Dirty Chai Pumpkin Pie – a twist on a classic

I LOVE a classic pumpkin pie, but what I love more is finding a way to elevate it and make it even better. When brainstorming on how to make it unique, particularly considering the spices that go into making this pie, I thought of the idea of chai tea ~ which is similar but adds a few extra flavors, such as cardamom and black pepper. But that wasn’t enough for me to make it unique…so then I thought about one of my favorite coffee shop orders ~ the dirty chai. It is essentially a chai tea latte with an added shot of espresso.

After doing some googling, I found no Dirty Chai Pumpkin Pie recipe on the web, so I immediately took this as my opportunity to create something beautiful. After some tests, tweaks, and a few pies later, I landed on one of the most beautiful pumpkin pies I have ever made. Its flavors are subtle yet bold at the same time. You can taste the warm chai spices and the subtle kick of espresso in a pleasant way that upgrades the classic flavor of pumpkin pie WITHOUT overpowering it.

Now because I couldn’t stop there, I also made spiced candied pumpkin seeds to top it with along with some whipped cream (which I do indeed proudly use Ready wip, because sometimes taking one thing off the to-do list is needed.)

I am SUPER excited about this recipe and hope that you give it a try and, more importantly, share it with your family and friends. 

Let’s get right into the recipe (PDF printout at the end).

Dirty Chai Pumpkin Pie

With the addition of cozy chai spices, espresso powder, and candied pumpkin seeds, you can turn an ordinary pie into something special. 

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

Ingredients:

• 1 large pie crust homemade or store bought
• baking beans or pie weights
• 1 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp espresso powder
• 3 large eggs
• 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp chai spice mix recipe below
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Whipped Cream for serving

Chai Spice Mix:

• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground clove
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Spiced Pumpkin Seeds:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp chai spice mix
• pinch salt
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

Instructions

 

Prepare the crust

• Preheat oven to 375°.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll pie dough into a 12″ circle. Drape over a 8-9 inch pie dish and gently press to fit, ensuring no air bubbles. Crimp edges as desired.
• Line dough with foil or parchment and fill with dried beans or pie weights. Bake crust until top and sides are dry and set, 12 to 15 minutes, then remove foil and weights. Continue to bake until the bottom is dry to the touch, about 5 minutes more. Let cool.
• Reduce oven to 350º.

Make the Pie Batter

• Add the heavy cream to a glass measuring cup or bowl and microwave or warm up on the stove for 30 seconds until warm. Add in the espresso powder and stir until well combined.
• In a large bowl, whisk eggs, pumpkin, brown sugar, flour, chai spice, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Slowly pour in the espresso infused cream and stir until well combined. Place the pie pan onto a sheet tray, then pour the pumpkin mixture into the cooled pie crust.
• Transfer the pie to the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the filling is slightly jiggly in the center and the crust is golden brown. Turn off oven, prop door open with a wooden spoon, and let pie cool 30 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cool completely.

Make the Pumpkin Seeds

• In a medium pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter, then add the sugar, chai spice, salt, and water. Stir to combine and dissolve the sugar slightly.
• Add the pumpkin seeds and stir continuously as the sugar starts to melt and coat the seeds. Keep cooking until the sugar mixture turns golden brown and the seeds are evenly coated, about 5–7 minutes.
• Once caramelized, quickly spread the seeds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Separate them with a spatula or fork to prevent clumping as they cool, harden and become crispy.
• ENJOY!!!

Keyword chai, dessert, pie, pumpkin, thanksgiving

Here is a PDF printout version for you:

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to ask! And if you recreate this beauty, please take pictures and share them with me!!! I LOVE to see your recreations ❤️