Sugar Free Low Carb Keto Pumpkin Ricotta Custard

If the creamy filling is your favorite part of pumpkin pie, this easy Sugar Free Low Carb Keto Pumpkin Ricotta Custard is the perfect fall dessert! It has all the warm pumpkin pie flavor you love without the sugar, flour or crust.

Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie Custard

I already have a popular Sugar Free Keto Pumpkin Pie Custard on my website, but I had some ricotta cheese in the refrigerator that I needed to use. I decided to create another version using part-skim ricotta to increase the protein without relying on heavy cream.

The result was perfectly creamy, lightly spiced and absolutely delicious. Both recipes taste just like pumpkin pie filling, but this ricotta version provides 11 grams of protein per serving!

Each individual custard has 184 calories, 7 grams of total carbs, 1 gram of fiber and 6 grams of net carbs.

Easy Keto Pumpkin Custard Recipe with Ricotta

This easy keto pumpkin custard recipe combines pureed pumpkin, ricotta cheese, cream cheese, eggs, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice and your favorite low carb sweetener.

The main ingredients go into one bowl before the mixture is divided among four ramekins. The custards bake in a hot water bath, which helps them cook gently and evenly.

Once chilled, the texture is somewhere between traditional pumpkin pie filling and creamy ricotta cheesecake. There is no crust to make, roll or bake, so it is also a simple gluten-free and grain-free dessert for the holiday season.

Why Ricotta Gives This Crustless Pumpkin Pie a Creamy Texture

Part-skim ricotta adds body and creaminess while also increasing the amount of protein in each serving. A small amount of cream cheese helps create a smooth, rich custard without the heavy cream used in many traditional pumpkin custard recipes.

For the nutritional information listed in the recipe, be sure to use part-skim ricotta. Whole-milk ricotta should also work, but it will make the custard richer and increase the calories and fat.

Ricotta can vary in moisture. If yours looks especially watery, drain off any visible liquid before measuring it.

Is Pureed Pumpkin Keto-Friendly?

Pumpkin is a winter squash, but it can still fit into a keto or low-carb diet when portion size is considered. This entire recipe uses just ½ cup of pumpkin puree divided among four custards.

Be sure to purchase canned pure pumpkin with pumpkin as the only main ingredient. Do not use canned pumpkin pie filling, which already contains sugar and other ingredients.

Main Ingredients for Low Carb Pumpkin Custard

Here is what you will need:

Pumpkin pie spice typically contains warming spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and sometimes allspice. You can use a store-bought blend or your favorite homemade pumpkin spice mixture.

How to Bake Pumpkin Ricotta Custard in a Water Bath

A water bath provides gentle, even heat around the ramekins. This helps the custard bake evenly and gives it a softer, creamier texture.

Place the filled ramekins inside an 8-by-8-inch baking dish. Carefully pour hot water into the larger dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Take care not to splash water into the pumpkin mixture.

Bake until the custards are set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool before transferring them to the refrigerator. These custards taste best after chilling for at least one or two hours.

Low Carb Sweetener Options

I used pumpkin spice liquid stevia, but vanilla liquid stevia, cinnamon stevia or a combination of liquid stevia and maple extract would also complement the pumpkin flavor.

You can use another low carb sweetener if you prefer, but the amount needed will depend on the product and its sweetness level. A powdered sweetener will dissolve more easily than a coarse granulated sweetener, which may leave the custard with a grainy texture.

I no longer use erythritol as a sweetener in my recipes due to many people worried about using it since in some studies it can cause blood clotting. 

Use my Sugar Free Sweetener Guide and Conversion Chart to find the correct amount for your preferred sweetener.

I love using a little maple extract which provides flavor but does not add sweetness, so it should be combined with a sweetener.

Regular maple syrup, honey or coconut sugar would increase the total carbs and the recipe would no longer be sugar free or keto friendly.

Can I Make Dairy-Free Pumpkin Custard or a Paleo Version?

Ricotta and cream cheese create the structure and texture of this particular recipe, so replacing them with almond milk or coconut milk would not be a direct substitution.

If you need a dairy-free pumpkin custard or Paleo-friendly dessert, make my original Keto Pumpkin Pie Custard instead. That recipe is easy to adapt to be made without dairy by replacing the heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk or cashew milk.

Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned Pumpkin Puree?

You can use homemade fresh pumpkin puree, but its moisture content can vary. Drain watery puree before measuring so the custard sets properly.

Use exactly ½ cup of pumpkin puree for this recipe. Do not substitute pumpkin pie filling because it contains added sugar and may already contain spices and other ingredients that will change the flavor, texture and grams of total carbs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Custard

Can I use whole-milk ricotta?

Yes. Whole-milk ricotta should produce a richer custard, but it will increase the fat and calories. Use part-skim ricotta if you want the nutritional information shown in the recipe.

Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

I have not tested cottage cheese in this recipe. Cottage cheese is often wetter and has a different texture, so it would need to be blended smooth and possibly drained. For the best tested result, I recommend ricotta.

Can I replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt?

I have not tried this substitution. Greek yogurt contains more moisture and may make the custard softer or tangier. Cream cheese produces the tested creamy texture and helps the custard set.

Do I have to use a water bath?

I recommend the water bath for the creamiest, most evenly baked custard. Please note that direct oven heat can cause the edges to overbake before the center is set.

Can I bake the mixture in one large dish?

I tested this recipe in four 6-ounce ramekins. A larger custard should work, but the baking time will need to be adjusted. Begin checking when the center is mostly set with only a slight jiggle.

Can I make this pumpkin custard ahead of time?

Yes! It needs at least one or two hours to chill, so it is a wonderful make-ahead dessert for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering. You can also prepare it the night before serving.

Is pumpkin ricotta custard served warm or cold?

For the best flavor and texture, serve it chilled. Top each custard with sugar-free whipped cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice.

More Healthy Pumpkin Recipes

If you love the flavor of pumpkin pie filling, try my original Sugar Free Low Carb Pumpkin Pie Custard. My easy crustless pumpkin pie option and can be adapted for a dairy-free or Paleo diet.

Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

Sugar Free Keto Pumpkin Cake Roll

Sugar Free Low Carb Pumpkin Pie Fudge

Sugar Free Keto Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

1 Minute Sugar Free Chocolate Pumpkin Fudge Cookie

Sugar Free Keto Pumpkin Ricotta Custard