Delicious Chai Pumpkin Meringue Pie Recipe

The Cozy Chai Pumpkin Meringue Pie Recipe You’ll Fall For

Autumn’s golden chai spices dance delightfully through this pumpkin meringue pie, creating a dessert that whispers comfort and warmth.

Fragrant cinnamon and cardamom mingle with creamy pumpkin in every luxurious bite.

Delicate meringue peaks crown this seasonal masterpiece, promising a symphony of textures and flavors.

Nutmeg and ginger add subtle complexity that makes each slice extraordinary.

Rich custard nestles beneath a cloud-like topping, inviting you to savor every moment.

Baking this pie connects you with cherished memories of cozy gatherings.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that celebrates the magic of fall.

Creative Twists on Chai Pumpkin Meringue Pie

  • Gluten-Free Chai Pumpkin Pie: Replace traditional pie crust with a gluten-free almond flour or graham cracker crust for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Spiced Pumpkin Meringue: Swap eggs with aquafaba and use coconut cream instead of dairy for a plant-based version that maintains the creamy texture.
  • Low-Sugar Chai Pumpkin Pie: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the rich, warm spice profile.
  • Dairy-Free Chai Pumpkin Dessert: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of cream, creating a lighter yet equally flavorful alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Serving Chai Pumpkin Meringue Pie With Flair

  • Cozy Family Gathering Centerpiece: Serve this chai pumpkin meringue pie as the star dessert during autumn family dinners, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that celebrates seasonal flavors.
  • Thanksgiving Showstopper: Bring this elegant pie to holiday gatherings, impressing guests with its beautiful meringue topping and rich, spiced pumpkin filling that perfectly captures thanksgiving traditions.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Pair slices with a warm cup of chai tea, enhancing the spice notes and creating a luxurious mid-afternoon treat that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
  • Dessert Buffet Highlight: Feature this pie on a holiday dessert table, allowing guests to enjoy its beautiful golden meringue and deep, aromatic pumpkin base alongside other seasonal sweets.

How to Store Chai Pumpkin Meringue Pie

  • Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Place pie in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap to protect meringue from absorbing other food odors.
  • Reheat individual slices in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy meringue texture and warm filling.
  • Avoid microwaving to prevent meringue from becoming soggy and losing its delicate structure.

FAQs

  • What are the key spices in this chai pumpkin pie?

Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves give this pie its warm, aromatic chai-inspired flavor profile, creating a unique twist on traditional pumpkin pie.

  • Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the meringue topping just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

  • Is this recipe considered vegetarian?

This pie is vegetarian-friendly, using standard pie ingredients like pumpkin, eggs, sugar, and spices. The meringue topping is also vegetarian.

Chai Pumpkin Meringue Pie That Wows

  • Spice Up Your Dessert: Elevate traditional pumpkin pie with warm chai spices that create a delightful twist on a classic autumn favorite.
  • Master Impressive Technique: Learn to create a beautiful meringue topping that transforms an ordinary pie into a stunning, bakery-worthy dessert perfect for gatherings.
  • Seasonal Crowd-Pleaser: Combine the beloved flavors of pumpkin and chai to delight family and friends during holiday celebrations, making it a memorable centerpiece for any festive table.
  • Beginner-Friendly Challenge: Develop baking skills by practicing meringue-making and pie assembly, which offers a rewarding cooking experience for home bakers looking to expand their culinary repertoire.

Ingredients for Chai Pumpkin Meringue Pie

Pie Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crust: A classic, sweet foundation that provides a delightful crunch and complements the creamy pumpkin filling.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds rich flavor.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that gives the pie its signature orange color and smooth, earthy taste.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the filling together.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a luxurious, silky texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the spices.
Spice Blend:
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Cardamom, Ground Nutmeg: A warm chai-inspired spice mix that creates a complex, aromatic flavor profile for the pumpkin filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.
Meringue Topping:
  • Egg Whites: The base of the light and fluffy meringue topping.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps stabilize the meringue.
  • Cream of Tartar: Helps create a stable, glossy meringue with stiff peaks.

Step-by-Step Chai Pumpkin Meringue Pie

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prep the Crust

Crank your oven to 375°F. Gently press your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges with your fingers.

Make sure the crust looks smooth and even.

Step 2: Create Creamy Pumpkin Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Chai spice blend
  • Eggs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Heavy cream

Whisk everything together until the mixture transforms into a silky, luxurious blend with no lumps.

Step 3: Bake the Pie Base

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pie crust. Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes.

The filling should look set but still have a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 4: Whip Up Fluffy Meringue Topping

Using a clean, dry mixer, beat egg whites until they start to foam.

Gradually add:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Cream of tartar

Continue whipping until the meringue becomes glossy and forms stiff, beautiful peaks that stand up straight.

Step 5: Crown the Pie with Meringue

Carefully spread the meringue over the slightly cooled pie, creating elegant swirls and peaks.

Use the back of a spoon to create dramatic texture.

Step 6: Final Bake and Browning

Return the pie to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, watching carefully until the meringue turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.

Serve and enjoy your spectacular chai pumpkin meringue pie!

Tips for Fluffy Chai Pumpkin Meringue Pie

  • Swap traditional spices with chai masala for an authentic, warming flavor profile that elevates the classic pumpkin pie.
  • Use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned for a richer, more vibrant taste and smoother texture.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular pie crust with almond or coconut flour-based alternatives.
  • Stabilize meringue by adding a pinch of cornstarch to prevent weeping and maintain a glossy, soft peak consistency.
  • Torch the meringue for a professional touch if you prefer a more caramelized, golden-brown surface instead of oven-baking.
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Delicious Chai Pumpkin Meringue Pie Recipe

Delicious Chai Pumpkin Meringue Pie Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Spiced chai pumpkin meringue pie delivers an irresistible fusion of autumn flavors. Warm spices and creamy pumpkin custard nestle beneath a cloud-like toasted meringue, creating a dessert that invites passionate bakers to savor seasonal comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Pie Filling:

  • 2 cups pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons chai spice mix (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Meringue Topping:

  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and carefully press the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges decoratively.
  2. Whisk together pumpkin puree, chai spice blend, eggs, granulated sugar, and heavy cream until the mixture becomes silky and uniformly combined.
  3. Gently pour the fragrant pumpkin mixture into the prepared pie crust, ensuring an even distribution.
  4. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center, creating a delicate custard-like texture.
  5. Remove pie from oven and let cool slightly while preparing the meringue topping.
  6. In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat egg whites with a pinch of cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
  7. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to whip, creating a glossy, stiff meringue that holds its shape perfectly.
  8. Spread the meringue over the warm pie, using a spatula to create elegant, swirling peaks.
  9. Return the pie to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a golden-brown, caramelized meringue top.
  10. Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld and set.

Notes

  • Use fresh or canned pumpkin puree for consistent texture and flavor intensity.
  • Toast chai spices briefly before mixing to enhance their aromatic qualities and deepen the warm, complex flavor profile.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting traditional pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crust for added dietary flexibility.
  • Stabilize meringue by ensuring egg whites are at room temperature and adding cream of tartar, which helps create a more stable and glossy topping.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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