Dad's Birthday Pie (Pumpkin with Pecan Crumble Topping)

I know what you must be thinking, pumpkin pie? In June? Are you crazy?! And to that I say, a)there is always a time for pie and b)it's for my dad's birthday and on your birthday you can eat whatever you want!

Ever since my dad was little he always asked his mom for birthday pie instead of cake, and who could blame him, my grandmother was the pie queen. I have yet to master her perfectly pressed and flaky crusts (as you can see) but despite it's...rustic appearance, it tastes delicious which is what really counts in the end. This time I decided to amp up the usual pumpkin pie with a pecan topping in order to add texture and to stay true to my dad's food philosophy, "anything with nuts in it is health food."

While that statement might not be completely true, the caramelized sugar and spice of the cinnamon in the crumble really takes this pie to the next level!

Dad's Birthday Pie (Pumpkin with Pecan Crumble Topping)

Pie recipe adapted from Libby's

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 and 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice OR (1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, and 1/4 tsp ground cloves)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 can (15 oz.) Pure Pumpkin puree
1 can (12 fl. oz.)Evaporated Milk

For the streusel topping...

3/4 cup chopped and toasted pecans
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 TBS flour
2 TBS cold butter, diced

For my pie crust recipe click HERE

*crust recipe makes 2 crusts, I always freeze half to keep it on hand.

Method:

1.Beat eggs in large bowl, add sugar and spices and mix until incorporated. Stir in pumpkin. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into prepared pie shell.

2.For topping, mix sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Add nuts and diced butter and mix until butter crumbles.

2.Bake in preheated 425° F oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F; and add crumble topping, then bake for 40 to 50 minutes more or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

p.s. If you don't have any candles laying around, sentimental/slightly embarrassing pictures always work too!