As the leaves begin to change colors and the air becomes crisp, my mind always drifts to one thing - pumpkin pie. It's a classic dessert that signifies the arrival of fall and all the cozy moments that come with it.
Begin by crafting a perfect graham cracker crust. Mix 1-1/2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/3 cup melted butter. Press this blend onto the base and sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until it gently browns, then cool it on a wire rack.
Take 2 cups of softened low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt and spread it evenly into the chilled graham cracker crust. Allow this combination to freeze for a refreshing 30 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, merge 1 cup canned pumpkin, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger. Stir these elements until they harmonize into a delightful pumpkin mixture.
Fold the thawed 8-ounce carton of frozen reduced-fat whipping topping into the pumpkin blend with a gentle touch. This ensures a velvety and well-integrated filling.
Spoon the pumpkin and whipped topping fusion onto the frozen yogurt layer within the pie crust. Ensure an even distribution, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.
Place the pie in the freezer for a minimum of 6 hours, or preferably, overnight. This extended period allows for the perfect fusion of flavors, resulting in a frosty and delectable dessert.
Retrieve the pie from the freezer 20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly. If desired, elevate the experience by sprinkling additional pumpkin pie spice for that extra burst of autumnal essence.
Notes
Allow the frozen yogurt to soften slightly before mixing to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, but feel free to use fresh pumpkin if preferred.
Adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences for a more or less spiced flavor profile.
For a decadent touch, drizzle caramel sauce or top with chopped nuts before serving.
To easily slice the frozen pie, run a sharp knife under hot water before cutting.