Instant Pot Perfect Pumpkin Pie

I love this luscious, moist pumpkin pie with a nutty cookie crust. It’s made with my Instant Pot (get yours here: https://amzn.to/2QlkaDf), so it’s always moist and the crust is never dry. Plus, it frees up my oven for loads of other holiday goodies!

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But the biggest “aha!” moment of this dish is the use of pot-in-pot cooking. The pie cooks in its own pan suspended over hot water. The Instant Pot is wonderful for making dense, moist confections like pumpkin pie. It’s a perfect accompaniment to your holiday meal.

Pumpkins, native to North America, were an early export to Europe, where they quickly found their way into pies of all sorts. Some of the earliest recipes appeared in the late 1600s in England. However, it wasn’t until the early 1800s that pumpkin pie became a common addition to the American Thanksgiving dinner.

Pro Tip: Don’t have prepared pumpkin pie spice on hand? Use 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp nutmeg and a pinch of allspice.

It’s a perfect accompaniment to your holiday meal.

Ingredients:

Crust Mixture:

• 1/2 cup finely crushed shortbread cookies, plus additional for garnish
• 1/3 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Filling Mixture:

• 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp salt

 

• 1 cup water
• Whipped cream for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Coat the inside of a 7” springform pan with nonstick spray (we love this one: https://amzn.to/2CHSu8K).
2. In a small bowl, thoroughly combine Crust Mixture ingredients. Press evenly into the bottom of the springform pan and about 3/4″ up the sides. Place in freezer for at least 10 minutes to set.
3. In a large bowl, thoroughly combine Filling Mixture ingredients. Pour over pie crust and cover with aluminium foil.
4. Pour one cup of water in the Instant Pot and insert the steam rack. Using a foil sling, carefully lower the bundt pan on to the steam rack.
5. Secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed.
6. Using the display panel select the MANUAL function*. Use the +/- keys and program the Instant Pot for 30 minutes.
7. When the time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
8. Check the pie to see if the middle is set. The center should be wobbly, but not liquidy. If not, cook on MANUAL for an additional 5 minutes and quick-release again.
9. Carefully remove the pan from the pot to a cooling rack. When completely cool, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
10. Once cooled, carefully release sides of springform pan. Serve with whipped cream, sprinkle with additional crushed cookies.
    

*The MANUAL and PRESSURE COOK buttons are interchangeable.