Easy Homemade Pumpkin Pudding with Whipped Cream

When the weather starts getting cooler, I find myself craving all those cozy pumpkin desserts. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins—I love them all!

But sometimes I want something a little simpler than baking a whole pie. That’s where this creamy homemade pumpkin pudding comes in.

This easy pumpkin pudding is smooth, rich, and full of warm pumpkin spice flavor. It’s made from scratch with real pumpkin puree, milk, and a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

You can serve it chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoy it slightly warm on a chilly fall evening.

It’s also a delicious dessert to add to your Thanksgiving menu when you want something pumpkin-flavored without all the work of making a pie.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Pudding

• Easy to make: This pudding comes together on the stovetop with simple ingredients.
• Full of fall flavor: Pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice give it that classic autumn taste.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it ahead of time and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.
• Easy to customize: Add whipped cream, chopped pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to make it extra special.

Creamy Pumpkin Pudding Recipe

This homemade pumpkin pudding is creamy, smooth, and full of warm fall spices.

Made with real pumpkin puree and simple ingredients, it’s an easy stovetop dessert to make ahead for fall gatherings or Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter

Optional toppings:

• Whipped cream
• A sprinkle of cinnamon
• Chopped pecans
• Caramel sauce

Instructions

Combine the dry ingredients. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt.

Add the milk and pumpkin. Gradually whisk in the milk and pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth.

Cook the pudding. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble.

Temper the egg yolks. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot pumpkin mixture into the yolks, a little at a time.

Finish cooking. Slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Continue cooking for another 2–4 minutes, until the pudding is thick and creamy.

Add the butter and vanilla. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla until the butter has melted and everything is well combined.

Chill. Spoon the pudding into individual serving dishes or a large bowl. Press plastic wrap directly against the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.

Serve. Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving. Chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce are delicious additions, too.

Tips for Making Pumpkin Pudding

• Use pumpkin puree. Canned pumpkin puree gives this pudding its rich pumpkin flavor. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sweeteners and spices, so it isn’t a good substitute.
• Whisk constantly. This helps prevent lumps and keeps the pudding from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Temper the egg yolks carefully. Add the hot mixture slowly while whisking to help prevent the eggs from scrambling.
• Make it ahead. Prepare the pudding a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

More Pumpkin Recipes to Try

If you love baking and cooking with pumpkin in the fall, here are a few more recipes from Creative Homemaking to add to your list.

• Easy Pumpkin Butter Recipe for Fall – This rich, spiced pumpkin butter is delicious spread on toast, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, and muffins. It also makes a lovely homemade food gift.
• The Best Classic Pumpkin Bread for Fall – A moist, tender pumpkin bread filled with warm spices. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or serve it as an afternoon snack.
• Cozy Pumpkin French Toast – Bring pumpkin spice to the breakfast table with this easy French toast recipe.
• Easy Pumpkin Pie Crisp – All the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie with a buttery oat and pecan topping.
• Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups – A fun pumpkin pudding-inspired dessert with chocolate cookie crumbs that’s perfect for Halloween parties and fall celebrations.

How to Store Pumpkin Pudding

Store leftover pumpkin pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.

I don’t recommend freezing it, since the texture can change and become watery after thawing.

This homemade pumpkin pudding is a simple way to enjoy the flavors of fall without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dessert, a fall gathering, or your Thanksgiving table, it’s an easy recipe you’ll want to make again.

Serve it with whipped cream, grab a spoon, and enjoy a little taste of autumn!

Follow my Fall Recipes board on Pinterest.