Pumpkin Pie Polenta, also known as Pumpkin Pie Grits, is a delightful fusion of Southern comfort food and classic pumpkin pie flavors.
This unique recipe combines the creamy texture of polenta or grits with the warm, spiced goodness of pumpkin pie.
It’s the perfect dish to enjoy during the fall season or anytime you crave a cozy and satisfying treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup polenta or stone-ground grits
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream
Instructions
1. Prepare the Polenta
In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
Gradually whisk in the polenta or grits to avoid clumps.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and the grains are tender.
2. Add Pumpkin Puree
Stir in the pumpkin puree and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the pumpkin to fully incorporate with the polenta.
3. Sweeten the Mixture
Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt to the polenta-pumpkin mixture.
Stir well to combine, and let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld together.
4. Finish with Butter and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and the mixture is creamy and fragrant.
5. Serve and Garnish
Spoon the Pumpkin Pie Polenta into serving bowls.
If desired, top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra indulgence.
6. Enjoy Your Pumpkin Pie Polenta
Serve the Pumpkin Pie Polenta hot, and savor the delightful combination of creamy polenta or grits with the rich, spiced pumpkin pie flavors.
Name | Pumpkin Pie Polenta (aka Grits) |
---|---|
Cuisine | Southern / American |
Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cooking Time | 35 minutes |
Total Time | 45 minutes |
Servings | 6 servings |
Yield | 6 cups |
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
Calories: 290 calories per serving
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 27g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 190mg
Potassium: 250mg
Vitamin A: 120%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 10%
Yes, I know we have now entered a new month and pumpkin recipes are going to start falling by the wayside… but not on this blog. You must know by now how much I adore this seasonal ingredient, and I have a few more pumpkin-centric recipes to share.
Cool?
Cool.

I might be exaggerating [but not really] when I write that Joy’s Fresh Corn and Goat Cheese Grits were life-changing for me.
Why it took me 28 years – 1 1/2 of which were spent living in the South – to make grits is beyond me, but I am damn glad that I finally did. Thick and creamy with a little bit of chew, hot grits straight from the stovetop truly are a revelation!

With visions of those drool-worthy summertime grits lingering in the back of my mind, I forged ahead into Autumn and was – of course – inspired to make a sweet pumpkin version.

Minimal effort, a handful of pantry staples, and a mere 10 minutes of cooking will yield this bowl of comfort.

So without further ado, meet my new favorite breakfast!