If you’re looking for a cozy, hands-off dessert that feels like autumn in every bite, you *have* to try this Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding Recipe. It’s one of those gems that I stumbled upon when I wanted pumpkin pie vibes without the fuss of the crust — and honestly, it turned out better than I ever imagined. The slow cooker does all the work, giving you creamy, perfectly spiced pudding that’s great for holiday dinners or a midweek treat. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips so you can nail this foolproof, comforting dessert every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and hands-off: You mix everything once, then let the slow cooker work its magic for hours.
- Perfect pumpkin flavor: The pumpkin pie spice and vanilla come through beautifully without overpowering the dish.
- Versatile dessert: Serve warm or chilled, with whipped cream or ice cream, making it great any time of year.
- Reliable results: I’ve made this dozens of times, and it never fails to turn out smooth and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe strikes the perfect balance of creamy and spiced, and every ingredient plays a role in creating that luscious texture you’ll love. Don’t worry — you probably have most of these pantry staples already!
- Pumpkin: I use canned pumpkin puree for convenience; it creates a silky texture that’s consistent each time.
- Evaporated milk: This adds richness without being overly heavy like cream would.
- Sugar: Classic granulated sugar sweetens just right—feel free to tweak based on your sweetness preference.
- Biscuit/baking mix: This might sound odd, but it helps the pudding set beautifully without needing flour or cornstarch.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs give the pudding its structure and velvety consistency.
- Butter: Melted butter adds that indulgent touch and helps everything meld.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The star of the flavor show — a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth and balances the spices perfectly.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding Recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks — it’s like a blank canvas for pumpkin lovers.
- Dairy-free version: I swapped evaporated milk with canned coconut milk once, and it added a lovely tropical twist while keeping it creamy.
- Spice it up: If you want a little extra kick, try adding a pinch of ground black pepper or extra ginger — it’s surprisingly delicious!
- Sweetener swap: Use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar for a deeper sweetness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
How to Make Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Mix it all together
Start by combining the pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, biscuit mix, beaten eggs, melted butter, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. I like to whisk everything together until it’s smooth to avoid any lumps—this makes a big difference in the final pudding texture.
Step 2: Transfer to the slow cooker and cook low and slow
Grease your 3-quart slow cooker well — this pudding is quite set and sticky, so a thin layer of butter or non-stick spray prevents it from sticking. Pour in the mixture, cover, and cook on low for about 6 to 7 hours. I usually test it with a thermometer; when it hits 160°F, you’re good to go! If you don’t have one, just make sure the top looks firm and set but still a bit wobbly in the center.
Step 3: Serve warm or chilled with your favorite toppings
I adore this pudding served warm with a dollop of whipped cream, but my family sometimes prefers it cold, topped with vanilla ice cream. Either way, it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Pro Tips for Making Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding Recipe
- Use a good slow cooker: Older models can cook unevenly; if yours runs hot, check the pudding earlier to prevent overcooking.
- Don’t skip greasing: A thorough greasing of your crock is key to easily removing or serving your pudding without a mess.
- Stir only before cooking: Once it’s in the slow cooker, avoid lifting the lid or stirring halfway to let the pudding properly set.
- Test doneness with a thermometer: It’s the surest way to avoid a pudding that’s too runny or dry.
How to Serve Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, I’m all about the classics: a generous swirl of sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is perfect. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top for that extra cozy aroma. Toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce are also great if you want to get fancy.
Side Dishes
This pudding makes a lovely dessert following comfort meals like roasted turkey or maple-glazed ham. I’ve also paired it with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or coffee for simple afternoon treats that feel indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the pudding in individual ramekins or mason jars, topped with mini ginger snaps and a sprig of fresh mint — it makes for a charming presentation that guests love. You can even layer it like a trifle with crushed gingersnap cookies and whipped cream for a show-stopping look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store my leftover pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It thickens a bit when chilled but reheats beautifully — just add a splash of milk when warming to bring back the creamy texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this pudding in small portions before, wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. When thawed in the fridge overnight, it’s just as tasty, though the texture may be slightly softer. It’s a great way to have pumpkin dessert on hand anytime!
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual portions on medium power or warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. A splash of milk or cream helps loosen it up without watering it down.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for this slow-cooker pumpkin pie pudding recipe?
You can, but it requires a bit more prep. Fresh pumpkin needs to be cooked and pureed until smooth before using. Canned pumpkin puree provides consistent moisture and flavor, so I recommend it for the best results and ease.
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How can I tell when the pudding is done without a thermometer?
Look for a firm, set top with only a slight jiggle near the center. The edges should pull away slightly from the slow cooker sides. If you notice liquid on top, it needs more time.
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Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?
Absolutely! You’ll want to adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes on high pressure, then use a natural release. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
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Is biscuit/baking mix necessary? What can I substitute?
The biscuit mix helps thicken and bind the pudding without flour. If unavailable, try self-rising flour or make a mix of all-purpose flour with baking powder. Just watch the consistency; you may need slight adjustments.
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How sweet is this pudding? Can I reduce the sugar?
The sugar amount balances the pumpkin and spices nicely, but feel free to reduce it slightly if you prefer less sweetness. Just remember the topping’s sweetness will also add to the overall flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding Recipe has become my go-to comfort dessert, especially when I want something warm and inviting but don’t want to fuss over traditional pie crust. It’s perfect for busy days, potlucks, or when you just crave pumpkin spice without the work. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as my family does — it’s truly a cozy hug in a bowl. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out for you!
PrintSlow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding is a comforting, creamy dessert that captures all the flavors of classic pumpkin pie without the fuss of baking a crust. Made with pumpkin, evaporated milk, and pumpkin pie spice, it cooks slowly to perfection in a slow cooker, resulting in a richly spiced, custard-like pudding that’s perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
Optional Toppings
- Sweetened whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, biscuit/baking mix, beaten eggs, melted butter, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Grease a 3-quart slow cooker thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the greased slow cooker, spreading it out evenly.
- Cook the Pudding: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 6 to 7 hours, or until a thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F. The pudding should be set but still moist and tender.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the pudding from the slow cooker. Serve warm topped with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired, for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Use a biscuit or baking mix that contains baking powder for proper rising and texture.
- Check for doneness near the 6-hour mark with a thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can substitute with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- For a dairy-free option, use evaporated coconut milk and substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg