The ultimate smoked pumpkin pie fresh off the Traeger – cast iron gives the crispiest crust and real smoke flavor
Why This Pie Wins Thanksgiving Every Time
- Real fresh pumpkin smoked low and slow
- Cast iron skillet = the crispiest bottom crust imaginable
- Perfect kiss of applewood or pecan smoke
- Optional smoked whipped cream that people go crazy for
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 sugar pumpkin (3–4 lb)
- Fruit-wood pellets (apple, cherry, or pecan)
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour + ½ tsp salt + ½ cup cold butter + ice water
- 3 eggs, ¾ cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice, 1 tsp vanilla
- 1½ cups heavy cream (divided) + 2 tbsp powdered sugar
How to Make It – Step by Step
1. Smoke the Fresh Pumpkin
Preheat smoker to 225°F. Halve the pumpkin, scoop seeds, lightly oil the cut sides, and smoke cut-side up for 1½–2 hours until completely soft. Scoop flesh and puree — you need 2 cups.
2. Make the Cast Iron Crust
Mix flour and salt, cut in cold butter, add ice water gradually. Chill dough 30 minutes, roll out, and fit into a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Crimp edges and chill again.
3. Mix the Silky Filling
Whisk eggs, brown sugar, spices, salt, and vanilla. Add the smoked puree and 1¼ cups heavy cream. Mix until perfectly smooth.
4. Bake the Pie on Your Smoker
Bring smoker to 350°F. Pour filling into the crust and place the skillet directly on the grates. Bake 60–75 minutes until the center has a slight jiggle (175–180°F internal). Cool completely.
5. Smoked Whipped Cream (Optional but Incredible)
Cold-smoke ¼ cup cream for 15–20 minutes first if you want extra flavor. Then whip with powdered sugar and vanilla to stiff peaks.
Finish with a huge dollop of optional smoked whipped cream – it’s life-changing
Nutrition per Slice (1/8 pie)
| Calories | 478 |
| Carbs | 52g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Sugar | 32g |
Pro Tips & Tricks
- Stick to fruit wood only
- Cast iron is non-negotiable for that crispy bottom
- Make the puree a day ahead
- It tastes even better the next day
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really bake pumpkin pie on a smoker?
Yes — it’s basically a wood-fired oven and the flavor is incredible.
How long does the whole process take?
About 4½ hours total, but most of it is hands-off smoking time.
Can I use canned pumpkin?
You can, but fresh smoked pumpkin is what makes this pie legendary.