I absolutely love this Crustless Vegan Pumpkin Pie Recipe because it’s such a wonderful twist on a holiday classic. Without the crust, it’s comforting and rich, yet lighter and easier to make – no rolling dough or worrying about a soggy bottom. Whether you’re short on time or craving a healthier dessert, you’ll find that this recipe hits all the right notes with its creamy texture and warm pumpkin spice flavor.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how effortlessly it came together and how perfectly it captured the essence of traditional pumpkin pie – but vegan and crustless! Plus, it’s ideal for those who want a gluten-free, refined sugar-free treat that still feels indulgent. I promise, once you make this crustless vegan pumpkin pie, it might just become your go-to for fall gatherings or anytime you want a slice of cozy comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Fuss, All Flavor: Skip the crust, save time, but keep that classic pumpkin pie taste you love.
- Vegan & Allergy-Friendly: Perfect for friends or family who avoid dairy, eggs, or gluten without missing out on dessert.
- Creamy, Silky Texture: The coconut milk and eggs blend beautifully to create a custard that’s smooth and luscious.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples you probably already have with a subtle hint of lemon zest for brightness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a key role in making this crustless vegan pumpkin pie recipe taste just right. From the creamy coconut milk to the fragrant pumpkin pie spice, you’ll want to choose quality items for the best results.
- Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for natural sweetness and the best texture.
- Full-fat coconut milk: This adds creaminess and richness, so don’t substitute with the watery kind.
- Pure maple syrup: For a clean, natural sweetness – I often use Wholesome Yum Keto Maple Syrup to keep it on the healthier side.
- Large eggs: They help bind and set the custard; no need for egg replacers here, but I’ll share tips if you want a vegan egg substitute later.
- Pumpkin pie spice: This mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves is the soul of this recipe.
- Lemon zest: Just a touch brightens up the deep pumpkin flavor in a lovely way.
- Vanilla extract: For a warm, inviting aroma that rounds out the spices.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors – never skip it!
- Dairy-free whipped cream (optional): Adds a dreamy finish when you’re ready to serve.
Variations
One of the things I really enjoy about this crustless vegan pumpkin pie recipe is how versatile it is—feel free to tweak it based on what you have or dietary preferences. I often adjust the sweetness or add my own spice touches depending on the season or occasion.
- Make it nut-free: Simply ensure your whipped topping is free from nuts, and avoid cross-contamination; the base recipe is already free of nuts.
- Use aquafaba for vegan eggs: When I want a 100% vegan version, I replace eggs with chickpea brine (aquafaba) whipped to a fluffy consistency—just keep in mind baking time might shift a bit.
- Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a twist that turns heads at Thanksgiving dinner.
- Maple syrup alternatives: If you prefer, you can swap maple syrup for coconut sugar or date syrup, just adjust to your sweetness preference.
How to Make Crustless Vegan Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Whisk the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F — don’t skip this because your pie needs that consistent heat to set properly. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, full-fat coconut milk, maple syrup, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, freshly grated lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. You’ll want to mix until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free; this is key for a silky texture. When I first made this, I found that a good whisking helps avoid any surprise clumps later.
Step 2: Portion and Bake
Pour the custard evenly into ten 4-ounce ramekins placed on a baking sheet – this makes serving a breeze and helps cook the custards evenly. Pop them into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. I usually check around 25 minutes; you want the custards to jiggle just slightly in the center, like a perfect flan. Overbaking will dry it out, so keep an eye on this step.
Step 3: Cool and Chill
Once out of the oven, let the custards cool to room temperature before transferring them to the fridge for at least 1 hour. This chilling step helps them firm up and develop that rich, creamy texture. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! I admit I sometimes sneak a small spoonful during cooling time—can’t resist that fresh pumpkin goodness.
Pro Tips for Making Crustless Vegan Pumpkin Pie Recipe
- Use full-fat coconut milk: It really makes a difference for that creamy, custardy consistency—don’t substitute with light or watered-down versions.
- Don’t overbake: The jiggly center is your cue to take the custards out—they’ll firm up as they cool without drying out.
- Ramekin size matters: Using 4-ounce ramekins helps portion evenly and ensures even cooking time; larger vessels may require adjustments.
