Easy Pumpkin Pie in a Cup Recipe (Perfect for Thanksgiving and Preschool)
Introduction
If you’re looking for a festive, no-bake dessert that’s easy for little hands to help make, this Easy Pumpkin Pie in a Cup recipe is the answer! With classic pumpkin pie flavors layered in individual cups, this treat brings all the cozy vibes of Thanksgiving—without any oven time. It’s a kid-friendly, mess-free favorite that delights preschoolers and adults alike.
Why Pumpkin Pie in a Cup is a Thanksgiving Crowd Pleaser
Pumpkin Pie in a Cup shines because of its simplicity and versatility. No rolling pins, pie crusts, or baking required—just quick assembly and delicious, creamy results. Plus, individual servings make this treat ideal for classroom celebrations, potlucks, or portion-controlled indulgences at home. Every bite is packed with classic spices and creamy pumpkin goodness.
The Secret to Creamy Pumpkin Pie Filling
The “pie” filling is a smooth blend of canned pumpkin, vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and spices. Using instant pudding keeps prep effortless—just mix and layer! The touch of cinnamon and pumpkin spice creates that unmistakable autumn flavor, while the graham cracker base adds crunch and nostalgia.
How to Layer and Assemble Your Cups
Start with a layer of crushed graham crackers for a classic “crust.” Top with creamy pumpkin mixture, then a generous dollop of whipped topping, and finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Kids can help with every step—measuring, mixing, and assembling their cups.
Serving Suggestions for a Memorable Thanksgiving Treat
Top each cup with a mini pumpkin-shaped candy or a dusting of nutmeg for extra flair. Serve in clear plastic cups for a pretty presentation at your preschool Thanksgiving party or family gathering. These cups are easy to transport, serve, and enjoy—no forks or knives required!
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 8 individual cups, making it perfect for a preschool class or a small family gathering. Each cup contains around 175 to 200 calories (depending on the type of whipped topping and pudding used), making it a lighter alternative to traditional pumpkin pie.
Easy Pumpkin Pie in a Cup (Recap)
In minutes, you’ll have a festive, flavorful dessert that’s fun for kids, convenient for teachers and parents, and packed with classic pumpkin pie delight—all with minimal mess and stress.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and stress-free meal planning.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of graham mixture into the bottom of each clear cup, pressing down gently to form a crust.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together instant pudding mix and milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Stir in canned pumpkin, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.
- Fold 2 cups whipped topping into the pumpkin mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon or pipe the pumpkin filling on top of the graham layer in each cup.
- Top with a dollop of additional whipped topping.
- Sprinkle with extra cinnamon or top with a mini pumpkin candy, if desired.
- Refrigerate cups for at least 30 minutes before serving, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor!
Weekly Meal Planning
Pumpkin Pie in a Cup is a fantastic option for weekly meal prep, especially during the busy fall season. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to add it to your meal plan, generate a smart shopping list, and streamline ingredient prep for classroom parties or Thanksgiving menus.
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically calculates ingredient totals across all your planned recipes
- Organizes shopping lists by grocery store section for faster trips
- Reduces duplicate purchases and helps you remember every ingredient
- Makes batch prep and serving for classrooms or gatherings a breeze
Pro tip: Use CookifyAI to coordinate all your Thanksgiving desserts and snacks! If you plan to make more pumpkin treats, CookifyAI will sum up how much pumpkin, whipped topping, and spices you need for the entire week, helping you save money and avoid waste.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Enjoy a fun, festive dessert that captures the flavors of Thanksgiving and brings smiles to every preschool table!