Description
Easy Pumpkin Pie in a Cup is a no-bake, kid-friendly Thanksgiving dessert that combines creamy pumpkin pudding, buttery graham cracker crumbs, and fluffy whipped topping. Perfect for classrooms, family gatherings, or preschool cooking activities, this fun treat lets kids layer, mix, and decorate their own mini pumpkin pies — no oven required!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Pumpkin Layer:
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
- For the Crust Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- For the Topping:
- 2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
- Dash of cinnamon or crushed graham crackers for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until crumbly. Spoon 2 tablespoons into each cup and press lightly to form a crust layer.
- Make the Pumpkin Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, spices, vanilla, and brown sugar. Mix until creamy.
- Layer the Cups: Spoon or pipe pumpkin mixture on top of the crust layer. Smooth with a spatula for neat layers.
- Add the Whipped Topping: Top each cup with whipped cream or Cool Whip. Sprinkle with cinnamon or crushed graham crackers.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to blend and texture to firm slightly.
Notes
- Use instant pudding, not cook-and-serve, to keep it no-bake.
- Chill the cups before serving for the best creamy texture.
- Kids can safely help crush graham crackers, layer fillings, and decorate cups.
- For a craft twist, decorate cups like pumpkins with orange paper and green stems.
- To make ahead, assemble the pumpkin and crust layers, then add whipped topping just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Pie in a Cup, No Bake Mini Pumpkin Pies, Pumpkin Pie Pudding Cups, Thanksgiving Food Activities Preschool, Kids Cooking Recipes Thanksgiving, Mini Pumpkin Desserts, Pumpkin Pie Cups, Fall No Bake Desserts, Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids, Pumpkin Recipes for Kids