Chiffon pies became popular in the early 1900s and were prized for their airy, delicate texture. The custard fillings get that light, fluffy texture from the addition of whipped egg whites and gelatin. This version—with a spiced pumpkin filling, rum-infused whipped cream topping, and buttery vanilla cookie crumb crust—is a fun alternative to the heavier traditional pumpkin pie served at Thanksgiving. Plus, it’s delicious served the morning after with a big mug of Irish Coffee.

Game plan: This pie can be made up to 1 day ahead. After the chiffon filling is set, cover the pie lightly with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. Make the whipped cream and top the pie just before serving.

Check out all the best of pumpkins on Chowhound.

  • Yield: 1 (9-1/2-inch) deep-dish pie, or 8 to 10 servings
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Total: 1 hr, plus at least 6 hrs chilling time

Ingredients (17)

For the crust:

  • 8 ounces vanilla wafer cookies, such as Nabisco Nilla Wafers (about 65 cookies)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

  • 3 tablespoons dark rum or apple cider
  • 1 (1/4-ounce) packet unflavored gelatin
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

To assemble:

  • 1 cup cold heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dark rum or apple cider

Instructions

For the crust:

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle.
  2. Place the cookies in a food processor fitted with a blade attachment and process into fine crumbs (you should have about 2 cups). Stop the motor, add the melted butter, and pulse to combine. (Alternatively, place the cookies in a resealable plastic bag, press out the air, and seal. Using a rolling pin, smash into uniform fine crumbs. Transfer to a medium bowl, add the melted butter, and mix until evenly combined.)
  3. Pour the crumb mixture into a 9-1/2-inch deep-dish pie plate and, using the bottom of a cup or your fingers, press firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides. Bake until fragrant and slightly darkened in color, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the pie plate to a wire rack and set aside.

For the filling:

  1. Pour the rum or apple cider into a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the surface; set aside.
  2. Whisk the pumpkin, milk, brown sugar, egg yolks, spices, and salt together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture just starts to steam and reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 8 to 9 minutes (do not let the mixture simmer). Remove the pan from the heat, add the rum-gelatin mixture, and whisk until combined and the gelatin has dissolved, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and let cool for 15 minutes.
  3. Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whisk on high speed until medium peaks form, about 1 minute. With the mixer still on high speed, slowly add the sugar and continue whisking until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 1 1/2 minutes more.
  4. Using a rubber spatula, add half of the beaten egg whites to the cooled pumpkin mixture and gently stir until just combined. Add the remaining egg whites and gently stir until just combined and no streaks of egg white remain. Transfer the chiffon mixture to the prepared pie crust and spread it into an even layer. Refrigerate uncovered until set, at least 6 hours or overnight.

To assemble:

  1. When ready to serve, place the cream, sugar, and rum or apple cider in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whisk on medium speed until medium peaks form, about 3 minutes. Spread evenly over the pie and serve immediately.