If you’re craving a cozy, fall-inspired dessert that almost anyone can make without breaking a sweat, you’re absolutely going to want to try this Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding Recipe. It’s one of those treasures I stumbled upon when I wanted pumpkin pie flavor without fussing over crust or oven timing. The slow cooker does all the work, and you end up with this silky, spiced pudding that my family literally goes crazy for. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort Food: Simply dump, stir, and set your slow cooker – no oven stress!
- Rich Pumpkin Flavor: The perfect blend of pumpkin pie spices makes it taste like traditional pie filling but creamier.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm, cold, with whipped cream or ice cream – it’s a crowd-pleaser.
- Great for Busy Days: Forget babysitting the oven, just set it in the morning and come back to a dessert ready to enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding Recipe is made from simple pantry staples that work beautifully together to give you that classic pumpkin pie taste in pudding form. I always make sure to grab good quality pumpkin puree and fresh eggs to keep it tasting fresh and smooth.
- Pumpkin Puree: I always use canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin pie filling for better control over spices and sweetness.
- Evaporated Milk: This adds creaminess without being too heavy like cream, perfect for pudding texture.
- Sugar: Sweetens the pudding just right; you can swap for brown sugar if you want a deeper flavor.
- Biscuit/Baking Mix: I prefer this over flour because it helps thicken the pudding evenly without lumps.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs help bind everything together and give it that silky custard feel.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps with a smooth texture.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend is key for that warm, festive flavor; fresh grinding spices can level it up even more!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash brightens up the dish and rounds out the spices beautifully.
Variations
I love that this Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding Recipe is totally customizable. Whether you want to lighten it up or amp up the decadence, there are simple ways to make it your own.
- Dairy-Free Option: I’ve swapped evaporated milk for coconut milk before, and it gives a lovely subtle coconut flavor that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin.
- Extra Spice Kick: Adding a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the pumpkin pie spice mix can really deepen the warmth and complexity.
- Sweetener Swap: Try maple syrup or honey instead of sugar for a natural sweet touch that complements pumpkin beautifully.
- Add-ins: Sometimes I sneak in chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips on top for a fun texture twist.
How to Make Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Mix All the Ingredients Together
Start by combining pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, biscuit mix, beaten eggs, melted butter, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. I like to whisk everything gently until it’s smooth and all the dry ingredients fully incorporate. This keeps your pudding silky with no weird lumps hiding anywhere – nobody wants bite-sized clumps in their dessert!
Step 2: Pour Into a Greased Slow Cooker
Give your 3-quart slow cooker a quick spray or rub with butter so the pudding won’t stick. Then pour your pumpkin mixture in evenly. This little step makes serving so much easier and cleanup a breeze. Plus, it helps the pudding cook more evenly without burning on the edges.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on the low setting for 6 to 7 hours. I learned this timing works perfectly to get the pudding set through but still creamy. You can test doneness by inserting a thermometer – it should register about 160°F in the center. Resist the urge to open the lid too often; keeping the heat steady is what makes it smooth and silky. If your slow cooker runs hot, keep an eye around 6 hours to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Serve Warm or Chill and Enjoy
Once it’s cooked, you can serve it right away, lusciously warm, or let it chill for a firmer pudding texture. I adore mine topped with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance those pumpkin spices. It’s honestly just like having pumpkin pie in pudding form, without the crust fuss!
Pro Tips for Making Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding Recipe
- Grease Your Slow Cooker Well: This prevents sticking and helps the pudding release cleanly when served.
- Check Early if Needed: Slow cookers vary widely; I usually check at 6 hours to avoid overcooking and drying out the pudding.
- Use Pumpkin Pie Spice Wisely: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg can really elevate this dessert beyond anything store-bought.
- Avoid Over-Stirring After Cooking: It’s tempting to mix it right away, but letting it rest maintains that silky texture you want.
