Why does my pumpkin pie always crack in the middle?

Joan asks: Why does my pumpkin pie always crack in the middle?

BakingSOS says: Pumpkin pie is similar to cheesecake in that it is set with eggs (like a custard). Cheesecake will also crack down the middle if baked in an oven that is too hot and dry. To prevent this, cheesecake is typically baked in a water bath. That is, the cheesecake pan is set inside a shallow pan filled will a small amount of water. This creates steam in the oven, keeping the cheesecake moist, which prevents cracking and burning.

I would suggest a similar technique for baking pumpkin pie. But rather than setting the pie pan directly in a water bath, I would try placing a shallow pan of water on the rack below the pie pan. It should have the same effect: to create a more moist baking environment.

Another solution might be to lower your oven temperature by 25 degrees and bake the pie a little slower and longer.