Pumpkin pie is a traditional dessert deeply rooted in the culture of Latin America and the United States, especially popular during autumn celebrations and holidays like Thanksgiving. This sweet treat has its origins in Native American communities, who used pumpkin as an essential ingredient in their diet due to its availability and nutritional value.
With European colonization, the recipe evolved by combining imported techniques and flavors, giving birth to pumpkin pie as it is known today. In different Latin American countries, this dessert goes by various names; for example, in Mexico and some regions of Central America, it may be known as "pay de calabaza," while in Argentina and Uruguay, it is sometimes simply called "tarta de calabaza." In Chile and Peru, although the dessert is less common, pumpkin is used in similar sweets that share its essence.
This pie is appreciated for its creamy texture and the perfect balance between sweetness and typical seasonal spices, such as cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, which provide a warm and comforting flavor. The integration of ingredients like cream cheese in some variations, such as the pumpkin cheesecake pie, adds a distinctive and attractive touch that enhances its popularity in different homes and restaurants.
How to Prepare Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie
To begin, prepare the pie crust for a single-crust pie using a 9-inch pie pan. Flute the edge so that it is well defined.
Preheat the oven to 325°F to ensure it is ready when it's time to place the pie.
In a small bowl, using a mixer at medium speed, beat the cream cheese until it is light and fluffy.
Gradually incorporate half of the corn syrup and the vanilla until a smooth and homogeneous mixture is obtained.
Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom of the pie pan that is already lined with the crust.
In the same bowl, combine the pumpkin, eggs, the remaining corn syrup, evaporated milk, sugar, pumpkin pie spices, and salt.
Beat until the mixture is smooth and well integrated.
Carefully pour this mixture over the cream cheese mixture that is on the pie crust.
With a knife or small spatula, make swirls on the surface to achieve the marbled effect that characterizes this pie.
Bake at 325°F for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted halfway between the edge and the center comes out clean.
Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before removing it from the pan.
Finally, store the pie in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness until serving time.
Enjoy this delicious pumpkin cheesecake pie, a perfect combination of flavor and texture that everyone will love!
