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If you’re craving a dessert that feels like autumn in every bite, this Pumpkin Custard is your perfect match. It delivers that classic pumpkin pie flavor, but in a lighter, creamier form without the crust. Think smooth, spiced, and just sweet enough to feel indulgent without being over the top.

This recipe is ideal for when you want the essence of pumpkin pie without the fuss of rolling out dough. It bakes gently in a water bath, making the texture ultra silky and custard-like. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream, or chill it for a cool, creamy treat. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dessert and elegant enough for your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Custard

Pumpkin custard is the cozy dessert you didn’t know you needed. It satisfies that craving for fall spices while offering a more refined take on traditional pumpkin desserts. It’s gluten-free, easy to prep ahead of time, and makes your whole kitchen smell like a warm, spiced dream.

Whether you eat it straight from the ramekin or dress it up with toppings, it’s hard not to fall in love with this fall favorite.

What Makes Pumpkin Custard Different Than Pumpkin Pie?

The main difference is in the texture and the crust. Pumpkin custard skips the pie crust entirely, allowing the custard to shine as the star. It’s softer, smoother, and slightly more eggy than pie filling. Plus, it cooks in individual portions, which is perfect for serving guests or controlling portions.

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Custard

Pumpkin custard is all about balance: the right spices, the right creaminess, and the right sweetness. This lineup of ingredients gives you that lush, cozy result every time.

• Pumpkin puree
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Eggs
• Brown sugar
• Maple syrup
• Vanilla extract
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Cinnamon
• Salt

These ingredients work together to create a velvety smooth custard with a deep, warm flavor. The brown sugar adds richness, while the maple syrup brings a hint of earthiness. The cream and milk make it luscious without being too heavy, and the spices bring it all to life.

How To Make the Pumpkin Custard

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Place 6 ramekins in a large baking dish. This is important because you’ll bake the custard in a water bath, which helps maintain its creamy consistency.

Step 2: Mix the Custard Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Then whisk in the eggs until smooth.

Step 3: Add the Dairy

Slowly stir in the heavy cream and whole milk until everything is well incorporated. You don’t want to beat in too much air, so mix gently.

Step 4: Fill the Ramekins

Divide the custard mixture evenly among the ramekins. Pour hot water into the baking dish until it comes about halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

Step 5: Bake Gently

Carefully place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The custard should be set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool. Serve warm or chill for at least 2 hours if you prefer a firmer texture. Add whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or crushed gingersnaps for extra flair.

Serving and Storing Pumpkin Custard

This recipe yields 6 individual servings, perfect for a dinner party or keeping in the fridge for sweet cravings. You can serve it straight from the ramekin, or unmold it for a more elegant presentation.

Store the custards covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. They’re delicious cold, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave if you prefer them soft and silky.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Custard?

Whipped Cream

A generous cloud of whipped cream brings balance and a hint of coolness to each warm, spiced bite.

Gingersnap Cookies

Crushed or whole, gingersnaps add a crisp contrast to the creamy custard.

Candied Pecans

These add a lovely crunch and a nutty sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin spice.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of ice cream melts into the warm custard and adds a sweet creaminess you’ll crave again and again.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

Just a drizzle adds a buttery sweetness with a pop of salt that takes things over the top.

Fresh Berries

Raspberries or cranberries bring brightness and a bit of tartness to balance the rich custard.

Espresso or Black Coffee

The slight bitterness from coffee cuts through the sweetness perfectly, making it a lovely after-dinner pairing.

Want More Custard and Fall Dessert Ideas?

If you love this Pumpkin Custard, you’ll enjoy these other comforting creations too:

• Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler is fruity, buttery, and nostalgic.
• Ooey Gooey Bars for a chewy, caramel-rich treat.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes if you love creamy meets cinnamon spice.
• Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers for a savory-sweet bite-sized delight.
• Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons to bring a chewy tropical touch to your table.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you serve it warm or chilled? Add your own twist with toppings?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and seasonal desserts on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

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