- Fresh lemon zest is key: It brightens the flavors so beautifully—skip the bottled zest and use fresh whenever possible.
How to Serve Crustless Vegan Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, I like to keep it simple with a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream on top—that luscious creaminess complements the spiced pumpkin custard beautifully. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or a dash more cinnamon can add a lovely textural contrast and enhance the aroma. Sometimes, I also drizzle a little maple syrup for extra sweetness and flair.
Side Dishes
I usually serve this crustless vegan pumpkin pie alongside light sides like spiced pecans or a crisp autumn fruit salad with pears and cranberries. For a cozy fall gathering, pair it with a warm chai latte or a cup of herbal tea to round out the comforting vibe. It also makes a lovely finish to a vegan Thanksgiving meal with roasted veggies and mashed sweet potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try layering the pumpkin custard in clear glass jars topped with vegan whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a charming parfait effect. These individual servings are great for potlucks or dinner parties—everyone gets their own perfect portion. I’ve also decorated mine with candied ginger or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep really well in the fridge for up to 4 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. I find that the flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making it even more delicious. Just bring it out at room temperature or chill slightly before serving again.
Freezing
While I don’t freeze this often because it disappears too quickly, you can freeze the custards in their ramekins or transfer to freezer-safe containers. To freeze, wrap well and use within 2 months for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a low oven (around 275°F) or microwave in short bursts to avoid curdling or drying out. I like to cover the ramekins with foil if reheating in the oven to keep moisture in. Serve with a fresh dollop of whipped cream for that freshly made feel.
FAQs
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Is this Crustless Vegan Pumpkin Pie Recipe truly vegan if it contains eggs?
Great question! The original recipe includes eggs which means it’s vegetarian but not fully vegan. However, you can make it entirely vegan by substituting the eggs with an egg replacer like aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or a commercial vegan egg alternative. This will slightly change the texture but still give you a delicious, plant-based custard.
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! If you roast and puree fresh pumpkin (like sugar pumpkin or pie pumpkin), just make sure to cook it down until smooth and drain any excess moisture. Substitute the same amount as canned puree, but keep in mind fresh pumpkin can be less sweet and more watery, so you might want to adjust the maple syrup slightly.
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What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries! You can easily make your own blend: use ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and a pinch of ground cloves or allspice. Adjust ratios to your taste, but a good starting place is 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon cloves.
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How do I know when the custards are done baking?
You’ll want the custards to look set around the edges but slightly jiggle in the center when you gently shake the ramekins. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid baking until fully firm or they might become dry.
Final Thoughts
This crustless vegan pumpkin pie recipe has really earned a spot in my kitchen rotation because it’s simple, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing. I love how easy it is to whip up individual servings that still feel like a special treat, whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy autumn night. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both comforting and a little lighter on fuss, give this recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did, and your guests will too!
PrintCrustless Vegan 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 offers a creamy, dairy-free twist on a classic fall dessert. Made with pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup, it’s a light yet flavorful custard baked to perfection in individual ramekins. Perfect for those avoiding traditional pie crusts or dairy, this recipe is easy to prepare and ready to enjoy in under two hours.
Ingredients
Crustless Pumpkin Pie
- 2 15-ounce cans pumpkin puree
- 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup (e.g., Wholesome Yum Keto Maple Syrup)
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the custard.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, coconut milk, maple syrup, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and sea salt until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Divide Mixture: Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly into ten 4-ounce ramekins. Arrange the ramekins on a baking sheet for easy transfer to the oven.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet with ramekins into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The custards should still jiggle slightly in the center when they are done.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate the custards for at least 1 hour to allow them to set.
- Serve: Serve each custard chilled, topped with dairy-free whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- This recipe is slightly modified with permission from Danielle Walker’s cookbook, Make It Easy.
- Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Ensure not to overbake; a slight jiggle in the center indicates perfect custard consistency.
- Ramekins can be substituted with any oven-safe custard dishes of similar size.
- For a refined twist, garnish with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 125 kcal
- Sugar: 3.5 g
- Sodium: 63.5 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 112 mg