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Small pumpkin pies usually take about 20 to 30 minutes to bake in a standard oven set to 375°F (190°C).
The exact time depends on the size of your pie, whether you’re using a muffin tin or ramekins, and whether you’re baking with a homemade or store-bought crust.
If you’ve ever found yourself asking how long to bake small pumpkin pies, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll walk through the ideal baking times for small pumpkin pies, how to tell when they’re done, and a few tips to make sure they come out perfectly every single time.
Let’s dive in.
How Long to Bake Small Pumpkin Pies: The Basics
When figuring out how long to bake small pumpkin pies, the first thing to know is that size matters a lot.
A full-sized pumpkin pie typically bakes for 50 to 60 minutes, but small pumpkin pies are much faster.
That’s because smaller pies have less volume to heat through, so the custard sets quicker and the crust browns faster.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how long to bake small pumpkin pies depending on what you’re using:
1. Mini Muffin Tin Pumpkin Pies
If you’re making bite-sized mini pumpkin pies in a muffin tin, they usually bake for about 15 to 20 minutes at 375°F.
These are the smallest version of small pumpkin pies, so they set fast.
Keep an eye on them, because a minute or two too long can dry out the custard.
2. Standard Muffin Tin Pumpkin Pies
For slightly larger small pumpkin pies baked in a regular muffin tin, plan for around 20 to 25 minutes at 375°F.
This is one of the most popular ways to make small pumpkin pies because they’re portable and perfectly portioned.
3. Ramekins or Mini Pie Tins
If you’re using ramekins or small individual pie tins, these small pumpkin pies generally need 25 to 30 minutes at 375°F.
They hold a bit more filling than a muffin tin, so they take slightly longer to bake through.
4. Tartlet Pans
Tartlet pans fall somewhere in between, and small pumpkin pies baked in them usually take 22 to 28 minutes.
The fluted edges mean the crust bakes a little faster, so watch for golden brown edges as your cue.
How to Tell When Small Pumpkin Pies Are Done
Knowing how long to bake small pumpkin pies is only half the battle.
The other half is knowing when to pull them out of the oven, even if the timer hasn’t gone off yet.
Here are the signs to look for:
1. The Center Should Jiggle Slightly
When your small pumpkin pies are done, the center should still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
It shouldn’t be liquid, and it shouldn’t be completely firm either.
That soft wobble means the custard will finish setting as it cools.
2. A Toothpick Comes Out Mostly Clean
Insert a toothpick about an inch from the edge of a small pumpkin pie.
If it comes out clean or with just a tiny bit of custard, they’re ready.
If it’s wet and coated, give them a few more minutes.
3. The Edges Are Set and the Crust Is Golden
The edges of your small pumpkin pies should look fully set, and the crust should be a nice golden brown.
If the crust is browning too fast but the filling still looks wet, tent them loosely with foil.
Tips for Baking Small Pumpkin Pies Perfectly
Getting the timing right for small pumpkin pies is easier when you follow a few simple tips.
These little tricks can mean the difference between a silky custard and a rubbery one.
1. Don’t Overbake Them
The biggest mistake people make with small pumpkin pies is baking them too long.
Because they’re small, they go from perfectly done to overdone in just a couple of minutes.
Start checking a few minutes before the minimum bake time.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Let your eggs, milk, and pumpkin puree come to room temperature before mixing.
This helps the filling bake evenly, which makes timing your small pumpkin pies much more predictable.
3. Preheat Your Oven Properly
Always preheat your oven for at least 15 minutes before baking small pumpkin pies.
An oven that hasn’t fully heated will throw off your bake time and leave you guessing.
4. Cool Them Completely Before Removing
Once your small pumpkin pies come out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes.
Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
This helps the custard finish setting without cracking.
5. Chill for Best Flavor
While you can eat small pumpkin pies warm, chilling them for a couple of hours improves the texture and flavor.
The spices meld together, and the custard becomes firmer and creamier.
So, How Long to Bake Small Pumpkin Pies?
Small pumpkin pies take about 20 to 30 minutes to bake at 375°F, depending on the size of your pan.
Mini muffin tin versions need just 15 to 20 minutes, while ramekins and mini pie tins take closer to 25 to 30 minutes.
The key is to watch for a slightly jiggly center, a golden crust, and a toothpick that comes out mostly clean.
With these tips, you’ll know exactly how long to bake small pumpkin pies so they turn out silky, spiced, and delicious every time.
Now go preheat that oven and enjoy your perfectly baked small pumpkin pies.