Crustless Pumpkin Pie (Gluten-Free & Light!)

A Cozy Autumn Dessert Without the Crust

Craving all the creamy, spiced flavor of pumpkin pie—without the crust, carbs, or extra prep? Enter Crustless Pumpkin Pie, a lighter, gluten‑free version of the traditional favorite. Silky custard packed with autumn spices, baked until just-set, and perfect on its own or topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Whether you’re accommodating gluten-free guests, counting carbs, or simply streamlining your dessert, this crust-free version delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

No rolling crust. No soggy bottom fears. Just pure pumpkin, perfect custard, and cozy aroma.

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Why Choose Crustless Pumpkin Pie?

• Gluten-Free & Lower-Carb
  Ideal for those avoiding gluten or watching carb intake—no crust means fewer carbs, fewer worries.

• Simple to Make
  One-bowl recipe with minimal prep and effortless cleanup.

• Crowd-Friendly Portions
  Make a single pie or divide into individual ramekins for neat presentation.

• Custardy Perfection
  Silky, light, and perfectly spiced—no crust to distract from the creamy pumpkin flavor.

• Customizable Serving
  Pair with whipped cream, yogurt, fruit compote, or enjoy plain for a healthy treat.

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Ingredients & Why They Matter

Custard Base

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée – natural sweetness, moisture, and vitamin A.

• 3 large eggs – structure and smooth texture.

• ½ cup granulated sugar – balanced sweetness.

• ½ cup light brown sugar – moist depth, richer caramel flavor.

• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based) – creamy texture.

• 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ginger, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ⅛ tsp cloves, plus a pinch of salt – classic fall spice blend.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract – flavor depth and aromatics.

• Optional low-carb swap: Replace sugars with monk fruit sweetener, erythritol, or stevia blend. Adjust bake times slightly.

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Equipment You’ll Need

• 9-inch pie dish, or

• Six 6-oz ramekins for individual servings

• Mixing bowl and whisk

• Rubber spatula and measuring cups

• Oven and cooling rack

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). If using ramekins, place them in a shallow baking pan.

Mix the Custard

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, sugars, milk, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, pinch of salt, and vanilla until silky smooth.

2. Taste the mixture—add a bit more sweetener or spice if desired.

Divide & Bake

• Whole pie option: Pour mixture into a greased 9” pie dish.

• Individual option: Pour into ramekins; fill a shallow pan halfway with hot water to create a water bath (prevents curdling and creates extra creaminess).

Bake for:

• Whole pie: 45–55 minutes, until edges are set and center jiggles slightly.

• Ramekins: 30–35 minutes, checking where the custard moves gently but doesn’t look wet.

Cool & Chill

Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Then refrigerate fully for 2–4 hours or overnight—this extra chill enhances firmness, texture, and flavor.

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Tips for Custardy Success

• Avoid Overbaking: Slight jiggle at the center signals perfect doneness—avoids dryness and cracks.

• Use Room-Temperature Eggs & Milk: Prevents cracking and overcooking.

• Water Bath for Ramekins: Creates a silky, even bake without overcooked edges.

• Slow Cooling Prevents Cracks: Let it cool at room temperature before refrigerating.

• Spice Customization: Adjust cinnamon, nutmeg, or add cardamom—all welcome in this custard.

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Variations & Flavor Tweaks

• Low-Carb/Keto Friendly: Use sweeteners like monk fruit or erythritol and dairy-based or unsweetened nut milk.

• Vegan Adaptation: Replace eggs with a vegan custard base (silken tofu or vegan ‘egg’ replacer).

• Mini Ramekins for Gifting: Bake individual servings in lidded jars or ramekins—adorable fall gifts.

• Citrus Twist: Add orange zest or a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice for brightness.

• Warm Cookies: Sprinkle pecan pieces on top before baking, or a swirl of melted dark chocolate after baking.

• Spiced Topping: Dust with pumpkin pie spice or drizzle with maple syrup before serving.

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Serving & Presentation Ideas

• Classic: Serve plain or lightly dusted with cinnamon on a white plate.

• Whipped Cream Dream: Top with whipped cream or coconut cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

• Parfait Style: Layer with Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh berries in a jar.

• Warm & Cozy: Heat a single ramekin before topping with ice cream or crème fraîche.

• Festive Garnish: Add pecan halves, candied pumpkin seeds, or zest garnish to elevate the view.

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Storage, Reheating & Shelf Life

• Refrigerator:

  • Whole pie: Covered for 3–4 days.

  • Ramekins: Covered for up to 5 days.

• Freezer:

  • Freeze slices or ramekins wrapped in foil and plastic—up to 2 months.

  • Thaw overnight in fridge, reheat gently in a 300 °F oven.

• Reheating Tips:

  • Microwave (50% power) 15–30 seconds until warm.

  • Oven: Heat at 300 °F for about 10 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is crustless pumpkin pie gluten-free?
Yes, with no crust, there’s naturally no gluten—perfect for guests avoiding flour.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely—substitute milk with almond, soy, oat, cashew, or coconut milk.

Why is mine cracked?
You likely overbaked or cooled too quickly. Bake until center jiggles; cool gradually.

What about freezing?
Freezes well in airtight containers or ramekins; thaw in fridge before serving.

Can I bake in individual ramekins without water bath?
You can—just reduce bake time by about 5–7 minutes. Water bath adds creaminess but isn’t essential.

How can I make this lower in sugar?
Use monk fruit, erythritol, or stevia blends. Sweetness may be milder; taste before baking.

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The Benefits of a Crustless, Lighter Pumpkin Pie

1. Healthier Choice – Lower carb and fewer calories without sacrificing flavor.

2. Quick & Easy – One bowl, one bake, no crust fuss.

3. Inclusive – Great for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

4. Versatile – Adaptable to many diets and portion sizes.

5. Elegant – Looks beautiful in ramekins or as a traditional pie.

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Nutrition Snapshot (Per Slice, 8 servings)

Nutrition varies based on milk or sweetener used.

Final Thoughts

No crust, no problem! This Crustless Pumpkin Pie is a delightful autumn dessert that checks all the boxes—gluten-free, easy to make, customizable, and utterly delicious. It holds a special place in cozy seasonal menus, potlucks, meal-prep boxes, or light dessert options. You’ll love the creamy texture, perfect spice balance, and simple, elegant presentation.