Easy Healthy Pumpkin Custard (Dairy-Free and Low-Carb)
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This healthy and delicious keto pumpkin custard recipe is like a crustless pumpkin pie, but so much easier! This sugar-free pumpkin pie custard is so simple to make, you can enjoy it any day, but it's fancy enough for special occasions.
Pumpkin Pie Flavor Anytime
My boys love pumpkin pie so much that every Thanksgiving and Christmas I literally make four healthy pumpkin pies, but this custard makes it easier to make them happy any time of year.
Years ago, I saw a recipe for pumpkin custard and was thrilled that it meets our family’s special diet needs.
It was dairy and egg-free so our son with those life-threatening food allergies could have it. I just knew I needed to make it, so I did. And made it better, if I may say so.
In fact, the family loved this Paleo Pumpkin Custard so much that I made 4 batches and watched in completely disappear in 2 days.
It seriously tastes like a pumpkin pie and is great for special diets including for those watching their carbs.
Ingredients
Here's what you will need to make this delish and healthy custard.
- Pumpkin: The star of the show.
- Gelatin – Creates that custard texture for your pumpkin. If you're vegan, agar agar will work well too. I like Great Lakes or Perfect Supplements. Get 10% off at Perfect Supplements with code WNM.
- Coconut Milk: Adds the dairy-free creaminess to this pumpkin custard. I recommend full-fat for the best texture. You can also use any other dairy-free milk (like my Easiest Almond Milk) or regular milk. Coconut and cashew milk will give the creamiest results.
- Stevia: Use whatever sweeteners you like; any should work. See Recipe Notes for more information.
- Salt : Balances out the sweetness and brings out the flavor of the custard.
- Vanilla: Enhances the flavor of the custard.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: The components in this spice blend could be used as well.
Special Diet Substitutions
- Vegan Option: If you'd like a vegan pumpkin custard, use the same amount of agar powder instead of gelatin.
- THM: This recipe is an “S” if you're on the Trim Healthy Mama plan.
- AIP: Use coconut sugar, maple syrup or raw honey instead of stevia and the low-carb sweeteners for an AIP option.
Where to Buy the Jars In This Post
Several readers have asked about them, so here's a link to the super cute jars pictured in this post. You can of course use traditional ramekins or any other small (or large) container for serving this custard.
Recipe Notes
- Plastic Wrap for Chilling: Sometimes when making custard, it's recommended to chill the custard with plastic wrap on top in order to prevent “custard skin”. I don't do this because I kind of like the “custard skin”, and I don’t like plastic wrap. It's your call if you want to use it or not.
- Time-Saving Tip: The smaller dish you use, the faster your custard will firm up. So if your kiddos (or you) are hankering for a treat asap, then use very small ramekins, like these.
- Sweetener Types: When using sugar alternatives, using more than one can help with the flavor. One great option is a monk/erythritol blend. Erythritol can work also but you'll need about 30% more. Xylitol works but it does increase the carb count some and is lethal to dogs.
- Sweetener Amounts: If using honey or maple syrup as your sweetener, decrease the amount by about 25% since they're about that much sweeter than sugar. For the “other sweetener” part, if using honey or maple syrup, you'll use 3 tablespoons. If substituting for the stevia, use 9/16 cup.
- Stevia Tips: Pure Stevia Extract is up to 300 times as sweet as sugar, so be very careful when measuring it. This post talks about how to use stevia. If using another sweetener, substitute about 4 tablespoons for every 1/16 teaspoon of stevia.
Storage
You can store this custard in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days.
Topping Options
Pumpkin custard tastes fabulous on its own but tastes extra special with
- dairy-free ice cream
- dairy-free whipped cream substitute
- crushed Pumpkin Snickerdoodles or Pumpkin Cookies
- chocolate shavings
- chocolate chips
- candied cranberries
More Healthy Pumpkin Recipes
If you love pumpkin (like we do!), then be sure to check out these other healthy pumpkin recipes:
- Sugar-free Pumpkin Roll – This Pumpkin Roll is Easy, Gluten-free and Dairy-free and has both vegan and keto options. And it's yummy too, of course!
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice – great for all your pumpkin recipes
- Dairy-Free Pumpkin Creamer – a dairy-free version that's healthier and tastes better than store-bought.
- Healthy Pumpkin Recipes – a collection of delicious pumpkin recipes that you can feel good about eating anytime!
- Pumpkin Chia Pudding – a paleo, vegan, and low-carb pumpkin version of chia pudding.
Easy Pumpkin Custard – paleo, low carb, vegan option
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup lukewarm water
- 1 tablespoon gelatin (or agar powder for vegan option–See Recipe Notes)
- 1 14 ounce can canned pumpkin (about 1 3/4 cups – fresh will work too)
- 1 14 ounce can full-fat coconut milk (about 1 3/4 cups. Or other dairy-free or regular milk as desired. See notes.)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/8 teaspoon pure stevia extract (or 3/4 cup sugar equivalent of another sweetener. See alternatives in Recipe Notes)
- 1/8 cup additional other sweetener (low-carb preferred) (optional–see Recipe Notes)
- 1 3/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (see Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice; here is an AIP option)
Instructions
- Sprinkle the gelatin over water and stir thoroughly to avoid clumping. Let it sit until it gels up.
- While it's gelling, combine pumpkin, coconut milk, spices, and sweeteners in a pot until quite warm but not simmering.
- Remove pan from heat.
- Once the gelatin is somewhat solidified, whisk it throughly into the heated pumpkin mixture.
