Pumpkin is a popular fall flavor that can be found in everything from lattes to pastries. As pumpkin spice season ramps up, many people wonder if pumpkin flavor can be found in pudding as well. The quick answer is yes – there are several brands that make pumpkin flavored pudding. Some of the most popular pumpkin pudding mixes come from Jell-O, Cook & Serve, and Cool Whip. These mixes allow you to easily make pumpkin flavored pudding right at home. Major grocery stores also sell pre-made pumpkin pudding cups, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. So whether you want to whip up homemade pumpkin pudding or grab a quick snack, you can definitely satisfy your pumpkin craving with pudding.
The History of Pumpkin Pudding
Pumpkin pudding has been around for centuries. The Native Americans were known to make pudding out of pumpkin and cornmeal. When the Pilgrims learned about this recipe, they started creating their own version of pumpkin pudding. It became a staple dessert in early American homes during the fall months when pumpkins were plentiful.
The first published pumpkin pudding recipe appeared in Amelia Simmons’s “American Cookery” in 1796. This early recipe called for stewed and strained pumpkin, cream, eggs, sugar, and spices like ginger and nutmeg. As pumpkin became more popular as a pie and custard filling in the 1800s, pumpkin pudding recipes evolved to be thicker and richer. Cookbooks in the early 1900s included recipes for pumpkin pudding made with milk, eggs, molasses, spices, and pumpkin.
In the 1950s, advancements in food technology led to the creation of instant pudding mixes. This allowed home cooks to quickly make pudding without from scratch without heating or stirring anything on the stovetop. In 1954, General Foods (now Kraft Foods) released Jell-O brand instant pudding mixes in chocolate, vanilla, butterscotch, and coconut flavors. Over the years, theyexpanded their pudding flavor offerings to include seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice. This made it easy for people to make pumpkin pudding anytime.
Today, we have many convenient options for enjoying pumpkin pudding. Grocery stores sell shelf-stable pumpkin pudding cups from companies like Snack Pack and Stop & Shop. Popular pudding mix brands like Jell-O, Cook & Serve, and Cool Whip now offer pumpkin spice flavors. So pumpkin pudding has evolved from a homemade colonial era treat to a quick and easy comfort food you can pick up at the store.
Where to Buy Pumpkin Pudding
If you want to buy pre-made pumpkin pudding instead of making it yourself, you have several options:
Grocery Stores
Many major grocery store chains sell ready-to-eat pumpkin pudding cups, especially during the fall season. Some places to find them include:
– Walmart – Carries pumpkin pudding cups from Snack Pack and their store brand Great Value. Available in the refrigerated yogurt and pudding section.
– Target – Sells Snack Pack pumpkin pudding cups. Usually stocks them seasonally from September through December.
– Kroger – Carries pumpkin pudding cups from Snack Pack and Private Selection brands in the fall.
– Publix – Offers seasonal pumpkin pudding cups under their Publix brand name.
– Stop & Shop – Stocks Stop & Shop brand pumpkin pudding cups during the fall and winter.
– Safeway – Sells Snack Pack, Safeway Select, and Lucerne brand pumpkin pudding cups.
– Albertsons – Carries Snack Pack and Albertsons brands of pumpkin pudding cups.
– Winn Dixie – Stocks Snack Pack pumpkin pudding and also offers pudding under its own brand name.
Online Stores
You can also order pumpkin pudding online from:
– Amazon – Carries a wide selection of pumpkin pudding cups and mixes from brands like Jell-O, Snack Pack, Kozy Shack, Royal, and Its Delish.
– Jet.com – Sells pumpkin pudding from Snack Pack, Kozy Shack, and other brands.
– Walmart.com – Offers pumpkin pudding cups for delivery or pickup from local stores.
– Target.com – Can order Snack Pack pumpkin pudding for shipment or drive up pickup where available.
– Instacart – Lets you include pumpkin pudding from local grocery stores in your delivery order.
– Boxed.com – Carries Its Delish brand pumpkin pudding cups you can order online in bulk.
Warehouse Clubs
For buying pumpkin pudding in larger quantities, check at:
– Costco – Stocks their Kirkland Signature brand pumpkin pudding cups seasonally. Sold in packs of 24.
– Sam’s Club – Carries Member’s Mark pumpkin pudding cups in the fall. Sold in packs of 24.
– BJ’s Wholesale Club – Offers Snack Pack and Member’s Mark pumpkin pudding cups in multi-packs.
Nutrition Facts for Pumpkin Pudding
If you are watching your sugar, carbs, or calories, be sure to read the nutrition label when buying pumpkin pudding. Nutrition can vary greatly by brand. Here is the nutrition data for some popular pumpkin pudding cups:
| Brand | Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat | Total Carbs | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jell-O Instant Pumpkin Pudding Mix | 1/2 cup prepared | 140 | 2g | 28g | 16g | 3g |
| Snack Pack Pumpkin Pie Pudding | 4 oz cup | 100 | 2g | 18g | 14g | 2g |
| Stop & Shop Pumpkin Pie Pudding | 4 oz cup | 100 | 2.5g | 17g | 12g | 3g |
| Kozy Shack Pumpkin Pie Pudding | 4 oz cup | 130 | 3.5g | 24g | 17g | 3g |
| Royal Pumpkin Pudding Dessert | 4 oz cup | 100 | 1.5g | 22g | 16g | 3g |
As you can see, calories range from 100-140 per serving. Sugar content varies between 12g on the lower end up to 17g in some brands. So compare nutrition facts to choose a pumpkin pudding that fits your diet.
