Praline Pumpkin Pie – Best Holiday Pie Recipe

If you’re torn between the nutty crunch of pecan pie and the rich, spiced smoothness of pumpkin pie, this Praline Pumpkin Pie is your perfect solution. With a buttery, flaky crust, a brown sugar pecan praline layer, and silky pumpkin filling, this dessert is a holiday masterpiece. The sweet broiled praline topping adds the final touch, making this pie irresistibly crunchy, creamy, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or bringing dessert to a fall gathering, this pie can be made ahead, stores beautifully, and always impresses.

Why You’ll Love This Praline Pumpkin Pie

This praline pumpkin pie isn’t just a twist on two classics — it elevates them. Here’s why it’s become a go-to for holiday tables:

• Best of Both Worlds: Combines the rich flavor of pumpkin with the sweet crunch of pecans.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes just as fresh days later — no soggy crust here!
• Showstopper Appearance: That broiled praline topping adds texture and a glossy, caramelized finish.
• Flaky, Golden Crust: Thanks to a par-baked base, the bottom stays crisp and flavorful.
• Perfect Texture Contrast: Smooth pumpkin filling meets crunchy nut topping in every bite.

What You’ll Need for This Pecan Pumpkin Pie Fusion

• Pie Crust: Acts as the buttery, flaky base that holds everything together.
• Chopped Pecans (Bottom Layer): Add nutty crunch to the base and bring traditional praline flavor.
• Brown Sugar (Bottom Layer): Sweetens the pecan layer and starts caramelizing as it bakes.
• Pumpkin Puree: Creates the creamy, earthy base for the filling. Use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Lends sweetness and that rich, luscious texture to the filling.
• Eggs: Help set the filling into a custard-like consistency.
• Brown Sugar (Filling): Adds depth and warmth to the pumpkin layer.
• Ground Cinnamon: The classic pumpkin pie spice. Essential for warmth and aroma.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavor of every component.
• Ground Ginger: Adds a little zing and balances the creamy pumpkin.
• Nutmeg: Brings complexity and a hint of holiday cheer.
• Ground Cloves: Just a touch enhances the spiced profile of the pie.
• Chopped Pecans (Topping): Toasted under the broiler, these add texture and nutty flavor.
• Melted Butter (Topping): Helps caramelize the topping for that irresistible praline finish.
• Brown Sugar (Topping): Melts and bubbles into a sticky, sweet topping layer.

Don’t Have an Ingredient? Try These Substitutions

• No Sweetened Condensed Milk? Use evaporated milk + ¾ cup sugar as a backup.
• All Out of Cloves? Use allspice or add a pinch more cinnamon instead.
• Nut-Free Version? Skip the praline and add a graham cracker crust with cinnamon sugar.
• Want it Vegan? Use a plant-based crust, coconut condensed milk, and flax eggs — though the result may differ slightly in texture.
• Lighter Version? Swap half the sweetened condensed milk with Greek yogurt for protein and tang.

How to Make Praline Pumpkin Pie Step by Step

1. Par-Bake the Crust
   Preheat oven to 425°F. Roll out your favorite pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Prick the base with a fork 3-4 times. Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Bake for 14–20 minutes until it begins to brown lightly. Remove weights and parchment. Let cool completely.
2. Make the Praline Bottom Layer
   In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup of chopped pecans and ⅓ cup packed brown sugar. Sprinkle evenly across the bottom of the par-baked crust.
3. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling
   In a large bowl (or stand mixer), beat together 1¾ cups pumpkin puree, 14 oz sweetened condensed milk, 2 eggs, ⅔ cup brown sugar, and all spices: 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp ginger, ½ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp cloves. Mix until smooth (about 1–2 minutes).
4. Fill and Bake
   Carefully pour the pumpkin mixture over the praline bottom. It will fill the crust to the brim. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven to 350°F and continue baking for 40–50 minutes. The pie is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if the crust browns too fast.
5. Cool the Pie
   Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the filling to fully set before topping.
6. Add the Praline Topping
   In a bowl, mix 1 cup finely chopped pecans, 3 tbsp melted butter, and ⅓ cup brown sugar. Sprinkle over the cooled pie. Broil on high for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
7. Serve
   Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Each bite is a delightful balance of creamy pumpkin and crisp praline.

Tips for Success with This Praline Pumpkin Pie

• Don’t Skip the Par-Bake: This prevents soggy bottoms and ensures a crisp crust.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Helps the filling mix smoothly and bake evenly.
• Check the Pie Early: Oven temps vary — start checking for doneness around 40 minutes into the second bake.
• Don’t Overbroil the Topping: Watch closely while broiling to avoid burning the sugary top.
• Let It Cool Fully: Cutting too early can cause the filling to weep or collapse.

Delicious Ways to Serve and Customize This Holiday Pie

• Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream balances the spice and crunch.
• Maple Drizzle: Add a drizzle of maple syrup or caramel for an extra-sweet kick.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free pie crust or press-in nut-based crust.
• Mini Praline Pumpkin Pies: Divide into muffin tins for individual servings — perfect for parties.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or extra ginger for warmth and depth.

A Fall Dessert Worth Repeating

Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or just want to enjoy a cozy slice with coffee, this Praline Pumpkin Pie will become a new seasonal favorite. Its long shelf-life, make-ahead ease, and perfectly balanced layers of flavor make it a standout dessert. Try it once, and you’ll likely be making it every fall!

Wrapping Up: Why This Praline Pumpkin Pie Deserves a Spot on Your Table

In a season full of beloved desserts, Praline Pumpkin Pie rises above the rest with its rich layers of texture and flavor. The spiced pumpkin custard and brown sugar praline complement each other perfectly, while the buttery, flaky crust holds everything together with style. It’s a dessert that’s not just delicious — it’s unforgettable. Whether served warm or cold, this pie brings joy to any holiday gathering, and thanks to its make-ahead convenience, it takes stress off your plate while putting something incredible on it.

FAQ About Praline Pumpkin Pie

More Relevant Recipes

• Mississippi Mud Pie: This ultra-rich chocolate dessert shares the layered decadence of praline pumpkin pie, featuring a dense, fudgy base topped with creamy layers. A great alternative for chocolate lovers craving similar indulgence.
• Turtle Caramel Cake: Loaded with pecans, caramel, and chocolate, this cake echoes the nutty, buttery tones of praline pumpkin pie and makes a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table.
• Strawberry Rhubarb Pie: For those who love the balance of sweet and tart, this pie delivers bright fruity flavor in a flaky crust, similar in preparation style to pumpkin pies, offering a seasonal twist for fruit lovers.

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