Carnivore Pumpkin Pie Custard: Your Holiday Dessert Game-Changer 🥧

Ever wanted to enjoy the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie without abandoning your carnivore or keto lifestyle? This Carnivore Pumpkin Pie Custard is about to become your new best friend! Creamy, satisfying, and ridiculously simple to make, this low-carb custard recipe delivers all the warm, spicy flavors of traditional pumpkin pie without the carbs or sugar crash.

I discovered this gem when looking for something special to serve at holiday gatherings that wouldn’t kick me out of ketosis or compromise my animal-based diet. What makes this steamed egg custard so brilliant is its simplicity – just a handful of ingredients transformed into something that feels indulgent but keeps you firmly on plan.

The beauty of this keto-friendly dessert lies in its versatility. While I’m sharing the pumpkin pie version today, the base recipe can be modified in countless ways for different occasions and flavor cravings. And trust me on this one… that apple pie whipped cream topping? Absolute game-changer! 🍎

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Perfect for: carnivore, keto, low-carb, paleo, sugar-free, gluten-free

Course suitability: dessert, treat, snack

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Quick Stats ⏱️

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 10-12 minutes
• Total time: 15-17 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Calories: 355 per serving
• Macros: 2g carbs, 35g fat, 8g protein, 0g fiber
• Difficulty: Easy

Equipment Needed 🍳

• Pot with lid (large enough to fit your baking dishes)
• Trivet or steamer rack
• Small baking dishes or ramekins
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Hand mixer or frother (I recommend a rechargeable mini handheld mixer like this one)
• Small mixing bowl

Don’t have a hand mixer? No worries! A regular whisk works perfectly fine, though you’ll need to put a bit more elbow grease into it. For the baking dishes, any oven-safe small ceramic or glass containers will do the trick.

Ingredients 🥚

For the Custard Base:

• 2 large eggs 🥚
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream 🥛
• 1 tablespoon ghee, melted 🧈

Flavorings:

• ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Optional Apple Pie Whipped Cream:

• 2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream 🥛
• Few drops vanilla extract
• 10 drops apple pie flavoring (I use Capella drops – zero sugar, zero carbs)

Step-by-Step Instructions 📝

Preparing the Custard

1. Set up your steamer. Fill a pot with about ¾ inch of water and place a trivet or steamer rack at the bottom. Set the pot over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil.
2. Prepare your baking dishes. Lightly grease two small ramekins or baking dishes with a bit of ghee or butter to prevent sticking.
3. Mix the custard base. In a small bowl, crack the two eggs (which should measure to approximately ½ cup when beaten). Add the ½ cup heavy whipping cream.
4. Add the flavorings. Add ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of ghee to the egg and cream mixture.
5. Mix thoroughly. Using a hand mixer or frother, blend all ingredients until well combined and slightly frothy. You want everything fully incorporated with no streaks of egg whites visible.
6. Pour into baking dishes. Divide the mixture evenly between your prepared ramekins or baking dishes.

Steaming the Custard

1. Place in steamer. Once the water is boiling, carefully place your filled ramekins onto the trivet in the pot.
2. Cover and steam. Put the lid on the pot, leaving it slightly ajar to allow some steam to escape (this prevents condensation from dripping into your custard).
3. Steam until set. Steam for approximately 10-12 minutes. Begin checking at the 8-minute mark by gently touching the center with the back of a spoon or your fingertip. If liquid comes up, it needs more time. When the custard is completely set, it will feel firm to the touch.
4. Remove carefully. Once done, carefully remove the ramekins from the pot using tongs or heat-resistant gloves.

For the Apple Pie Whipped Cream (Optional)

1. Prepare the cream. In a small bowl, add 2-3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream, a few drops of vanilla extract, and about 10 drops of apple pie flavoring.
2. Whip the cream. Using your hand mixer or frother, whip until soft peaks form.
3. Top the custard. Once your custard has cooled slightly, top with a dollop of the apple pie whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Batch Cooking Tips:

• This recipe scales beautifully! Simply maintain the 1:1 ratio of eggs to heavy cream.
• For a family gathering, quadruple the recipe (8 eggs, 2 cups cream) and use a larger baking dish.
• These custards can be made a day ahead and refrigerated until ready to serve.
• If making multiple flavors, label your containers before refrigerating so you don’t mix them up!

