Test Kitchen Tip: After baking your pie, be sure to let it cool according to recipe instructions. Our Classic Pumpkin Pie specifies cooling for 1 hour, then covering and chilling within 2 hours. PS: Don't try to serve a still-warm pumpkin pie. It won't hold its shape that well.

Will pumpkin pie thicken as it cools?

As your pie cools, the center will firm up. You will avoid a dry overcooked filling that may crack on you - nobody wants to bring a cracked pie to Thanksgiving dinner. You have to treat your pie like you would if you were baking cookies.

Does pumpkin pie take time to set?

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until just set — it should look dry around the edges and set in the center, but if you nudge the pan, the center should jiggle slightly. The pie will look a little puffed when it comes out of the oven, but it will settle as it cools. Let cool to room temperature before slicing.