Make Ahead

Pumpkin Custard No. 1

by:
November  9, 2010
4
1 Ratings
Pumpkin Custard No. 1
  • Serves 6-8
Author Notes

When I graduated from college (many years ago), my grandmother asked me what I wanted as a gift. "Your recipes," I answered. After a period of disbelief, she got down to work, culling and deciphering and typing. A couple of years later, I got the crinkly sheaf of onion-skin paper. In the pack were not one but THREE recipes for pumpkin custard. Had she loved it that much? Were the recipes so different?

I tested two of the three -- NOT the one made with red wine -- and #1 was the clear winner. I do as Gram did, using Libby’s pumpkin: Pumpkin is a vehicle for the spices, so canned is perfect.

This is essentially pumpkin pie with no crust — good for the gluten-challenged and those leery of crust-making. The cream isn't necessary, but don't use less than whole milk or you'll have a watery mess. And for anyone crazed by Thanksgiving prep, this dessert can be baked one day ahead and refrigerated.

—bakingfamily

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 2 cups canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 3 large eggs, well beaten
  • 1-1/2 cups whole milk, half-and-half or light cream
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart casserole or baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin, both sugars and molasses. Add the spices, salt, melted butter, beaten eggs and milk or cream. Mix well.
  3. Pour mixture into the baking dish. Set the dish into a larger pan and add an inch or two of hot water. Transfer pan combination carefully to preheated oven.
  4. Bake for 1-1/2 hours or until set (top will rise up and crack slightly). Remove from oven and allow to cool a bit before serving. Serve warm, room temperature or cold, with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream if you've got it.
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5 Reviews

Phil A.
Phil A. September 21, 2014
I used acorn squash, and it was delicious. The baking temp seemed to low, though, so I increased it to 375, and it turned out fine, in about the right amount of time. Next time I will use less sugar than your recipe called for, as it was VERY sweet!
 
elizawr
elizawr November 15, 2010
This looks DELICIOUS. What do you think - vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to go along with it?
 
bakingfamily
bakingfamily November 16, 2010
Thanks for the comment, Eliza! I'd say whipped cream, just a bit sweet. Ice cream is possible, too, if you serve the custard slightly warm so you've got the contrast. Getting hungry just writing this...
 
bakingfamily
bakingfamily November 9, 2010
Thanks, Askiba! To my mind, this really is the best of both pie and custard worlds -- would love to hear what you think if you try it.
 
Askiba
Askiba November 9, 2010
Ooooo, love pumpkin pie, and I love custards! Looks fantastic!