What makes a perfect pumpkin pie? There isn’t, of course, a right answer to the question—as is true for just about everything in life, different people are looking for different things (and if you’re looking for an easy-to-make pie featuring dulce de leche, we’ve got you covered!) But one possible answer for a perfect pumpkin pie would be the one made by Hot Hands Pie and Biscuit, the new bakery in St. Paul’s Mac-Groveland neighborhood.
The Hot Hands pie is exceedingly creamy and tender enough to be swept out of its crust by an assertive fork or finger, but not so runny or weak as to collapse under its own weight. It’s sweet without being cloying, and the pie spices are present without being obnoxious. The crust is thin, delicate, and flaky, taking a back seat to the luscious filling without falling apart or disappearing completely.
In short: Everywhere where it could be too much or too little of anything, it finds the middle road and walks the righteous path. If it’s been awhile since you’ve had a serious pumpkin pie, here’s one to try—it’s autumn on a plate.
A slice of pumpkin pie at Hot Hands Pie & Biscuit in St. Paul’s Mac-Groveland neighborhood // Photo by Tony Saunders
THE DISH: Pumpkin Pie, $5 for a slice, $28 for a whole pie
THE PLACE: Hot Hands Pie & Biscuit, 272 Snelling Ave S Suite 100, St. Paul
THE REASON: In terms of texture and flavor, it strikes a perfect balance for a classic pie