What’s the best part of pumpkin pie? Well, the filling of course. What if we could ditch the crust and make a dessert with all the flavor of pumpkin pie? How about putting that dessert in its own little individual dish (meaning no fighting over who got the bigger slice of pie)? These individual pumpkin custards have all the best flavors of pumpkin pie and are so good you won’t want to wait until Thanksgiving to make them.
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I’ve been making these pumpkin custards every fall for years and they are one of my favorite desserts for Thaksgiving (This chess pie is another delicious Thanksgiving dessert). I love that I get all the flavor of pumpkin pie and it’s a bit lighter without the crust (don’t get me wrong, I love a good pie crust but leaving it out gives me room to indulge in other fall goodies). These custards are gluten free, and can easily be made with almond milk (I do this quite a bit since I usually have almond milk on hand) for anyone that can’t have dairy.
Why use a water bath when baking custards?
These custards are baked using the water bath method. What this entails is placing the custard dishes (I love these pretty little Weck jars) in a larger dish filled with warm water for baking. Why on earth would we do this? Two reasons. First off using a water bath provides for a slower and more even heating than the direct heat of the oven which works really well for dishes like custard, cheesecake and flan. Secondly, the water also provides moisture in the oven reducing the chance your custard will crack.
How to make Individual Pumpkin Custards
While not a last minute dessert these pumpkin custards are pretty easy to make. Throw all of the ingredients into a large bowl and whisked until everything is mixed together . Divide this evenly between 6 ramekins and place in a large baking dish, add warm water (about an inch depth) to bake utilizing the water bath method. These custards will be done in about 50 minutes, make sure to let them cool to room temperature before completely chilling in the fridge.
Top with whipped cream (or not, you do you) and you’ve got your own little cup of sweet, pumpkiny goodness.
If you make these Individual Pumpkin Custards be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!
Pumpkin Cookies with White Chocolate and Pecans
Apple Scones with Maple Cinnamon Glaze
The Very Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Apple Cider
Butternut Squash Quiche with Goat Cheese and Rosemary
Butternut Squash and Mushroom Risotto
Apple Cider Cable Car Cocktail
Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon Apples
If you make these Individual Pumpkin Custards please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Individual Pumpkin Custards
Equipment
- ramekins
- 9×13 baking dish
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cup milk dairy or almond
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place all ingredients into a large mixing bowl and whisk together until thoroughly combined.
- Divide the pumpkin mixture evenly between 6 (6-8oz) ramekins. Place the ramekins in a 9×13 baking pan and add hot water to a depth of 1 inch. Bake for 50 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean). Remove ramekins from the baking dish and cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
Notes
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Lisa says
So YUMMO and so easy my two favorite recipes requirements! Thank you!
veenaazmanov says
Love your presentation and the amazing flavors given to this Pumpkin Custard. Sounds very creative and special too.
Beth says
These look amazing! I can’t wait to give these a try! My husband and daughter are going to love them!
Jamie says
What a lovely looking dessert! I’m a huge fan of custard but never tried pumpkin custard! So excited to try this!
Jeannette says
Wow. Just wow. Pumpkin pie filling is THE BOMB and this recipe is just perfect to enjoy what I love! Thanks for sharing such a great idea!
Emily Liao says
Loved these pumpkin custards! So delicious and flavorful 🙂
Scarlet says
I have never had a pumpkin custard but it sounds amazing! I am pinning now to try soon!
veenaazmanov says
For all Pumpkin lovers a super delicious and healthy recipe. Thanks. Presentation yummy.
rika says
Custard is one of my favorite desserts. I also love pumpkin flavor. This is the perfect dessert to serve during the holiday season.
Priya Lakshminarayan says
My mouth is watering just looking at your pics. What an awesome recipe!
Anjali says
This pumpkin custard was super easy to make and turned out great!! Love that they can easily be individually portioned too!
Dannii says
What a delicious way to use custard. This looks really good.
Lisa K says
So easy and very yummy! Perfect dessert. Thank you!
Brianna says
So glad you liked it!
Sharon says
These custards are so delicious and full of pumpkin flavor. I can’t wait to put these on my Thanksgiving dinner menu.
Patti@PattyCakesPantry says
You’re absolutely right. The best part of pumpkin pie is the custard. I love the idea of making individual pumpkin custards, and they’re delicious.
Audrey says
These are perfect for pumpkin spice fanatics like me!
Farrukh Aziz says
Amazing recipe! The custards taste exactly like pumpkin pie filling! Definitely my favorite pumpkin recipe!
Angie says
I’ve always loved custard pie and pumpkin desserts as well, so I know I would love your pumpkin custard.
Angie says
I love custard pie and pumpkin desserts. So I know I would love your pumpkin custard.
Karen says
These look like the perfect little fall desserts. I so agree with you that the pumpkin pie filling is the best part! I also like cake better than frosting lol.
Jamie says
These are so delicious and full of pumpkin pie flavor! I love the presentation of these and it’s great for dinner parties where everyone can have their own.
Nicole says
Pumpkin pie gets old pretty quickly, so I’m super thankful to have found this recipe for custards! You get the same great flavours but in a way more enjoyable form, IMO. Such a simple recipe but big on flavour and beautiful presentation to boot!
Natalie says
Lovely fall-inspired dessert. So easy to make and full of wonderful seasonal flavors. Love added cloves in this custard. I will make them for sure.
Matt Ivan says
Amazing! Might swap my traditional pumpkin pie out with this!
Silvia says
What a great idea making individual pumpkin custards. Pumpkin is one of my favorite flavors of the season, and I’m always looking for new recipes. This is just like pumpkin pie in a cup, just like you said. My hubby is lactose sensitive, so I used almond milk, amazing!
Jean says
great idea to enjoy and share as gift to friends!
Julie says
I’m in love with your fall flavors! Brown sugar + pumpkin omgggggggg!
Michelle says
Such a great idea!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
This dish looks so deliciously good. I wish I could eat that right this minute!
Allyssa says
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing individual pumpkin custard recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
Judy says
Great recipe and so easy! I have made this this with both unsweetened almond milk and whole milk. I did add only 1/4 cup brown sugar and added 2 tablespoons of real maple syrup. I omitted the cloves and added a little more cinnamon.