I absolutely love this crustless pumpkin pie recipe because it brings all the cozy, fall flavors we adore without any fuss over making or dealing with a crust. If you’re like me and sometimes want something lighter but still indulgently creamy and pumpkin-spiced, this is your go-to. It’s perfect for when you’re short on time but don’t want to skip out on that homemade touch.
When I first tried this crustless pumpkin pie recipe, I was surprised at how smooth and custardy it turned out, and how well the coconut milk adds a silky richness without overpowering the pumpkin. You’ll find that it’s a fantastic dessert for anytime—whether it’s a Thanksgiving side or a simple weeknight treat—you won’t miss the crust at all!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Fuss Crust: Skip the crust and save time while still enjoying all the flavors of classic pumpkin pie.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The coconut milk creates a perfectly silky custard that feels decadent yet light.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance, chill it well, and your dessert is ready when you are.
- Allergy Friendly: Dairy-free and easily adaptable for various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this crustless pumpkin pie recipe works together to create that cozy pumpkin flavor we crave. I like using canned pumpkin puree for convenience and consistent texture, and the coconut milk adds just the right touch of richness without heaviness.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
- Coconut Milk (Full-fat canned): Adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness that complements pumpkin beautifully.
- Pure Maple Syrup: I prefer Wholesome Yum Keto Maple Syrup, but any pure maple syrup works well.
- Large Eggs: They help set the custard and give it that smooth finish.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: The perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves makes pumpkin sing.
- Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, fresh note—don’t skip it!
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor depth.
- Sea Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- Dairy-free Whipped Cream (optional): Perfect for topping and adds an extra creaminess without dairy.
Variations
I like to play around with this crustless pumpkin pie recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or dietary needs. Adding your personal touch makes it even more fun and suits your taste buds perfectly.
- Spiced Up: I sometimes add extra cinnamon or a dash of ground cardamom for a warmer, spicier pie that my family adores.
- Sweetener Swaps: If you want to cut back on sugar, try erythritol or stevia blends, adjusting to your preferred sweetness.
- Nutty Boost: Stir in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a lovely crunch contrast just before baking.
- Vegan Option: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, though the texture will be slightly softer but still delightful.
How to Make Crustless Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Custard Ingredients Until Smooth
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin puree, full-fat coconut milk, pure maple syrup, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the mixture is silky smooth without any lumps. This is key to achieving that perfect custard texture—no graininess here!
Step 2: Pour into Ramekins and Bake
Divide the mixture evenly into ten 4-ounce ramekins and place them on a baking sheet. This helps with easy handling and even baking. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should jiggle slightly in the center when done. That gentle wobble means the custard isn’t overcooked and will set beautifully as it cools.
Step 3: Cool and Chill
Once baked, let the custards cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or longer if you plan ahead). Chilling helps the flavors meld and the texture become delightfully creamy. I find that waiting at least an hour makes a huge difference—you’ll notice the custard firms up perfectly and tastes even better cold.
Step 4: Serve with Whipped Cream
When you’re ready to enjoy, top each ramekin with a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream if you like—it’s my favorite finishing touch for that added richness. From there, all that’s left is to savor this comforting, gluten-free treat!
Pro Tips for Making Crustless Pumpkin Pie Recipe
- Smooth Mixture is Key: I always whisk until lumps disappear—this prevents any grainy texture in the finished pie.
- Don’t Overbake: Taking the ramekins out when the custard still jiggles slightly ensures creamy, not rubbery, pie.
- Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: It adds richness and prevents the pie from being watery or thin.
- Chill Properly: Don’t rush the refrigeration—this step really helps the custard set up and flavors to deepen.
How to Serve Crustless Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top mine with a light swirl of dairy-free whipped cream and sometimes sprinkle a pinch of extra pumpkin pie spice or a few toasted pepitas for a little crunch and seasonal flair. These simple garnishes really elevate the experience without competing with the creamy pumpkin flavor.
Side Dishes
Because this crustless pumpkin pie is so rich and satisfying on its own, I like pairing it with lighter sides like spiced apple slices or a fresh cranberry compote. It also doubles as a lovely afternoon treat alongside a cup of chai or coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this in individual mason jars instead of ramekins and topped with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. It’s a fun twist and makes for a beautiful presentation that guests always comment on.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in airtight containers in the fridge. These keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The custard stays smooth and flavorful—you might even find it tastes better after a day or two once the spices have mellowed and blended.
Freezing
Freezing works well for this recipe too! I pour any extra custard into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Texture is mostly preserved, but I prefer it chilled fresh. Still, freezing is a great way to extend its life for busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your custard in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-10 minutes or until just warmed through; this avoids overcooking and drying out. You can also enjoy it cold straight from the fridge if you prefer that refreshing chilled custard feel.
FAQs
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Can I make this crustless pumpkin pie recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg, mixed and set for 5 minutes) and use full-fat coconut milk as written. The texture will be a bit softer but still deliciously creamy and pumpkin-forward.
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What kind of pumpkin puree should I use?
Use pure pumpkin puree from the can—not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. Pure pumpkin gives you full control over the flavor and sweetness.
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How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The custard should still jiggle slightly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to set as it cools. Overbaking can lead to a dry, rubbery texture, so err on the side of slightly underdone.
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Can I double or halve the recipe?
Definitely! This crustless pumpkin pie recipe scales well. Just keep the same ratios and bake in batches or adjust your ramekin count accordingly. Baking time remains about the same per batch.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free since it contains no crust and uses pure pumpkin and simple, gluten-free ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This crustless pumpkin pie recipe is truly one of those kitchen wins I love sharing. It’s quick, reliable, and delivers that comforting pumpkin craving without any extra hassle. If you’re looking for a dessert that feels special but is super approachable, give this one a try. I promise you’ll be reaching for seconds—and your friends and family might just ask you to keep it in regular rotation!
PrintCrustless Pumpkin Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crustless Pumpkin Pie is a delightful and creamy fall dessert that skips the traditional pie crust for a lighter, gluten-free treat. Made with pumpkin puree, full-fat coconut milk, and naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup, this custard-like pie is flavored with warm pumpkin pie spice and finished with a hint of lemon zest and vanilla. Baked in individual ramekins, it’s perfect for portion control and easy entertaining, served chilled and optionally topped with dairy-free whipped cream.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 15-ounce cans pumpkin puree
- 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat canned)
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup (Wholesome Yum Keto Maple Syrup recommended)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pinch sea salt
- Dairy-free whipped cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking your custards.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, full-fat coconut milk, pure maple syrup, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Portion Custard: Evenly divide the pumpkin custard mixture into ten 4-ounce ramekins placed on a baking sheet for stability and easy transport in and out of the oven.
- Bake: Bake the ramekins in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The custards should be set around the edges but still jiggle slightly in the center when gently shaken, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Cool and Chill: Remove from the oven and let the custards cool to room temperature. Then, place them in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to fully set and enhance flavors.
- Serve: Serve the crustless pumpkin pies chilled. Optionally, top each serving with dairy-free whipped cream for a creamy finish.
Notes
- This recipe is slightly modified with permission from Danielle Walker’s cookbook, Make It Easy.
- The recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, thanks to the use of coconut milk and no crust.
- Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Ensure not to overbake; the slight jiggle in the center is key to a perfectly creamy custard.
- The maple syrup adds natural sweetness, but you can adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 124.5 kcal
- Sugar: 3.5 g
- Sodium: 63.5 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 111.5 mg