Pumpkin Pie with Brown Sugar and Walnut Topping

pumpkinpiebrownsugarwalnuttopping Brown sugar adds a deep, rich flavour to the soft filling. The nutty, slightly salty topping is the perfect finishing touch.

Topping:
½ cup walnut pieces
¼ cup golden brown sugar, packed
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
1 pinch fine sea salt

Crust:
1 (12") round pie crust

Filling:
1 cup golden brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
½ tsp. fine sea salt
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. ground ginger
¼ tsp. ground cloves
1 cup canned pure pumpkin purée
1 cup heavy whipping cream

For the Topping:
Combine all ingredients. Using on/off turns, blend to fine crumbs.

Make-Ahead: Can be made 1 day ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

For the Crust:
Position oven rack in bottom third of oven; preheat to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4). Transfer crust to 9" diameter glass pie dish. Fold edges under and crimp decoratively. Freeze crust 20 minutes.

Line crust with nonstick foil and fill with dried beans or pie weights. Bake until crust is set, about 20 minutes. Gently remove foil and beans. Return crust to oven and bake until partially cooked and golden brown around edges, pressing down on crust with back of spoon if bubbles form, about 15 minutes. Cool crust on rack. Maintain oven temperature.

For the Filling:
Whisk brown sugar, eggs, sea salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in medium bowl. Add pumpkin and cream and whisk until well blended and smooth.

Pour filling into crust. Bake pie until filling is firm, covering crust with foil collar if browning too quickly, about 30 minutes.

Sprinkle topping evenly over top of pie. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C/140°C fan, Gas Mark 3); continue to bake pie until filling is set and slightly puffed in center, about 15 minutes longer. Transfer pie to rack and cool completely.

Make-Ahead: Can be made 1 day ahead. Tent with foil and chill. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before serving.

Makes 8 servings.