How to Serve Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
I keep it classic with a generous swirl of sweetened whipped cream, sometimes dusted with a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair. On special occasions, I love adding a crunchy pecan praline topping to add texture contrast. Vanilla ice cream is also a fantastic cool complement if you want to turn this cozy dessert into something a bit more indulgent.
Side Dishes
Since this Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding Recipe is pretty rich, I often pair it with light, fresh fruit like sliced apples or pear slices for balance. It also makes a great ending to a casual dinner with roasted turkey or ham during the holidays—think of it as pumpkin pie’s mellow cousin in a comfy bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to serve this pudding in individual mason jars with layers of graham cracker crumbs and whipped cream for a deconstructed pumpkin pie feel. It’s a fun way to dress it up and everyone gets their own portion. Another favorite is baking the cooled pudding briefly under the broiler with a brown sugar and pecan crumble for a crisp topping surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I’ve noticed the pudding firms up as it chills, so I like to bring it to room temperature or give it a quick warm-up before serving to bring back that creamy, custardy texture.
Freezing
Freezing is a great option if you want to make a big batch ahead. I portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. When I thaw it, I do so overnight in the fridge and then gently warm it up on the stove with a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend using a low heat on the stove or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Adding a little milk or cream while reheating helps keep it smooth and prevents drying out, which I’ve found makes a huge difference compared to reheating straight.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned in this Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to cook and puree your fresh pumpkin beforehand to get the right consistency and moisture level. Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and consistent, but fresh adds extra freshness if you have some on hand.
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What kind of slow cooker should I use for this recipe?
A standard 3-quart slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe. Make sure it has a reliable ‘low’ setting since this pudding cooks gently over several hours. If your slow cooker is larger, the pudding layer might be thinner and cook faster, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
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Can I make this Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding Recipe vegan?
You can make it vegan by swapping eggs with a flax or chia egg substitute, using coconut milk or another plant-based milk instead of evaporated milk, and replacing butter with a vegan alternative. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
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How do I know when the pudding is done?
The best way is to use a food thermometer; it should read about 160°F in the center when fully cooked. The pudding will also be set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the middle, similar to a soft custard.
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Is it okay if the pudding separates or weeps after cooking?
Slight separation can happen if it’s overcooked or cooled too quickly. To avoid this, stick to cooking times and allow the pudding to cool gradually. Stir gently before serving to reincorporate any liquid.
Final Thoughts
This Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite kitchen secrets for cozy seasonal desserts. It’s incredibly straightforward, comforting, and has that nostalgic pumpkin pie warmth without the fuss. Whether you’re feeding family on a busy weekday or making something special for friends, I guarantee it will be met with smiles and requests for seconds. Give it a try—you might find your new go-to pumpkin treat!
Print
Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding is a comforting and easy dessert that captures all the rich flavors of classic pumpkin pie with minimal effort. Using a slow cooker to gently cook the pudding produces a creamy, custard-like texture infused with warm pumpkin pie spices. Perfect for fall gatherings or a simple weeknight treat, this recipe delivers a delicious, hands-off dessert that can be served warm or chilled with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Pudding Base
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup biscuit/baking mix
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2–1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Toppings (Optional)
- Sweetened whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, biscuit/baking mix, beaten eggs, melted butter, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Grease the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease a 3-quart slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
- Transfer Mixture and Cook: Pour the prepared pumpkin pudding mixture into the greased slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat setting for 6 to 7 hours. Check with a thermometer to ensure the pudding reaches 160°F, confirming it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the slow cooker insert. Spoon the pudding into serving dishes. If desired, top each serving with sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent touch.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model; checking the internal temperature with a thermometer ensures perfect doneness.
- Using biscuit or baking mix helps to thicken the pudding, but self-rising or plain flour can be used with a pinch of baking powder.
- For a richer flavor, substitute evaporated milk with half-and-half or light cream, adjusting sugar accordingly.
- This pudding can be served warm straight from the slow cooker or chilled in the refrigerator for a firmer texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg