The best part about pumpkin season is that it goes on for months. That's right: the time between Labor Day and November when it's acceptable to consume foods that are orange and made with sugar is long, but not long enough! To help you make the most of this delicious time of year, we've got a whole bunch of recipes that use pumpkin in one way or another. So if you're craving some pie (or just have leftover pumpkin puree), check out these tips on how to make a pumpkin pie —and what else to do with those leftovers.

How to Make a Pumpkin Pie

Making a pumpkin pie is a simple process that can be done in around an hour.

• Make the pie shell by combining flour, salt, and butter with your hands until it forms crumbs. Pour into a 9-inch pie pan and press into place with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
• Mix pumpkin puree, sugar (or brown sugar), eggs, vanilla extract, and spices together in a bowl until well combined. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream last until smooth consistency is reached before pouring into prepared crusts. Some people with use a can of condensed evaporated milk in standing of heavy cream.

3 - 5 minutes depending on oven type; cool on wire racks before serving.

What is Pumpkin Pie Spice?

You can make your own pumpkin pie spice mixture. Mix together ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon ground cloves.

If you want to make a big batch of pumpkin pie spice for future use, simply combine all the ingredients into a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake until everything is well distributed. That's it!

What to do with Leftover Pumpkin Pie Filling

If you have leftover pumpkin pie filling, there are lots of things you can do with it. Here are a few ideas:

• Make pumpkin pie pops (no-bake and frozen)
• Make pumpkin bread or muffins
• Make pumpkin rice pudding (or custard)
• Make pumpkin pie bars (frozen or no bake)
• Make smoothies that don't involve ice cream

How to Know When Pumpkin Pie is Done

To ensure your pumpkin pie is done, check the middle with a knife after the minimum baking time. If it's not done, add five minutes to the baking time and check again. If you have an instant-read thermometer, you can insert that into the pie at least halfway (to avoid hitting another utensil) before removing it from the oven to get a temperature reading of 180°F.

How Long Does Pumpkin Pie Last in the Fridge

How long will pumpkin pie last in the fridge?

Pumpkin pies are best eaten within 2-3 days of baking, but you can also freeze them for longer storage. If you do so, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

To reheat your pumpkin pie, place it on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes or until hot throughout.

Making a pumpkin pie is not difficult at all. You can do it yourself and join in on the fun of making this delicious food!