Healthy Harvest Pumpkin Pie: Crustless Delight 🥧

Introduction

At Love With Recipes, we understand the importance of enjoying delicious desserts without feeling guilty, especially during the holiday seasons or cozy winter evenings. This No-Crust Lighter Pumpkin Pie is a perfect embodiment of that philosophy. It offers a healthier twist on the classic pumpkin pie, reducing fats and sugars while maintaining the rich, comforting flavors that make pumpkin desserts so beloved. The absence of a traditional crust makes it an even lighter option, ideal for those seeking a guilt-free indulgence that still satisfies their sweet tooth. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply craving a nutritious yet decadent treat, this pie delivers on all fronts, combining ease, healthfulness, and flavor. It is crafted specifically with busy schedules in mind—requiring less than four hours from start to finish—and is friendly for beginner bakers.

Time

The entire process, from preparation to chilling, takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. Active prep time is about 15 minutes, with baking taking around 50-55 minutes, and refrigeration needing approximately 4 hours. This timing allows for a stress-free experience that fits comfortably into your schedule, making it suitable for both last-minute gatherings and pre-planned holiday menus.

Needed Equipment

• Mixing bowls (small and large)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender or food processor
• 10-inch pie plate with 1.5-inch sides
• Cooking spray (non-stick)
• Small bowl for topping mixture
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Oven mitts and cooling rack
• Refrigerator for chilling
• Knife and cutting board (for orange zest garnish)
• Optional: Grater (for fresh orange zest if desired)

Tags

• Healthy desserts
• Vegetarian recipes
• Holiday desserts
• Low-fat recipes
• Gluten-light desserts
• Easy desserts
• Vegetarian

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 8 generous slices, making it perfect for family dinners, small gatherings, or intimate celebrations. Each serving is approximately 1/8th of the pie, which provides a satisfying yet light dessert portion.

Difficulty Level

This recipe is rated as beginner-friendly. Its straightforward steps, minimal equipment, and forgiving ingredients make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Even novice bakers can achieve a professional-looking, delicious result with ease.

Allergen Information

Dietary Preference

• Vegetarian
• Low cholesterol
• Lower fat and sugar content than traditional pies

Course

Dessert / Sweet course

Cuisine

American / Holiday classic

Ingredients

Ingredient Details

Instructions

Preparation Phase

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial step ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when you’re ready to bake, promoting even cooking and optimal pie texture.
2. Prepare your pie plate. Spray a 10-inch by 1.5-inch deep pie plate with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and facilitates easy removal of the pie post-baking.
3. Make the Brown Sugar Topping. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1 tablespoon margarine. Mix thoroughly until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside. This topping adds a delightful crunch and caramelized sweetness, complementing the smooth pumpkin filling.

Preparing the Pumpkin Filling

4. Combine ingredients in a blender or food processor. Place the pumpkin, fat-free evaporated milk, egg substitute, sugar, all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, salt, and orange zest into the blender or food processor, in the order listed. This order ensures all ingredients blend uniformly without clumping.
5. Blend until smooth. Cover and blend on medium speed for approximately 30-45 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and homogeneous. Proper blending is crucial for a silky, custard-like texture without lumps.

Baking and Final Steps

6. Pour the filling into the prepared pie plate. Use a spatula to scrape out all the mixture, spreading it evenly.
7. Add the topping. Sprinkle the prepared brown sugar and oat mixture evenly over the pumpkin filling, ensuring full coverage for a crunchy topping.
8. Bake the pie. Place the pie on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The pie’s edges should be set, and the center slightly puffed.
9. Cooling period. Remove from oven and let the pie cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. This allows the filling to set further, making slicing easier and cleaner.
10. Refrigerate. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a pie cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. Chilling intensifies flavors and ensures the pie is thoroughly chilled before serving.

Preparation Tips

• For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest along with the orange zest.
• If you prefer a more pronounced spice flavor, increase the pumpkin pie spice to 2 teaspoons.
• Use fresh pumpkin puree for better flavor and texture. To make your own, bake or steam pumpkin chunks until soft, then puree with a blender or food processor.
• To enhance the crunch of the topping, sprinkle a few chopped nuts or dried cranberries over the topping before baking.
• For a more decadent presentation, serve with whipped cream or vanilla yogurt, garnished with additional orange zest or cinnamon.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Ensure the pie is thoroughly chilled before slicing; this helps achieve clean, neat pieces.
• If you want a more flavorful crustless pie, lightly sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg over the filling before baking.
• Experiment with spice levels—adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves can deepen the flavor profile.
• For a vegan version, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk, coconut oil, or vegan margarine.
• Use a toothpick test—insert into the center; if it comes out clean, the pie is ready.

Add-ons

• Whipped coconut cream or dairy whipped cream
• Fresh berries or fruit compote for garnish
• Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch
• Drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence
• Sprinkle of crushed gingersnap cookies or graham crackers for texture

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple compote
• Homemade cinnamon whipped cream
• Warm spiced apple cider or hot chocolate
• Crunchy roasted nuts served on the side
• Fresh autumn salad with balsamic vinaigrette

Improvements

• Integrate a swirl of cream cheese or mascarpone into the filling for added richness.
• Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetener and deeper flavor.
• Add a splash of bourbon or vanilla extract for a sophisticated twist.
• Incorporate finely chopped dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots into the topping for added texture and flavor.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make the pie suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Save and Store

Keep leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently in the microwave or oven. Always serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

FAQ

Can I make this pie vegan?

Yes, by substituting dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as almond or coconut milk, vegan margarine, and ensuring your egg substitute is vegan-friendly, you can enjoy this dessert vegan-style without sacrificing its light and flavorful qualities.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely. Fresh pumpkin puree can be made by roasting or steaming pumpkin chunks until soft, then blending until smooth. Be sure to drain excess moisture for a thicker filling.

Is this pie suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, but you will need to substitute the all-purpose flour and quick oats with gluten-free alternatives such as rice flour, almond flour, or certified gluten-free oats.

Can I reduce the sugar further?

Yes, you can decrease the sugar to suit your sweetness preference. Keep in mind that reducing sugar may slightly affect the texture and moisture content, so consider adjusting the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This No-Crust Lighter Pumpkin Pie exemplifies how traditional holiday desserts can be reimagined to align with health-conscious eating without sacrificing flavor or comfort. Its simple yet effective ingredient combination, minimal prep steps, and versatile nature make it a staple for any festive table, weekend treat, or last-minute craving. By emphasizing fresh ingredients, smart substitutions, and creative garnishes, you can elevate this dessert into a show-stopping centerpiece or a cozy nightcap. Embrace the opportunity to indulge responsibly while celebrating the flavors of fall and winter. Remember, at Love With Recipes, we believe that good food promotes happiness and wellness, and this recipe is a perfect example of that philosophy.

References

• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) FoodData Central for nutritional estimates.
• McCormick Spice Company for pumpkin pie spice blend composition.