Serving & Presentation 🍽️

Plating Suggestions:

For an elegant presentation worthy of any holiday table:

• Serve in individual ramekins for a restaurant-quality look
• Add a small dollop of the apple pie whipped cream in the center
• Dust with an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice
• Garnish with a small cinnamon stick for visual appeal

Complementary Recipes:

This custard pairs beautifully with these carnivore-friendly treats:

• Carnivore Cinnamon Rolls for a special holiday breakfast
• Carnivore Hot Chocolate for a warming beverage alongside
• Carnivore Coffee for an after-dinner pairing

Flavor Enhancers:

• Drizzle with Carnivore Caramel Sauce for added decadence
• Top with crushed Carnivore Candies for texture contrast
• Experiment with different flavored ghees like cinnamon or vanilla bean for subtle flavor variations

Occasion Recommendations:

This versatile custard is perfect for:

• Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert alternatives
• Birthday celebrations (try the cheesecake variation!)
• Sunday family dinners
• Anytime you’re craving something sweet but want to stay on plan

How to Store Your Custard Creation 🧊

These custards store surprisingly well, making them perfect for prepare-ahead entertaining:

Container Recommendations:

• Keep in the original ramekins covered with plastic wrap
• Transfer to airtight glass containers for longer storage
• Avoid plastic containers which might absorb flavors

Refrigeration:

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• The flavor actually deepens overnight, making this a perfect make-ahead dessert
• Keep the whipped cream separate and add just before serving

Reheating Options:

• Enjoy cold straight from the refrigerator (my personal preference!)
• Allow to come to room temperature for 20 minutes before serving
• For a warm custard, place in a water bath and heat gently for 5 minutes

On-the-go options:

• Pack in small mason jars with lids for a portable treat
• Pre-portion into silicone cupcake molds, freeze, then transfer to a container for grab-and-go options
• These travel well in a cooler for picnics or road trips

Benefits/Why This Recipe Works 💪

Nutritional Powerhouse:

This isn’t just a delicious treat—it’s packed with nutrition! The eggs provide complete protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, while the heavy cream delivers satiating fats that help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Unlike traditional pumpkin pie with its carb-heavy crust and sugar-laden filling, this custard gives you all the flavor with none of the negative health impacts.

Perfect for Multiple Eating Styles:

This recipe bridges the gap for multiple dietary approaches:

• Carnivore: Uses only animal products, perfect for strict followers
• Keto: Extremely low-carb with high healthy fat content
• Paleo: Contains only natural, unprocessed ingredients
• Gluten-free: Naturally contains no gluten or grains

Mental Freedom:

Perhaps the biggest benefit is psychological—having a delicious “treat” that fits your eating plan means you won’t feel deprived during holidays or special occasions. This custard satisfies that dessert craving without triggering sugar addiction or causing you to fall off your health plan.

Quick & Simple:

In our busy lives, complicated recipes often get shelved. This custard’s simplicity means you’re more likely to actually make it rather than reach for a less healthy alternative when cravings strike.

Common Mistakes to Avoid 🚫

Even though this recipe is straightforward, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overfilling your water pot: Too much water might splash into your custard during steaming. Aim for ¾ inch max.
• Completely sealing the pot lid: This causes condensation to drip into your custard. Always leave it slightly ajar.
• Overcooking: This creates a rubbery texture. Start checking at 8 minutes and remember that custard continues cooking slightly after removal from heat.
• Undercooking: Results in a runny center. Test by touching the center—it should be completely set with no liquid coming up.
• Not greasing your dishes: This makes removal difficult. Always butter or ghee your ramekins first! 🧈
• Rushing the process: Patience yields the best results. Don’t increase the heat thinking it will cook faster—you’ll end up with an uneven custard.

