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This pumpkin custard dessert is a cinch to prepare and will satisfy that pumpkin craving! It’s rich and creamy and full of pumpkin spice with a delicious nutty, crunch topping.
Its creamy, delicious and can be served either warm or cold. If you love pumpkin custard, you’ll also want to check out our pumpkin delight dessert and pumpkin cheesecake bars – all great fall treats!
BEST Pumpkin Custard recipe
I am kind of in love with this pumpkin custard. It’s such a great alternative to making an entire pumpkin pie. You can serve it in little individual dishes with a dollop of whipped cream.
Not only is a great dessert idea for any fall holiday, but it’s great to enjoy anytime during pumpkin season, even though it’s always pumpkin custard time in my book.
I love that this recipe is easy enough to be made on any normal weeknight but also classy enough to make for a large gathering. My favorite way to serve this custard is chilled with a little whipped cream on top. Add that topping of chopped pecans and a sprinkle of cinnamon to give it that extra spice and crunch.
You can also serve the custard warm- whatever you prefer!
Pumpkin Custard Water Bath
Custards can be a bit tricky at first if you’ve never made them before since you’ll put them in little bowls or cups and THEN put them in another pan with water to bake – it’s called a water bath. Don’t be nervous though. If you just follow the directions, it turns out just fine. 🙂
What to bake custard in: You’ll need a heat proof baking dish to make this dessert such as custard cups (flared sides) or ramekins (straight sides). If you do not have either of these you can use a smaller wide mouth mason jar.
What does a water bath do? It simply adds moisture to the oven and can be helpful when making cheesecakes or custards to prevent it from cracking or from being overcooked. Without a water bath, the outside of this custard would overcook before the center is done.
To make this easy pumpkin custard, begin by combining the pumpkin puree, eggs, half and half, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Beat them together until combined.
Pour the batter evenly into 3 greased 10-oz oven safe containers (I like to use little ramekins).
Place the cups into a 9×13 baking pan. Then pour about an inch of hot water around the cups. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. While the custard is baking, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, and pecans in a small bowl.
After the custard has baked for 20 minutes, take them out of the oven and sprinkle the pecan mixture on top. Bake for another 35-40 minutes.
Remember you can serve these warm or chilled! Store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
pumpkin Custard recipe Notes:
- A water bath is also called a bain-marie
- Don’t over check the custard. Each time the oven opens the heat and moisture is lost.
- If you are making several at a time they may cook at different times. So keep an eye on them.
- To avoid spilling hot water: add 1 inch of hot water to the pan after you have placed it on the oven rack, then gently slide the rack into the oven.
How do I know when the custard is done? Since the custard is supposed to be a bit jiggly in the center you can know when the custard is done by inserting a butter knife halfway between the center and the side of the dish. If it comes out clean, it’s done.
Toppings + Storing for pumpkin custard
Which Pumpkin Custard Toppings are best? We were sure to add a few fresh chopped pecans on top along with some whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. You could also add nutmeg or pumpkin spice, based on what you like most.
You can also STORE the custard in the fridge by covering and storing for up to 3 days.
We hope you enjoy this custard. It’s practically pumpkin pie without the crust but even more flavorful!
This pumpkin custard is going to make your fall season delicious! If you’ve never made a custard then definitely put it on your fall bucket list and don’t be intimidated by it. They’re really quite simple. 🙂
For more great pumpkin desserts, check out:
- No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecakes
- Pumpkin Pudding Parfaits
- Delicious Pumpkin Delight
- Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars
- Pumpkin Lasagna
- Pumpkin Delight
Pumpkin Custard Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can solid pack pumpkin
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup half and half
- 2/3 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
Topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup pecans chopped
- 1 TB butter melted
- Whipped cream, ground cinnamon and chopped pecans, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350
- In a large bowl, beat together the first six ingredients. Pour into 3 greased 10-oz cups.
- Place cups in a 9×13 baking pan; pour hot water around cups to a depth of 1 in. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine brown sugar, pecans and melted butter. After custard has baked for 20 minutes, sprinkle over the top and bake an additional 35-40 minutes longer or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm or chilled; top with whipped cream, cinnamon and more chopped pecans if desired. Store in the refrigerator.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Adapted from Taste of Home.
I have made two batchEs!!!! Very very good. In fact im going to make another batch.
Yay! That’s what I love to hear! Thank you for letting me know!
I would imagine this could be made in one large greased round baking dish, but how long to bake would you think.
I am sure it could, though I haven’t tried that. I would need to try different things, as I am not sure. It might not take as long since it won’t be as thick as pouring in cups.
Most likely this would take about an hour – just like pumpkin pie. Depends on how thick (deep) it’s poured.
Tasty aNd easy, great for thoSe who ROUTINELY leave the crust on THE plate and just eat the pumpkin filling. ThE Recipe said it makes three servings, but I poured mine into a whole pie plate and it serveD six Easily with the adDed topping and Some WHIPPED creme
Thank you for sharing that 🙂 I am so glad you liked it!
I was wondering if the mixture can be frozen. I may more than I needed and I would haTe to waste it.
It can last in the fridge for a few days, but I probably would not freeze it.
These were absolutely DELICIOUS! Are the nutrition facts shown for the entire recipe? We’ll definitely be making these again! Thank you for sharing!
Question For the pumpkin custard cups-the batter tastes delish already but I am wondering if I should use a different baking time if I am using 8 oz. cups vs. 10 oz cups?
You may just want to check them maybe 5 minutes before the regular time. It shouldn’t make too much of a difference 🙂
Super easy to make and perfect for fall. Yum!
It sure is!! We love it! Thank you 🙂
This pumpkin custard is pretty much my dream come true. All of that creamy pumpkin filling, with no carb-loaded crust to worry about! Thanks so much for the great recipe. 🙂
You are so welcome!! Thank you for letting me know!
Oh, I love pecans paired with pumpkin! So perfect for fall…
Me too!! I love the crunch! Thanks so much!
This looks delicious! And such a pretty dessert to serve to guests for the holidays.
It tastes delicious, too!! And, yes perfect for company! Thank you!