me when I say, this Smoked Pumpkin Pie is a tried and tested winner in my book. So, why not give it a whirl and see how BBQ can add a whole new dimension to your dessert game?
Enjoy the journey, BBQ buddies, and remember to have fun with it!
Why Smoke Pumpkin Pie?
Well, folks, we all love a traditional pumpkin pie, don’t we? But have you ever thought about what a little smoky twist can do?
Smoking a pumpkin pie brings out an entirely new depth of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The gentle smokiness perfectly complements the sweetness of the pumpkin, and the pumpkin pie spice we mix in – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger – take on an even more profound profile.
It’s like a delightful dance of flavors, with each bite giving you a sweet, smoky, and spicy experience that’s just heavenly.
How To Make Smoked Pumpkin Pie
Preheat Your Smoker
Get your smoker ready by turning up the heat. Preheat your smoker to 350°F. This is an important first step because it gets your smoker at the right temperature for baking the pie crust.
Bake the Pie Crust
Now, let’s get that pie crust a little crispy! Put your unbaked pie crust into your smoker and let it bake for about 25 minutes. PS. If you’ve made a homemade pie crust, here’s your virtual high-five!
You want that pie crust to be just turning a nice golden brown. Once it’s ready, carefully take it out of the smoker. This step gives your pie that tasty, smoky flavor we’re after.
If you’re using a pre-baked pie crust like a graham cracker crust, you can skip this pre-baking step.
Prepare the Filling
Next, let’s make our delicious pie filling. In a mixing bowl, combine your pumpkin puree, eggs, evaporated milk, and all those aromatic spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir it all together until it’s fully mixed.
This simple pumpkin filling is going to give your pie that classic pumpkin flavor that we all love.
Lower the Smoker’s Heat
Before we go any further, we need to adjust our pellet smoker. Lower the heat on your smoker to 300°F. This lower temperature is necessary for cooking the pie filling without overcooking it.
Pour Filling into the Crust
Now that your pie crust is baked and your filling is ready, it’s time to combine them. Pour your delicious filling into your pre-baked pie crust. Make sure to spread it evenly so that it cooks uniformly in the next step.
Smoke the Pumpkin Pie
We’re almost done! Put the pie back into the smoker for another 1 – 1.5 hours. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick about 2 inches from the crust. If it comes out clean, your pie is ready. Don’t worry if the center of the pie is a little wobbly, it’ll firm up once it cools.
Chill and Serve
Finally, let your smoked pumpkin pie chill. Put it in the fridge for about 2 hours to let it set. After that, it’s ready to slice and serve! This cooling period helps the filling set and makes your pie even more delicious.
Enjoy your smoky twist on this classic dessert!
Tips For Making Smoked Pumpkin Pie
Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting your smoky adventure, I’ve got some handy tips for you to make this Smoked Pumpkin Pie recipe a real crowd-pleaser.
Remember, no one’s born an expert, so these little nuggets of advice can go a long way in turning your cooking experience into a fun-filled, stress-free one.
- Choose your wood wisely: When smoking your pumpkin pie, the type of wood matters. Pecan, apple, or cherry wood chips are excellent choices for a sweet, mild smoky flavor that pairs well with the pie.
- Avoid frequently opening the smoker: While it’s tempting to check on your pie often, try to resist. Opening the smoker frequently can affect the temperature and, consequently, the baking time of your pie.
- Don’t overbake: The pie might appear a bit wobbly when you take it out from the smoker, and that’s perfectly okay. As long as you’ve baked it to an internal temperature of 175°F, you’re good to go. The pie will firm up nicely as it cools.
- Invest in an instant-read thermometer: This little tool can be your best friend when baking. It will take the guesswork out of the baking time and help you achieve the perfect creamy custard filling.
- Allow the pie to chill: After taking the pie out from the smoker, give it some resting time in the fridge for about 2 hours. This helps the pie to set and enhances its flavors.
Remember, BBQ is all about having fun while making delicious food. So, don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy the process. Happy smoking, folks!
The Best Smoker To Use For Baking
Let’s talk about the ideal smoker for your baking needs – the pellet grill. Pellet grills have gained massive popularity in recent years, especially in the dessert cuisine scene.
