Pumpkin Pie with Bournville Base Earthy Sweetness and Rich Crunch
Written by deepali verma | October 12, 2025
Pumpkin desserts are no longer reserved for fall or the Thanksgiving holiday to relish. During the season of pumpkin, its fans never lag behind in experimenting and coming up with recipes that vary from sweet to savory. But sweets are always given the top slot in the list. If you have been contemplating adding a new twist to your dessert table, don't think twice and make Pumpkin pie with Bournville chocolate base.
Pumpkin is old-world classy in Indian kitchens as well, making an appearance in halwas and laddoos across the country. Combining it with Bournville could sound strange, but that's where the twist lies. The richness of dark chocolate and the warm sweetness of pumpkin go hand in hand, and this pie is a recipe worth pulling out for special dinner parties.
Bournville chocolate is usually recalled from subdued indulgent moments, snapping a piece after a long workday, or sharing a square with a loved one. In a dessert such as this, it doesn't merely rest there to add decoration; it creates the very base, both in flavor and in texture. The crumbly but firm foundation supports the soft pumpkin filling effortlessly.
If you’ve been eyeing the pumpkins in your local market and wondering what to do with them, this pie might just be your best answer.
Ingredients:
For the Bournville base:
150g Bournville chocolate (roughly chopped)
1½ cups digestive biscuits (crushed)
4 tbsp melted unsalted butter
For the pumpkin filling:
2 cups pumpkin puree (freshly made or canned)
½ cup brown sugar or jaggery powder
2 large eggs
½ cup fresh cream
1 tsp cinnamon powder
½ tsp nutmeg powder
½ tsp ginger powder
1 tsp vanilla essence
For Serving:
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)
Shaved Bournville chocolate
Method:
Preheat your oven to 180°C. For the base, melt the Bournville chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave. Stir until it is smooth. Mix the crushed biscuits with melted butter and add the melted chocolate. Mix well until the crumbs are properly coated and moist. Press this firmly into the base of a greased pie dish, ensuring it is even. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes to set.
In a bowl, beat pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger powder, and vanilla essence until smooth. Pour the mixture into the cooled base, distributing evenly.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and leave to cool to room temperature before slicing. Serve on its own, or top with whipped cream and a light dusting of shaved Bournville chocolate.
Quick Tips to Follow
Make your own pumpkin puree
Though canned pumpkin does the trick, preparing a fresh puree from scratch allows you to control the consistency and inherent sweetness. Steam or roast chunks of pumpkin until tender, and then puree until smooth. If too watery, strain through a muslin cloth before using.
Select right biscuits to complement the chocolate
For the base, digestive biscuits, oat biscuits, or even nut cookies are good options. Do not use sweeter biscuits, as Bournville already offers rich flavors. The biscuit you're using should complement the chocolate, not dominate it.
Chill the Base
Once you’ve pressed the chocolate-biscuit mixture into the pie dish, let it chill. This step ensures the base holds together during baking. If skipped, the base may crumble and mix with the filling.
Balance your spices
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are key in the pumpkin filling, but it’s easy to go overboard. Stick to the mentioned measurements for a balanced taste where no single spice overpowers the rest.
Don't overbake the filling
The pumpkin filling will still cook slightly after being removed from the oven. Check it at the 40-minute point. It should be firm at the edges but still soft in the middle, it will firm up as it cools.
Rest the pie before cutting
Warming the pie to slice it may cause the filling to separate. Let it rest for at least 30–40 minutes to set. This resting time also allows the Bournville base to harden again, making it simple to cut clean slices.
Try topping it
Although whipped cream is traditional, you can also include roasted nuts, a chocolate sauce drizzle, or a sprinkle of sea salt to make it richer. Serve with slim chocolate curls shaved off cold Bournville for a sophisticated touch if serving at a celebratory dinner.