Alternatives/Substitutions 🔄

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility! Here are some exciting variations to try:

Dairy Alternatives:

• Replace heavy cream with equal parts coconut cream for a dairy-free version
• Use half heavy cream, half water for a lighter custard
• Try raw cream if you have access to it for additional nutritional benefits

Flavor Variations:

Based on the transcript, here are some amazing alternatives:

• Cheesecake version: Use 10-15 drops of cheesecake flavoring instead of pumpkin spice
• Cherry Cheesecake: Combine cheesecake and cherry flavoring drops
• Peaches and Cream: Use peaches and cream flavoring drops
• Toasted Almond: Use 15 drops toasted almond flavoring with ground cardamom
• Cinnamon: Use cinnamon-infused ghee instead of regular ghee
• Vanilla Bean: Use vanilla bean ghee for a richer vanilla flavor
• Chocolate: Try chocolate fudge brownie flavoring drops
• Piña Colada: Use piña colada flavoring for a tropical twist

Budget Options:

• Use regular butter instead of ghee (though you’ll miss some of the flavor nuances)
• Make your own pumpkin pie spice blend from individual spices
• Skip the flavoring drops and stick with extracts you might already have

FAQ Section ❓

Q: Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?

A: While a hand mixer/frother makes the process easier, you can use a regular whisk. The only essential equipment is a pot with a lid and something to elevate your baking dishes above the water.

Q: Is this really carnivore if it has pumpkin pie spice?

A: Great question! This recipe uses only the spices, not actual pumpkin. Most carnivore approaches allow for minimal spice usage, especially for those not dealing with autoimmune issues. If you’re following a very strict carnivore protocol, you can omit the spices and use only vanilla.

Q: Can I use a sweetener with this recipe?

A: The original recipe doesn’t include sweeteners to stay true to the carnivore approach. However, if you’re following a keto rather than strict carnivore diet, you could add a few drops of liquid stevia or monk fruit to taste.

Q: How do I know when the custard is done?

A: The custard is done when the center is set and no liquid comes up when you gently touch the surface. Start checking at around 8 minutes.

Q: Can I make this in the oven instead of steaming?

A: Yes! You can bake these in a water bath at 325°F (163°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until set.

Q: Where can I find the flavoring drops mentioned?

A: The Capella drops mentioned in the transcript are available on Amazon. I’ve included a link in the equipment section.

Final Thoughts 💭

This Carnivore Pumpkin Pie Custard has become my holiday secret weapon. It allows me to sit at any festive table and enjoy a delicious dessert alongside everyone else, without compromising my health goals or feeling left out of the celebration.

What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels special and indulgent. The 1:1 ratio of eggs to cream creates the perfect custard base that can be customized for virtually any flavor profile you’re craving.

Remember, health is a journey, not a destination. Having recipes like this in your arsenal means you can enjoy celebrations while continuing to nourish your body properly. That’s not just a win—it’s sustainable lifestyle freedom! 🥧

So go ahead, whip up this easy custard and watch the faces of your family light up when they realize that “healthy eating” can actually be delicious. And isn’t that the best holiday gift of all?

Next Recipes To Try 🍽️

• Carnivore Cheesecake – Another incredible dessert option that’s carnivore-friendly
• Carnivore Creme Brulee – If you enjoy custard, you’ll love this sophisticated variation
• Carnivore Vanilla Pudding – A simpler version for everyday treats
• Carnivore Ice Cream – For when you want something cold and creamy

carnivore pumpkin pie custard

Yield: 2 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

A simple, delicious carnivore-friendly custard with all the flavors of pumpkin pie. Perfect for holidays and special occasions while staying low-carb and animal-based.

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Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon ghee, melted
• ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Set up your steamer: Fill a pot with about ¾ inch of water and place a trivet at the bottom. Bring water to a boil.
2. Prepare baking dishes: Lightly grease two ramekins with ghee.
3. Mix custard base: Combine 2 eggs and ½ cup heavy cream in a bowl.
4. Add flavorings: Add pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and melted ghee.
5. Mix thoroughly: Blend until well combined and slightly frothy.
6. Pour into dishes: Divide mixture between prepared ramekins.
7. Steam: Place ramekins on trivet, cover pot (leaving lid slightly ajar), and steam for 10-12 minutes.
8. Check doneness: Custard is ready when center is set with no liquid coming up when touched.
9. Make whipped cream (optional): Whip heavy cream with vanilla and apple pie flavoring until soft peaks form.
10. Serve: Top custard with whipped cream if desired.

Notes

The key to perfect custard is patience and proper testing. Start checking at 8 minutes. For variations, try different flavor drops like cheesecake, cherry, or toasted almond.

Nutrition Information

Yield 2 Serving Size 1 custard
Amount Per Serving Calories 355Total Fat 35gSaturated Fat 21gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 255mgSodium 126mgCarbohydrates 2gNet Carbohydrates 2gFiber 0gSugar 2gProtein 8g