This rise is likely due to their incredible wood-fired flavor, precise temperature control, and “set-it and forget-it” convenience.
When it comes to pellet grills, the Traeger Pro 575 leads the pack. Whether you’re a seasoned BBQ enthusiast or a beginner, this pellet grill will transform your grilling game and make you the star of every backyard cookout.
The Traeger Pro 575 grill has user-friendly controls, making it simple for anyone to create delectable smoked dishes.
Plus, consistent temperature it maintains is key to achieving perfectly baked goodies, making it the best choice for smoking our beloved pumpkin pie and other smoked desserts.
What Food Pairs Best With Pumpkin Pie?
Now, what’s the perfect main course to serve before indulging in a delicious slice of smoked pumpkin pie? Let’s find out!
- Smoked Turkey: No dish screams “fall” more than a beautifully smoked turkey. Its savory, smoky flavors create an exquisite contrast to the sweetness of the pumpkin pie.
- Grilled Chicken: Grilled chicken, especially when seasoned with herbs and a hint of citrus, provides a light yet satisfying main course that won’t leave your guests too full for dessert.
- Barbecued Ribs: If you’re up for a BBQ-themed dinner, barbecued ribs make an excellent choice. Their robust, hearty flavors stand up well to the sweet, creamy, and smoky pumpkin pie.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: For our vegetarian BBQ enthusiasts, a medley of roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets make a delicious and colorful main course that pairs beautifully with the smoked pumpkin pie.
So, there you go! Next time you’re planning a BBQ feast, don’t forget to include our star of the day – the smoked pumpkin pie – and pair it with these fantastic main courses.
Enjoy your meal!
Smoked Pumpkin Pie
Equipment
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Pie dish
- Instant read thermometer or a toothpick
Ingredients
- 1 premade pie crust
- 1 15 oz canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 12 oz can evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Get your smoker preheated to 350°F.
- Put that pie crust into your smoker for about 25 minutes, just until it starts to turn a nice golden brown. Then, take it out of the smoker. (Skip this step if using pre-baked pie crust like graham cracker crust)
- Grab your mixing bowl and combine your pumpkin puree, eggs, evaporated milk, and that lovely pumpkin spice mix. Give it a good stir until it's all mixed up.
- Now, lower the heat on your smoker to 300°F.
- Pour your delicious filling into your pre-baked pie crust.
- It's time to put the pie back into the smoker for another 1¼ hours. You'll know it's ready when a toothpick inserted 2" from the crust comes out clean. If the center is a little wobbly, that's okay. It'll firm up once cooled.
- Let the pie chill in the fridge for about 2 hours. After that, it's ready to serve!
Smoked Pumpkin Pie FAQs
What type of wood is best for smoking pumpkin pie?
For smoking a pumpkin pie, choosing the right type of wood is crucial. Pecan, apple, or cherry wood are great choices for their sweet and mild smoke that pairs perfectly with the sweet notes of the pumpkin pie.
How long does it take to smoke a pumpkin pie?
It generally takes about 1¼ hours to smoke a pumpkin pie at 300°F. However, the exact time may vary based on your smoker and the specific heat distribution.
What is the ideal internal temperature for a smoked pumpkin pie?
The ideal internal temperature for a smoked pumpkin pie is 175°F. This temperature ensures the pie is cooked through and has a creamy, smooth texture.
Can I smoke a pre-baked pumpkin pie?
Yes, you can certainly smoke a pre-baked pumpkin pie. Smoking it enhances the flavors and adds a delightful smoky twist to the traditional dessert. However, the time spent in the smoker will be much less than if you were to smoke an unbaked pumpkin pie.
Why is my smoked pumpkin pie jiggly?
Don’t worry if your smoked pumpkin pie appears a bit jiggly when it comes out of the smoker. This is normal. The pie will firm up as it cools. As long as you’ve baked it to an internal temperature of 175°F, it’s fully cooked.
Can you overcook a pumpkin pies?
Yes, overcooking a pumpkin pie can lead to a dry and crumbly texture rather than a creamy one. Using an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of 175°F will help prevent overcooking.
How long is leftover pumpkin pie good for?
Leftover pumpkin pie can be stored in the refrigerator and is typically good for about 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain its freshness. For longer storage, you can also freeze pumpkin pie for up to a month. Always remember to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.