Julia Child’s Pumpkin Pie Recipe Has the Most Genius Trick

Fall is in full gear, which means it’s officially pie season. While I typically prefer pies with a spiced apple filling, there’s no denying that pumpkin is a fan-favorite autumn dessert. The creamy spiced treat has always been a staple at my family’s Thanksgiving table. 

These days, pumpkin pie is anything but boring, especially if you jazz up your recipes by adding a personal touch, like a tasty walnut streusel or a layer of luscious cheesecake. And who better to seek baking inspiration from than Julia Childs, who was no stranger to elevating traditional recipes with clever tricks like her famous apple pie that has a secret ingredient. When it comes to baking the perfect pumpkin pie, however, Child’s go-to baking hack is a bit unconventional, but I’ll be giving it a try this year. 

Julia Child’s Secret for the Perfect Pumpkin Pie

The hallmarks of a classic pumpkin pie lie in a few key ingredients. A silky smooth pumpkin filling, warm spices, and a flaky crust usually do the trick. But Julia Child’s version offers a unique twist that makes a light, airy texture. 

Her recipe, which was originally published in 1982 for Parade, involves adding a meringue to the filling. She starts by separating the whites from four eggs and whisking them into a foam. Then she folds the meringue into the pumpkin filling before pouring it into the pie crust.

One thing to consider: Be extra careful when combining the whipped egg whites with the pumpkin filling. Overmixing the two ingredients will cause the meringue to deflate.

The extra step of adding a meringue makes a huge difference in the pie’s overall texture. Traditional pumpkin pies often have a dense and rich texture, but Child’s trick gives the dessert a fluffy filling similar to a pumpkin soufflé. For a similar option, our Pumpkin Chiffon Pie has a mousse-like texture that’s just as delicious.

Julia Child certainly knew how to elevate a holiday classic. I’ll be testing her easy trick out this Thanksgiving to see if it matches up to our family recipes. And whether you’re a fan of classic pumpkin pies or like a unique twist, I’m sure Child’s recipe will be a hit either way.