As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there's one dessert that never fails to make its way to the fall spotlight: pumpkin pie. But this year, we’re taking your traditional favorite to the next level. Welcome to 2024's best pumpkin pie—a New England-inspired twist that blends the deep, rich flavors of maple syrup and molasses with the classic warmth of pumpkin and spices. If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in the ultimate fall dessert, this Maple & Molasses Pumpkin Pie is about to become your new go-to.
Why is this the best pumpkin pie of 2024? It’s all about the balance—sweet, but not too sweet; rich, yet perfectly spiced; and loaded with the natural goodness of New England’s finest maple syrup and molasses. This recipe gives the traditional pumpkin pie a bold upgrade while staying true to its comforting roots.
Why Maple & Molasses?
Incorporating maple syrup and molasses into the filling brings layers of flavor that regular sugar just can’t match. Maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness with a caramel-like depth, while molasses brings an earthy, almost smoky richness that contrasts beautifully with the warm spices. These ingredients create a more sophisticated pie, with just the right amount of sweetness to highlight the natural flavor of the pumpkin.
New England Maple & Molasses Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3-4 tbsp ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup (Grade A dark amber or Grade B for richer flavor)
- ¼ cup unsulphured molasses
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Crust
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and gently mix until the dough forms a ball.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 3: Prepare the Pie Crust
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface until it fits a 9-inch pie dish.
- Press the dough into the dish, trim any excess, and crimp the edges.
- Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until just golden. Remove the weights and parchment, then set aside.
Step 4: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, molasses, eggs, heavy cream, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
- Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Remove from the oven and let the pie cool completely before serving.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy Slice and serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and maybe even a drizzle of extra maple syrup for a luxurious finish!
Why This is the Best Pumpkin Pie of 2024:
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Flavor Complexity: The combination of pure maple syrup and molasses transforms a traditional pumpkin pie into a flavor powerhouse. The molasses adds a rich, dark sweetness while the maple syrup brings a smooth caramel-like depth. Together, they create a more refined, less sugary pie.
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Natural Ingredients: Using pure maple syrup and molasses means you’re relying on natural sweeteners, which enhances the overall flavor without being overly sweet or artificial.
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Perfect Texture: The silky pumpkin filling, balanced with the creamy richness of heavy cream and warm spices, gives the pie a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
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New England Vibes: This pie is a celebration of New England’s autumn harvest, where maple syrup and molasses have long been prized ingredients. It’s a slice of fall history, modernized for today’s palate.
This New England Maple & Molasses Pumpkin Pie isn’t just any pumpkin pie—it’s the best pumpkin pie of 2024. From its rich flavors to its smooth, creamy filling and buttery, flaky crust, this pie is the perfect way to celebrate the best of fall. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table this year.
Ready to make this pie? Find your premium maple syrup, molasses, and spices at Specialty Food Source and get baking!