Delightful Baked Pumpkin Pudding

This Delightful Baked Pumpkin Pudding is the epitome of autumn comfort. Light, creamy, and infused with warm spices, it’s the perfect dessert for crisp days, family meals, or simply a healthy sweet treat. Unlike heavy pumpkin pies, this pudding offers a silky texture and authentic fall flavor without the crust, making it lighter and naturally gluten-free. It’s a delicious and nutritious way to savor the iconic tastes of the harvest season, and it’s sure to please all pumpkin lovers.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Pudding:

• 1 cup (approx. 240g) pure pumpkin puree 🎃 (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup (approx. 120ml) almond milk 🥛 (preferably unsweetened, or other plant-based/dairy milk)
• ¼ cup (approx. 60ml) maple syrup 🍁 (or other liquid sweetener of your choice)
• 2 large eggs 🥚🥚
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 🌿
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 🌰
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg 🌰
• ¼ tsp salt 🧂 (to enhance flavors)

Instructions

1. Initial Oven and Baking Dish Preparation:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly preheated oven ensures even and quick baking.
   • Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish (e.g., an 8×8 inch square dish or a 9-inch round dish) with a little cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the pudding from sticking and make serving easier.
2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the pure pumpkin puree, almond milk, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract.
   • Using a whisk, vigorously blend all these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps of pumpkin puree and that the eggs are fully incorporated.
3. Incorporating Spices and Salt:
   • Now, add the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to the mixture.
   • Whisk again thoroughly, making sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture to infuse every bite with their warm, autumnal flavors.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   • Carefully pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish.
   • Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
5. Baking the Pudding:
   • Place the filled baking dish in the center of the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the depth of your dish.
   • To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the pudding: it should come out clean. The pudding should be set around the edges and slightly wobbly in the center.
6. Cooling Before Serving:
   • Remove the dish from the oven and allow the pudding to cool slightly at room temperature for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This will help the pudding to firm up further.
7. Serving and Enjoying:
   • Serve the pudding warm or chilled, as desired. It’s delicious both ways!
   • Enjoy your creamy, healthy pumpkin pudding, perfect for fall!

Tips, Variations, and Storage

• Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which already contains spices and sugar.
• Spices: For a more intense pumpkin spice flavor, you can add ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves or ground ginger.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan Version: This recipe is already dairy-free if you use almond milk. For a fully vegan version, replace the eggs with vegan egg substitutes (e.g., “flax eggs” made with 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water and left to sit for 5 minutes).
• Toppings: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream (dairy or plant-based), an extra drizzle of maple syrup, crushed toasted pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Storage: Baked Pumpkin Pudding stores very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It often tastes even better the next day!

Pairings

This simple yet elegant pudding pairs perfectly with:

• Beverages: A warm coffee, a pumpkin spice latte, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk.
• Sides: A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a little plain Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast, or warm applesauce.
• For a Fall Meal: It complements a Thanksgiving meal or any autumn dinner beautifully, alongside roasted turkey, root vegetables, and a fall salad.

Quick Info

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 people
• Cuisine: American (Fall Comfort Food)