Kentucky Pumpkin Cheese Pie
A rich pumpkin cheese pie with warm spices and bourbon, perfect for autumn gatherings or holiday desserts, offering a creamy texture and a flavorful spiced profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Beat Ricotta cheese until smooth using an electric hand mixer.
- Gradually beat in brown sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Sift together flour, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, and salt; add to the mixture.
- Beat in pumpkin, half and half, and bourbon until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a prepared pie crust and bake for 45 minutes or until set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the Ricotta is well-beaten and lump-free. If you can't find pumpkin pie filling, you can use pureed pumpkin mixed with additional spices. Feel free to adjust the bourbon amount based on your taste preference, or substitute with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version. This pie is a delightful twist on classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pie chilled or at room temperature, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Sharon's Pecan Pie for a dessert spread that will impress your guests. Consider a side of spiced pecans for an extra crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil to prevent browning and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This will help maintain the pie's creamy texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kentucky Pumpkin Cheese Pie contains roughly 252 calories, with 6g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of homemade?
Absolutely! A store-bought pie crust can save time and still yield delicious results. Just ensure it's fully baked before adding the filling, or follow the package instructions for blind baking to prevent a soggy bottom.
What can I substitute for bourbon in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract or apple cider. This will still provide a lovely depth of flavor without the alcohol.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, this pie can be made a day or two in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).