Oh my heavens, friends! If you’re anything like me, you absolutely adore the cozy flavors of fall, and there’s nothing quite like a good old-fashioned pumpkin pie to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. But let’s be honest, sometimes you just want to keep things simple and a bit more exciting than the classic pie! That’s where my scrumptious Pumpkin Pie in a Cup comes to the rescue. It’s all the goodness of that traditional pumpkin pie, swirled in with convenience and a delightful crunch.
I vividly remember the first time I whipped this up for a small gathering at my house. Everyone was raving about how cute and convenient these little cups were! Not to mention, they’re super easy to prepare ahead of time, so you can just chill and enjoy your company, rather than stressing in the kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t want to dive into a creamy pumpkin filling with that heavenly whipped cream on top? Just thinking about it makes me want to dig in right now!
What’s in Pumpkin Pie in a Cup?
Canned Pumpkin: This is your star ingredient! I always go for 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices). It’s packed with beta-carotene and is the perfect base for our creamy filling.
Sugar: Because, let’s face it, we need that sweetness! I usually stick with granulated sugar, but brown sugar can bring a deeper flavor if that’s your jam.
Cinnamon: The warm, comforting spice that makes everything feel like a hug! Seriously, who can resist the smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen?
Nutmeg: This spice adds a lovely aromatic touch and pairs beautifully with the pumpkin. A little goes a long way in making our dessert feel festive.
Whipped Cream: Creamy, dreamy goodness! I love using store-bought whipped cream for convenience, but homemade whipped cream really takes this dessert to the next level!
Graham Crackers: For our crunchy topping, these guys provide that iconic pie crust flavor. Plus, they’re super easy to crush up!
Butter: A little melted butter helps bind the crushed graham crackers together and adds richness. I suggest unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness.
Is Pumpkin Pie in a Cup Good for You?
Oh, let’s be real here – this is a dessert, so while we can’t exactly call it health food, there are definitely some perks!
Canned Pumpkin: This powerhouse ingredient is low in calories and high in fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied. It’s also loaded with vitamins A and C.
Whipped Cream: If you’re feeling fancy, you can use light whipped cream or coconut whipped topping for a slightly healthier option.
The graham cracker topping does have some added sugar and fats from butter, so moderation is key. If you really want to get adventurous, consider swapping some of the sugar for a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey in the filling to cut down on refined sugar a bit!
Ingredients List
For 4 servings:
– 1 cup canned pumpkin
– 1/2 cup sugar (or to taste)
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp nutmeg
– 1 cup whipped cream (plus more for serving)
– 1 cup crushed graham crackers
– 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter
How to Make Pumpkin Pie in a Cup?
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and whipped cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
2. Spoon the pumpkin mixture into small cups, filling them about 3/4 full.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter until well combined and the crumbs are evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle the graham cracker mixture generously over the pumpkin filling in each cup.
5. Top with additional whipped cream if desired.
6. Chill the cups in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together and to enjoy that refreshing touch when serving.
7. Serve cold and let everyone dig in!
Sweet Little Serving Suggestions!
Get creative with your serving! You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a couple of candy corn on top for a fun Halloween twist. If you want to go all out, consider drizzling some caramel sauce over the whipped cream before serving. And guess what? These little cuties can be made a day in advance, which is perfect for those busy holiday gatherings.
I can’t wait for you to try this Pumpkin Pie in a Cup! It’s a fun, delightful way to share a beloved classic, and I promise it’ll become a staple at your dessert table. Please give it a whirl and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking! 🍂
