When baking pumpkin pie, it should initially be positioned at which part of the oven?

The correct placement for pumpkin pie during the initial baking process is the lower part of the oven. This is because pumpkin pie requires a longer baking time to ensure that the filling sets properly while providing enough heat to the bottom crust. By positioning the pie in the lower part of the oven, it ensures that the bottom crust receives adequate direct heat, promoting even cooking and preventing a soggy bottom. This helps to achieve a crisp and well-baked crust, which is essential for a successful pumpkin pie.

The middle rack could lead to uneven baking, where the top may set too quickly compared to the bottom. The top rack is typically reserved for items that need more concentrated heat from above, which could result in the filling cooking too fast and not allowing the overall pie to bake evenly. The bottom oven tray is generally used for catching spills or for items that need very low heat, neither of which is suitable for baking a delicate dessert like pumpkin pie.