- Pour the blended pumpkin mixture into desired serving dish.
- If you would prefer to avoid "custard skin" on the top of your custard, put plastic wrap on top so that it directly touches the custard.
- Refrigerate until firm and enjoy.
Notes
-
- Plastic Wrap for Chilling: Sometimes when making custard, it's recommended to chill the custard with plastic wrap on top in order to prevent “custard skin”. I don't do this because I kind of like the “custard skin”, and I don’t like plastic wrap. It's your call if you want to use it or not.
- Time-Saving Tip: The smaller dish you use, the faster your custard will firm up. So if your kiddos (or you) are hankering for a treat asap, then use very small ramekins, like these.
- Sweetener Types: When using sugar alternatives, using more than one can help with the flavor. An erythritol/monk blend works well. Erythritol can work also but you'll need about 30% more. Xylitol works but adds some carbs.
- Sweetener Amounts: If using honey or maple syrup as your sweetener, decrease the amount by about 25% since they're about that much sweeter than sugar. For the “other sweetener” part, if using honey / maple syrup, you'll use 3 tablespoons. If substituting for the stevia, use 9/16 cup.
- Stevia Tips: Pure Stevia Extract is up to 300 times as sweet as sugar, so be very careful when measuring it. This post talks about how to use stevia. If using another sweetener, substitute about 4 tablespoons for every 1/16 teaspoon of stevia.
- Vegan Option: If you'd like a vegan pumpkin custard, use the same amount of agar powder instead of gelatin.
- THM: This recipe is an “S” if you're on the Trim Healthy Mama plan.
- AIP: Use coconut sugar, maple syrup or raw honey instead of stevia and the low-carb sweeteners for an AIP option.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and preparation methods. Optional ingredients are not included. Net carbs are typically calculated by subtracting fiber and sugar alcohols (such as erythritol) from total carbohydrates. This information should not be relied upon for medical or nutritional purposes.
Enjoy the easy pumpkin pie goodness anytime!
Would love to hear what you think about it!
Thanks for this recipe. It was good, and I love that it set up perfectly. Easy to make. Personally, I would add more sweetener because I just like things sweeter, maybe 3 tablespoons of golden Lakanto instead of 2 to start. Otherwise, it was good!
So glad you liked it! That’s a funny comment for me to get b/c typically I hear that I like things too sweet–I’ll take it! 🙂
I probably overlooked it. but in the “Recipe Notes” I have searched to see how much of the agar powder to use in place of the 1 Tbsp of Gelatin (which I don’t digest); is it also 1 Tbsp.?
I LOVE Pumpkin and am looking forward to trying this recipe!
Thanks!
Hi there! I just updated the recipe for you – please let me know if that helps. I so hope you like it!
can I use granulated stevia ? what would be the measure?
What brand are you using? Granulated stevia is a blend b/c stevia is either a leaf or powder or extract.
Perfect dessert for me. No dairy. No sugar. Great flavour! And quick to whip up. I add a bit more of the pumpkin spice. Thank you for the recipe. It is my go to for dessert. I sometimes will have one for breakfast ?
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!
I ate it for breakfast three days in a row. ?
Easy to make and delicious! A fave with my family year round.
So glad to hear it!! We agree! I have a Vegan Pumpkin Pie coming soon so stay tuned….also another Pumpkin Cookie recipe ;).
You have a link above for the stevia scoops. I actually have these measuring spoons. Which one is 1/32? Thanks, and I can’t wait to try this recipe!!
Hi Jean! Are they not labeled? Let me know and I’ll try to help!
Adrienne, they are labeled smidgen, dash, tad and pinch, and I only have 4 instead of the 5 shown on the Amazon link.
Smidgen is 1/32 – so that is the one you want for 1 scoop! Enjoy!!
I marked with a black marker the 1/32 on mine because they are not marked in a usable way. On the pumpkin custard, my printed copy said 1/38 but I just used the 1/32.
I love finding great recipes on your web site. Thanks.
Hi there! Can you please tell me what you mean about 1/38? I’m trying to see what you are referring to. Thanks for the kind words! If you ever find a recipe that you love, and are so inclined, coming back to leave a 5 star review helps both other readers to find a winner, but also it helps my site. Thanks much!
This looks delicious and I am planning on making this for Thanksgiving. BUT I am not familiar with 3/8 tsp or 1-/38 tsp. HELP?!?
Hi there. So sorry I missed responding to this. I hope I’m not too late! 3/8 tsp is just 1/8 done 3 times. And 1 3/8 is 1 tsp and 3/8. Does that help?
Doh. I feel foolish. Haha. But thank you for getting back to me. Happy Thanksgiving!
No problem! It’s always OK to ask! Happy Thanksgiving to you as well! Thanks for reading!
Oh
Sorry I’m confused!
I’m sorry if I missed it but I didn’t see any notes on alternative sweetners. I’m trying to make it AIP friendly.
Hi there. There are 2 sets of recipes notes above the recipe. Check there and let me know if you think I should highlight that better in some other way. Hope you like it!
I love this recipe! I like it with pumpkin, but love it with sweet potato!
I leave out the sweetner.
Thank you! Yes, sweet potato is a lot sweeter than pumpkin! Have you made it w/o sweetener for the pumpkin as well?
Yes, I like the pumpkin with just a couple Table spoons of maple syrup.
I always crave just a little sweet in the morning, but don’t like to have sugar. I know this is probably meant for dessert, but it looks like the perfect breakfast to me! Maybe top it with a little homemade granola … mmm.
What a great idea!!! Love it!