When baking pumpkin pie, it can be tricky to tell if the pie is perfectly baked or still underbaked. An underbaked pumpkin pie will have a very soft, wet, jiggly center while a properly baked pie should have just a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken. Here are some tips on how to check your pumpkin pie for doneness so you can avoid serving an underbaked dessert.
Check the Crust
One of the easiest ways to check if your pumpkin pie is baked through is to examine the crust. An underbaked pie will have a very pale, almost raw looking crust that appears moist and soft. A fully baked pie crust should be golden brown on the edges and bottom and dry to the touch.
Insert a knife into the center of the pie and separate the filling from the crust. If the crust looks moist, sticky, or uncooked under the filling, it needs more time in the oven. An evenly browned, crisp crust is a good sign your pie is fully baked.
Do a Toothpick or Knife Test
A simple way to check the center of pumpkin pie is to insert a toothpick or knife into the middle and see if it comes out clean. For an underbaked pie, the toothpick will have wet batter or filling stuck to it when removed. If the toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your pie is likely done.
You can also use a knife to check the thickness of the custard layer in the middle. The custard should be set enough that it coats the knife evenly. If liquid custard runs off the knife, keep baking.
Jiggle the Pie
The classic technique for testing pumpkin pie doneness is to gently shake or jiggle the pie. Carefully remove the pie from the oven and jiggle the pan. An underbaked pie will jiggle a lot like jello or gelatin and the center may still look wet and liquidy when you remove the pan. A properly baked pie will have just a little jiggle in the very center but be mostly set.
The center 2-3 inches of the pie filling should still be a bit soft but not look liquid. Around the outer edges, the filling should appear set and only jiggle slightly when shaken. If the whole pie jiggles dramatically or seems very soft, return it to the oven for more baking time.
Check the Internal Temperature
Using an instant read thermometer takes the guesswork out of testing doneness. Simply insert the thermometer into the center of the pie for the most accurate reading.
The filling of a fully baked pumpkin pie should register 175-185°F on a thermometer. An underbaked pie will read below 175°F and needs more time in the oven until it reaches the proper internal temperature.
Recommended Internal Temperatures for Pumpkin Pie:
| Degree in Fahrenheit | Description |
|---|---|
| 160°F | Very underbaked and wet |
| 165-170°F | Still underbaked with some liquid pooling |
| 175°F | Nearly set but center still jiggles |
| 180-185°F | Fully baked and mostly set |
Check for Cracks on Top
As pumpkin pie bakes, the filling will puff up slightly and may form cracks and fissures on the surface. Small cracks are normal as the pie sets but do not necessarily indicate the pie is finished baking.
However, if the surface of the pie looks dry with multiple large, deep cracks, that is a clue it may be overbaked. An underbaked pie usually will not have cracks at all or just a few hairline cracks on the surface.
Watch the Baking Time
Keeping track of the baking time recommended in your recipe is another useful way to gauge doneness. Pumpkin pie typically takes 45 minutes to over an hour to fully bake at 350°F. Check the pie at the lower end of the time range provided.
If the recipe says to bake for 50-60 minutes, start checking around 50 minutes. Then continue checking every 5 minutes or so until the pie passes the tests for doneness. If the minimum time has elapsed but the pie still seems underbaked, let it continue baking until set.
Conclusion
Figuring out exactly when pumpkin pie is finished baking takes some trial and error. With these simple techniques for testing doneness – from jiggling to toothpick tests – you can become an expert at pulling your pie from the oven at the peak of perfection. Just be sure to start checking for doneness at least 5-10 minutes before the minimum baking time to avoid an underbaked pie.
With the right balance of baking time and temperature, your pumpkin pie will turn out just right – smooth, set custard in the center with a perfectly crisp crust. By relying on multiple tests rather than just the clock, you can guarantee your holiday pumpkin pie will be a delicious hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my pumpkin pie still wet in the middle?
If your pumpkin pie is still wet, sticky, or jiggly in the middle after baking, it is underbaked. The most common reasons for an underbaked pie are that it was not left in the oven long enough or the oven temperature was too low. Be sure to bake your pie for the full recommended time at the proper temperature. Start checking for doneness at least 5 minutes before the minimum bake time.
How long does it take to bake a 9 inch pumpkin pie?
A 9 inch pumpkin pie will take approximately 45-60 minutes to bake fully at 350°F. Check the pie after 45 minutes and continue baking until tests for doneness show it is fully set. The filling should register 175-185°F on a thermometer when done.
What temperature is pumpkin pie supposed to be when finished baking?
A properly baked pumpkin pie should reach an internal temperature of 175-185°F. When tested with a thermometer, the center of the pie filling should register between 175-185°F. If it is below 175°F, it needs more time in the oven.
Can I put foil around the crust if the pie is browning too fast?
Yes, you can tent foil around the outer crust edge of the pie if the crust or edges are browning too quickly while the center is still baking. Cut a piece of aluminum foil slightly larger than the diameter of the pie. Fold up the sides to create a rim and tent it loosely over the outer crust only to prevent over-browning.
Should you bake a pumpkin pie on the top or bottom rack?
It is best to bake pumpkin pie on the bottom rack of the oven. This helps ensure even heating and optimal browning of the bottom crust. Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easiest handling.
Tips for Perfectly Baked Pumpkin Pie
- Always check for doneness before minimum baking time.
- Jiggle the pie gently – it should only jiggle slightly at edges.
- Insert a knife or toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
- Use an instant read thermometer – target 175-185°F.
- Check that the crust is evenly browned.
- Note any cracking or puffing up on the surface.
- Watch the baking time recommended in your recipe.
- Bake on a low oven rack for even heating.
Common Problems and Solutions
Underbaked Pie
- Continue baking 10-15 minutes until tests show it is done.
- Double check oven temperature is accurate.
- Use an oven thermometer if temperature is off.
- Next time, allow full baking time.
Overbaked Pie
- Cover crust edge with foil if it is too brown.
- Check earlier next time – after minimum bake time.
- Adjust oven rack to lower position.
- Reduce oven temperature 25°F next time.
Soggy Bottom Crust
- Bake pie on a sheet pan rather than directly on oven rack.
- Brush some egg wash on bottom crust before filling.
- Make sure not to over-fill pie dish with filling.
Cracked Top Crust
- Prevent by venting top with slits before baking.
- Try dusting top with sugar instead of brushing with milk or egg.
- Place foil ring around crust edge to prevent over-baking.
Baking the perfect pumpkin pie can seem daunting, but just remember – patience and precision are the keys. Don’t be afraid to let it bake a little longer until tests show it is just right. With the proper steps, you’ll end up with a lusciously smooth pie for the whole family to enjoy.