Tips for Making Homemade Pumpkin Pudding
While store-bought pumpkin pudding is convenient, making it at home lets you control the ingredients. Here are some tips for homemade pumpkin pudding:
– Use real pumpkin puree, not canned pie filling. Puree has a smoother, pudding-like texture.
– Flavor it with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of each spice and adjust to your taste.
– For thick pudding, use cornstarch as a thickener. 2-3 tablespoons per cup of milk.
– Letting the pudding chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours helps the texture set.
– Garnish with whipped cream, crushed gingersnaps, or shaved chocolate for extra flavor.
– For lighter pudding, replace some of the milk with half and half or heavy cream.
– Spice it up with a pinch of cardamom, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice blend.
– For dairy-free pudding, use canned coconut milk be the base instead of regular milk.
Simple Pumpkin Pudding Recipe
This easy stovetop recipe makes around 4 servings of velvety pumpkin pudding:
Ingredients
– 1 15oz can pumpkin puree
– 2 cups milk
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon vanilla
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ginger
– Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the pumpkin, milk, brown sugar, salt, and cornstarch until smooth.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and spices.
4. Pour into a bowl or individual ramekins. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent a skin forming.
5. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with whipped cream if desired.
How to Make Instant Pumpkin Pudding
For an even faster pumpkin pudding, use a store-bought instant pudding mix:
Ingredients
– 1 3.4 oz box instant pumpkin pudding mix (like Jell-O)
– 2 cups milk
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
– 1/2 cup whipped cream
– Gingersnap cookies for serving
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, milk, and pumpkin pie spice until thickened, about 2 minutes.
2. Divide the pudding between 4 dessert cups.
3. Refrigerate until set, about 5 minutes.
4. Top with whipped cream and crumbled gingersnap cookies before serving.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Pudding
Pumpkin pudding makes a great dessert, but what should you eat it with? Here are some delicious ways to serve pumpkin pudding:
– Gingersnap cookies – The spice complements the pumpkin flavor perfectly. Crush them on top or dip them in the pudding.
– Whipped cream – A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a nice texture contrast. Sweeten it with sugar or maple syrup if desired.
– Toasted pecans – Chopped or whole toasted pecans give a nice crunch. Their nutty flavor balances the pumpkin.
– Cinnamon sticks – Use a cinnamon stick as a tasty edible garnish. Swirl it around in the pudding for extra flavor.
– Granola – Look for granola with fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to complement the pudding.
– Graham crackers – Sprinkle crumbled graham crackers over each serving for a crunchy topping.
– Apple slices – Fresh apple slices add tartness to balance the sweetness. Dip them right in the pudding.
– Vanilla wafers – These cookies soak up the pumpkin flavor wonderfully when crumbled on top.
– Caramel sauce – Drizzle a bit of caramel over the pudding for even more richness.
Fall Drink Pairings for Pumpkin Pudding
In addition to food pairings, certain beverages go really well with pumpkin pudding:
– Coffee – A warm cup of coffee is a classic pairing for dessert. The slight bitterness plays off the sweet pudding.
– Tea – Spiced tea, like chai or cinnamon apple, complements pumpkin pudding perfectly.
– Hot chocolate – Opt for pumpkin spice flavored hot cocoa for a double dose of pumpkin.
– Apple cider – Warm up a mug of apple cider in the microwave and enjoy it with your pudding.
– Milk – A cold glass of milk washes down rich pumpkin pudding nicely.
– Eggnog – For adults, add a splash of rum or bourbon to eggnog to enjoy with pumpkin pudding.
– Spiced wine – Mull some red wine with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves for a seasonal treat.
– Pumpkin beer – Sip on a pumpkin or fall seasonal beer as the perfect dessert beverage.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Pumpkin Pudding
Like any homemade pudding, leftover pumpkin pudding should be stored properly to preserve the texture and flavor. Here are some tips:
– Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
– Freeze individual portions in ice cube trays, then transfer to freezer bags. Keeps 3-4 months.
– Cover the surface with plastic wrap before sealing to prevent a skin forming.
– Instant pudding thickens more upon standing. Thin it with a bit of milk when serving leftovers.
– Freeze pudding in resealable plastic bags laid flat to create ready-to-thaw sheets.
– For the best texture, let frozen pudding thaw 1-2 days in the fridge before serving.
– Mix in a bit of cream or milk when thawing to restore smooth, creamy consistency.
– Cooked pumpkin pudding made with eggs and dairy sours faster than instant pudding. Eat refrigerated leftovers within 3 days.
Conclusion
Pumpkin pudding is definitely a thing! Both homemade and store-bought versions are easy to find during the fall season. When making pumpkin pudding yourself, think beyond pie filling. Seek out real pumpkin puree and complement it with classic pie spices. Instant pudding mix provides a fast shortcut. Just add milk and spices for an effortless pumpkin dessert. However you choose to enjoy it, pumpkin pudding provides a rich, comforting way to savor a favorite fall flavor.