This Healthy Pumpkin Pie is a lighter twist on the holiday classic, made with simple, wholesome ingredients for a creamy, perfectly spiced dessert. It’s easy to make and just as festive and delicious—perfect for your Thanksgiving celebrations!

Slice of pumpkin pie in a pie plate topped with whipped cream.

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A Note from Kim

A Lighter Slice of Pumpkin Perfection

I’ve made a lot of pumpkin pies over the years, but this healthy pumpkin pie is the real deal, it’s completely stolen my heart. It has all the cozy, spiced flavor I crave this time of year, but it’s lighter and naturally sweetened, so I can enjoy a slice (or two) without any guilt. I love how the creamy coconut gives it such a silky texture that you’d never guess it’s dairy-free.

What I especially adore about this pie is how simple it is to put together. Just a handful of pantry staples, a can of pumpkin, and a few warm spices come together to create the most delicious dessert for the holiday season. Whether you serve it with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge, it’s the perfect way to wrap up your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast, or any cozy fall meal.

With love (and lots of good eats), - Kim

Need more Thanksgiving desserts to round out your holiday menu? Try my grandma’s pumpkin dessert bars (my personal favorite) or these amazing pumpkin cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Made this for a Friendsgiving party and it was a hit! Great flavor and texture!

— Cheyenne

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of this healthy pumpkin pie recipe is that it’s made with minimal ingredients! They all come together to create a warm, creamy, flavorful dessert. So good, no one will guess this is healthier!

Unbaked pie crust near small bowls of pumpkin puree, milk, coconut sugar and cornstarch.
  • Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient! Use canned pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.
  • Coconut cream: Use just the cream (avoid the liquid) to create a thick, luscious filling without any dairy. This is thicker than coconut milk.
  • Coconut sugar: Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Pure vanilla extract: For a soft sweetness that balances the spices.
  • Cinnamon: The essential spice for pumpkin pie, adding warmth and a comforting fall flavor.
  • Ground ginger: Adds a bit of zing and complexity, balancing the sweetness with a hint of spice.
  • Nutmeg: Has a warm, slightly nutty taste that provides depth and a hint of coziness.
  • Cloves: This spice adds intensity and pairs beautifully with the ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Salt: Just a touch to balance and enhance the sweetness and flavor of the pie.
  • Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the filling, making it smooth, sliceable, and perfectly set after baking.
  • Pie crust: I typically use a store-bought pie crust for convenience, though a homemade crust works beautifully too.
  • Whipped cream: Can’t forget the whipped cream for topping!

Substitutions and variations

  • Sugar: This recipe calls for coconut sugar, which keeps the pie refined sugar-free. However, feel free to use granulated sugar or brown sugar instead.
  • Pumpkin pie spice: If you’d rather replace the individual spices with pumpkin spice, you can mix in 2 1/2 to 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice. For homemade pumpkin pie spices, mix 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/8 lightly heaping teaspoon ground cloves or allspice.
  • Gluten free pumpkin pie: Simply use a gluten-free crust.
  • Traditional pumpkin pie: Try my best pumpkin pie recipe if you’re not concerned with having a lighter dessert! It’s a family favorite!

Healthy Pumpkin Pie

This Healthy Pumpkin Pie is a lighter twist on the holiday classic, made with simple, wholesome ingredients for a creamy, perfectly spiced dessert. It’s easy to make and just as festive and delicious—perfect for your Thanksgiving celebrations!
Author: Kim

Ingredients

  • 15 ounce can pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup coconut cream, (don’t shake the can) spoon out the cream and try not to use the liquid part
  • 1 cup coconut sugar*
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch***
  • 1 frozen pie crust, or use homemade
  • Whipped cream, optional for serving

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Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Prepare a pie crust in pie plate, if using homemade. Set aside.
  • Add the canned pumpkin, coconut cream, sugar, spices, salt and cornstarch to a blender and blend until very smooth. Alternatively, you can simply whisk all ingredients together in a large bowl until smooth.
  • Pour the mixture into a 9-inch pan lined with a pie crust. (No need to pre-cook the pie crust.) Spread evenly with a spatula.
  • Bake for 1 hour. If the crust starts getting too brown, cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil or a pie shield after about 30 minutes of baking. When done, it’s normal for the middle to still look jiggly.
  • Let pie cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then cover and transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • Slice and serve with whipped cream!

Notes

*You can sub with 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1/3 cup granulated sugar. You can
also reduce the coconut sugar to 3/4 cup for a bit less sweetness.
**You can replace the individual spices with 2 1/2 to 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice.
***Arrowroot or tapioca starch are good substitutes for cornstarch.
Store leftover pie loosely covered in the fridge for 3-4 days. To freeze for up to
about 3 months, let the whole pie cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in several
layers of plastic wrap and an even layer of foil to protect it from freezer burn.
This recipe was first published in 2018. It was updated and republished with new photos and tips November 2024.
Serving: 1slice, Calories: 312kcal, Carbohydrates: 39g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Sodium: 291mg, Potassium: 237mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 8274IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 25mg, Iron: 2mg

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How to Make This Healthy Pumpkin Pie

Pie crust in a pie plate near small pumpkins.

Step 1: Prep the crust. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Prepare a pie crust in pie pan, if using homemade. Set aside.

Whisking pumpkin puree with coconut cream and coconut sugar.

Step 2: Make the filling. Add the canned pumpkin, coconut cream, sugar, spices, salt and cornstarch to a blender or food processor and blend until very smooth. Alternatively, you can simply whisk all ingredients together in a large bowl until smooth.

Pumpkin filling added to pie crust in a white pie plate.

Step 3: Add filling to crust. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish lined with a pie dough. (No need to pre-cook the pie crust.) Spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for 1 hour. When done, it’s normal for the middle to still look jiggly.

Pumpkin pie sliced in a pie plate and topped with whipped cream.

Step 4: Cool, chill and serve. Let pie cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then cover and transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Slice and enjoy with whipped cream!

Helpful Tips

  • Using coconut sugar: Keep in mind the coconut sugar makes the pie look darker than the traditional version, so sub with half brown sugar and half granulated sugar for a more orange filling.
  • Cover the crust: If the crust starts getting too brown, cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil or a pie shield after about 30 minutes of baking.
  • Bake until just set: To avoid a cracked top, bake until the pie is just set in the center. It should still have a slight wobble when you take it out, as it will continue to set as it cools.
  • Allow to cool: After baking, let the pie cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate for a few hours to fully set. This makes for the perfect creamy texture when sliced. If you prefer a room temperature pie, just set it out when you start to serve the main course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! Simply roast, mash, and puree fresh pumpkin. Fresh pumpkin may have a higher water content, so you may need to strain it or cook it down to match the consistency of canned pumpkin.

Do I need to bake the crust ahead of time?

No, there’s no need to pre-bake or blind-bake the pie crust beforehand—it bakes right along with the filling and will be perfectly done when the pie is finished.

Can I freeze this pumpkin pie?

Yes! Cool the pie completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store it in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Storage Recommendations

Once the pie has cooled to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge. You can also store individual servings in an airtight container. Pumpkin pie can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Slice of healthy pumpkin pie on a plate with a fork.

If you try this healthier pumpkin pie, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.