Name: Pumpkin Crème Brûlée
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 Mini Pumpkins (or ramekins); 2 cups Heavy Cream; 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar (plus extra for topping); 4 large Egg Yolks; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1 cup Pumpkin Puree; 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon; 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger; 1/4 tsp Salt

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If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall, then this Pumpkin Crème Brûlée is just the treat you need! Imagine creamy custard infused with the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices, all topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust. This recipe is special to me because it combines the classic French technique with cozy autumn vibes, making it perfect for everything from family dinners to festive gatherings.

What I love most about this Pumpkin Crème Brûlée is how easy it is to impress your guests or simply enjoy a little indulgence on a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s a delightful way to showcase pumpkin beyond the usual pies and lattes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Unique: This isn’t your average crème brûlée; the pumpkin and spices create a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this elegant dessert without any fuss.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a weekend dinner, this recipe serves four and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance, so you can relax and enjoy your time with family and friends.
Seasonal Treat: It’s the perfect way to celebrate fall flavors and make the most of pumpkin season!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delightful Pumpkin Crème Brûlée, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Custard

4 Mini Pumpkins (optional – you can also just use ramekins)
2 cups Heavy Cream (476g)
1/3 cup Granulated Sugar (67g) (plus extra for topping)
4 large Egg Yolks
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 cup Pumpkin Puree (245g)
1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Ground Ginger
1/4 tsp Salt

Variations

This Pumpkin Crème Brûlée recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to personalize it based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variation ideas:

Add Some Spice: Feel free to mix in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra flavor kick!
Use Different Sweeteners: Try swapping out granulated sugar for brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version that still tastes amazing.
Flavor Twist: Incorporate some orange zest into the custard for a citrusy brightness that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

How to Make Pumpkin Crème Brûlée

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dishes

If you’re using mini pumpkins as your dishes, cut off the tops and scoop out the insides. Be careful not to break through the skin! If you’re using ramekins instead, just set them aside.

Step 2: Heat the Cream

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and granulated sugar. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves and the cream is heated through but not boiling. This step helps infuse sweetness into your custard while ensuring it’s smooth.

Step 3: Mix Egg Yolks and Flavorings

In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt until well combined. This mixture will create that luscious custard base we crave in crème brûlée.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually pour the warm cream mixture into your egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. This gentle blending ensures that your eggs don’t scramble! It’s important for achieving that silky-smooth texture.

Step 5: Bake in Water Bath

Place your mini pumpkins or ramekins in a baking dish and carefully fill them with the custard mixture. Pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of your baking dishes. This water bath helps cook the custard evenly without drying it out.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 30 minutes or until set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Allow them to cool before refrigerating for at least two hours. Chilling helps enhance those delicious flavors!

Step 7: Caramelize Sugar Topping

When ready to serve, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top of each custard. Using a kitchen torch, carefully melt and caramelize sugar until golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can place them under a broiler for a minute—just keep an eye on them!

And there you have it! A deliciously creamy Pumpkin Crème Brûlée that’s sure to impress at any gathering or just satisfy your sweet cravings at home. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Crème Brûlée

Creating the perfect Pumpkin Crème Brûlée is all about the details, so here are some handy tips to ensure your dessert comes out just right.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh heavy cream and real pumpkin puree will enhance the flavor profile of your crème brûlée, making it richer and more delicious.
Temperature Matters: Allow your egg yolks to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend smoothly with other ingredients, creating a creamy texture.
Control the Heat: When baking, use a water bath (bain-marie) to regulate the temperature around your custards. This prevents them from curdling and ensures even cooking.
Chill Properly: After baking, let the custards cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Chilling them for at least two hours (or overnight) allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Brûlée Just Before Serving: For that perfect crackling sugar topping, torch or broil the sugar just before you serve—this keeps it crispy and delightful!

How to Serve Pumpkin Crème Brûlée

Serving your Pumpkin Crème Brûlée can be as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present this fall-inspired dessert beautifully.

Garnishes

Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of light and fluffy coconut cream adds a tropical twist and a lovely visual contrast against the caramelized sugar.
Toasted Pecans: Sprinkle some toasted pecans on top for an appealing crunch and nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin.

Side Dishes

Spiced Shortbread Cookies: These buttery cookies offer a crumbly texture that pairs nicely with the creamy custard, enhancing your dessert experience.
Apple Crisp: The warm spiciness of apple crisp contrasts beautifully with the cold crème brûlée, making for a comforting duo.
Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce adds a refreshing burst of flavor that balances the richness of the crème brûlée perfectly.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: For those who love extra creaminess, serving a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side is always a hit!

With these serving suggestions and tips in mind, your Pumpkin Crème Brûlée will not only taste divine but also look stunning on any table. Enjoy this delightful dessert during fall gatherings or as a special treat just for yourself!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Crème Brûlée is not just a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prepping! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully while saving you some stress on busy days.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the crème brûlée to cool completely before storing.
Cover each mini pumpkin or ramekin with plastic wrap or a lid.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the custard before caramelizing the top.
Wrap each container tightly with plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
To serve, gently reheat the custard in a water bath at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Always caramelize the sugar topping just before serving for that perfect crunchy layer.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Pumpkin Crème Brûlée!

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for Pumpkin Crème Brûlée?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is a convenient option and works wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin without any added spices or sugars.

How do I achieve a perfect caramelized top on my Pumpkin Crème Brûlée?

To achieve that satisfying crunch, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the cooled custard. Use a kitchen torch to carefully melt and caramelize the sugar until golden. If you don’t have a torch, broiling briefly in your oven can work too—just watch it closely!

How long does it take to make Pumpkin Crème Brûlée?

From prep to finish, this delightful dessert takes about 45 minutes. However, keep in mind you’ll want to chill it for at least a couple of hours before serving for optimal texture.

Is Pumpkin Crème Brûlée suitable for gatherings?

Definitely! This elegant dessert is perfect for gatherings and celebrations, especially during fall. It’s sure to impress your guests with its creamy texture and delicious flavors.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Pumpkin Crème Brûlée recipe brings joy and warmth into your kitchen! It’s not only a festive treat but also an opportunity to share love through food with friends and family. Whether you’re preparing it for Thanksgiving or simply indulging in fall flavors, enjoy every creamy bite. Happy cooking!

Pumpkin Crème Brûlée

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French

Print Recipe

Description

Experience the essence of fall with this delightful Pumpkin Crème Brûlée, a decadent dessert that pairs creamy custard with the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices. This elegant dish features a perfectly caramelized sugar crust, making it an impressive treat for gatherings or cozy weeknight indulgences. Easy to prepare and make-ahead friendly, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful masterpiece that showcases pumpkin beyond traditional pies.

Ingredients

Scale

4 Mini Pumpkins (or ramekins)
2 cups Heavy Cream
1/3 cup Granulated Sugar (plus extra for topping)
4 large Egg Yolks
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 cup Pumpkin Puree
1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Ground Ginger
1/4 tsp Salt

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). If using mini pumpkins, cut off the tops and scoop out the insides.
In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and granulated sugar over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, spices, and salt until combined.
Gradually pour warm cream into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
Fill mini pumpkins or ramekins with the custard mixture and place them in a baking dish with hot water halfway up the sides.
Bake for about 30 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Chill for at least two hours.
Before serving, sprinkle sugar on top and caramelize using a kitchen torch or under a broiler.