Don’t wait until serving time to discover your pumpkin pie is underdone or overcooked.

Part of the challenge of baking this iconicholiday dessertis determining how to tell if your pumpkin pie is done.

Youhaveto get it right.

If it’s oh-so-close, keep in mind that the custard continues to cook as the pie cools.

It also causes the filling to settle while cooling, making it pull away from the crust.

To prevent this, bake your pie in the lower third of the oven.

Any oven setting over 350 degrees F is likely overdoing it for a pumpkin pie.

Baking in a too-hot oven makes the custard puff up like a souffle and then fall when it cools.

If you see any of these, remove the pie from the oven immediately.

And, if the pie is too compromised, you might crumble the filling and crust up into layers.

Allow the Pie to Cool Completely

you might’t rush a pumpkin pie.

After 2 hours, a good chill in the refrigerator allows the pumpkin custard to set further.

Cooling too quickly can make your pumpkin pie sink.