Autumn Pumpkin Hazelnut Pie

🍂🎃🥧 Autumn Pumpkin Hazelnut Pie 🥧🎃🍂

What is it?
Autumn Pumpkin Hazelnut Pie is a delightful dessert that embodies the warm and cozy flavors of fall. It’s a twist on the traditional pumpkin pie, incorporating the rich nuttiness of hazelnuts for added depth and texture. This pie features a spiced pumpkin filling with a crunchy hazelnut crust, making it a perfect treat for autumn gatherings.

History:
The history of this particular pie is not widely documented, but it’s likely a variation of the classic pumpkin pie, which has deep roots in American and Canadian culinary traditions. The addition of hazelnuts is a creative twist that adds a unique flavor profile to this seasonal favorite.

Components:

For the Hazelnut Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers or gingersnap cookies
• 1 cup toasted and finely ground hazelnuts
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Pumpkin Filling:

• 1 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup heavy cream

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Hazelnut Crust:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers or gingersnap cookies until finely crushed.
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed cookies, ground hazelnuts, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well coated.
   • Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, creating an even crust along the bottom and up the sides.
   • Bake for about 10 minutes, then let it cool.

2. Make the Pumpkin Filling:

   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves), and salt until well combined.
   • Gradually add the heavy cream while continuing to whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.

3. Assemble and Bake:

   • Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared hazelnut crust.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Let the pie cool at room temperature and then refrigerate for a few hours until it’s fully chilled.

4. Serve:

   • Slice the Autumn Pumpkin Hazelnut Pie into wedges and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkling of crushed hazelnuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Time Needed:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Baking: 50 minutes
• Cooling and Chilling: 2-3 hours

Enjoy this delectable Autumn Pumpkin Hazelnut Pie as a festive and flavorful addition to your fall gatherings! 🍁🥧🎃🍂

Certainly! Here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for a slice of Autumn Pumpkin Hazelnut Pie:

Nutrition Facts (per slice, based on 8 slices):

• Calories: ~350-400 kcal
• Total Fat: ~20-25g
  • Saturated Fat: ~10-12g
• Cholesterol: ~80-100mg
• Sodium: ~250-300mg
• Total Carbohydrates: ~35-40g
  • Dietary Fiber: ~2-3g
  • Sugars: ~25-30g
• Protein: ~5-6g

Health Information:

• Calories: The pie is relatively high in calories due to its buttery crust, sugar, and cream in the filling. Consuming it in moderation is advisable if you’re watching your calorie intake.

• Total Fat: The hazelnuts and butter contribute to the fat content. While these fats are primarily unsaturated, excessive consumption should be avoided for those with dietary restrictions.

• Saturated Fat: The saturated fat content in the pie is on the higher side. Diets high in saturated fats may not be ideal for heart health, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.

• Cholesterol: The pie contains a moderate amount of cholesterol due to the eggs and cream. People with high cholesterol levels should consume it in moderation.

• Sodium: The sodium content is moderate, but if you’re on a low-sodium diet, you should be mindful of your portion size.

• Total Carbohydrates: The majority of the carbohydrates come from sugars. It’s a sweet treat, so individuals with diabetes should be cautious and monitor their intake.

• Dietary Fiber: The pie contains some dietary fiber, which is good for digestion. However, the fiber content is relatively low.

• Protein: The pie provides a moderate amount of protein, but it’s not a significant source of protein.

While Autumn Pumpkin Hazelnut Pie is a delicious indulgence during the fall season, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation and consider its nutritional aspects, especially if you have dietary restrictions or specific health goals. 🥧🍂🎃