Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

Imagine cozying up under a blanket on a crisp autumn evening, the sweet aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through your home. There’s something undeniably magical about this time of year, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a sophisticated yet comforting dessert? Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée offers that perfect blend of creamy custard infused with the warm essence of pumpkin and spices, topped with a satisfyingly crunchy caramelized sugar. This treat isn’t just another dessert; it’s an experience that evokes warmth, nostalgia, and a sense of celebration, making it an ideal addition to any dinner party or festive gathering.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

The beauty of Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée goes beyond its delicious flavor; it’s about bringing a touch of elegance and a hint of nostalgia to your dessert table. The combination of rich heavy cream and vibrant pumpkin puree creates a luscious texture that’s hard to resist. Plus, the quick caramelization of the sugar on top not only adds a delightful crunch but also creates an impressive visual appeal. Whether you’re entertaining guests for a holiday dinner or simply treating yourself after a long week, this recipe serves up a luxurious indulgence that feels both special and satisfying.

“This Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée was a hit at our Thanksgiving gathering! Everyone loved the balance of flavors, and the crackling sugar topping was just the cherry on top!” – Jamie, happy home cook

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée may sound intimidating, but with a clear roadmap, it’s a breeze! This dessert involves a few simple steps: creating the custard, baking it gently in a water bath, and then torching the sugar to achieve that signature brûlée finish. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to mastering this autumnal delight and impressing your family and friends.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

To create this Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée, gather these essential ingredients:

2 cups heavy cream (470g)
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
5 egg yolks (95g)
⅓ cup granulated sugar (67g, more for topping)
⅔ cup pumpkin puree (160g)
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
A tiny pinch of ground cloves
3-4 small-medium pumpkins (around 5 ½ inches wide and 3 inches tall, tops cut off and hollowed out)

You could easily swap the pumpkin puree with sweet potato puree or even butternut squash for a different flavor profile!

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and vanilla bean paste. Heat over medium flame until just simmering, but do not boil.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, salt, and spices until pale and thickened.
Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the yolks.
Fold in the pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth.
Prepare your pumpkins by placing them in a baking dish. Pour the custard mixture into each pumpkin, filling them about ¾ full.
Create a water bath by adding hot water to the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the pumpkins.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
To serve, sprinkle with sugar on top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crispy.

Best Way to Serve

Serving Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée is all about presentation and pairing. Consider placing the small pumpkins on a rustic wooden board or a decorative platter for a stunning display. Pair this dessert with fresh whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast. For a fall-themed dinner, serve with spiced apple cider or a rich dessert wine that enhances the flavors of your crème brûlée.

Make-Ahead and Storage Guide

If you want to prepare this delightful dessert in advance, the custards can be made up to two days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just remember to torch the sugar topping right before serving to maintain that perfect crispy texture. Ideally, crème brûlée should be eaten within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture.

To store leftovers, tightly cover the tops with plastic wrap once the sugar has been caramelized, and refrigerate. Recrisp the sugar topping using a torch just before enjoying it again!

Expert Advice

For a flawless Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée, here are some pro chef tips:

Temperature is key. Ensure the cream is warm, but not boiling, when mixing it with the egg yolks to prevent curdling.
Don’t rush the cooling. Allow the custards to cool completely before refrigerating. This helps them set properly and enhances the flavor over time.
Experiment with spices. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste preferences—adding a touch of cardamom can elevate it even further!

Creative Twists

While classic pumpkin spice can steal the show, consider exploring variations to keep things exciting:

Maple Pecan: Add a splash of maple syrup to the custard and top with chopped toasted pecans.
Chocolate Pumpkin: Mix in a few tablespoons of melted dark chocolate for a richer dessert.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative that still captures that creamy texture.

Your questions answered

How long does it take to make Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée?

From start to finish, it takes about 1.5 hours of active time, plus chilling time in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Can I use fresh pumpkins or canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, both are options! If you’re using fresh pumpkins, be sure to cook them down and puree for a smooth consistency. Canned pumpkin puree is perfectly fine and often more convenient.

How can I prevent the custard from cracking?

A water bath ensures even cooking, which helps prevent cracks. Also, avoid overcooking; the custards should be set but still jiggly in the center when you take them out.

Enjoy this Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée as a delightful end to your meal, capturing the essence of fall in each creamy, luscious bite!

Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée

Total Time: 90 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A sophisticated yet comforting dessert that blends creamy custard with pumpkin spice and features a crunchy caramelized sugar top.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups heavy cream (470g)
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
5 egg yolks (95g)
⅓ cup granulated sugar (67g, more for topping)
⅔ cup pumpkin puree (160g)
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
A tiny pinch of ground cloves
3–4 small-medium pumpkins

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and vanilla bean paste. Heat over medium flame until just simmering, but do not boil.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, salt, and spices until pale and thickened.
Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the yolks.
Fold in the pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth.
Prepare your pumpkins by placing them in a baking dish. Pour the custard mixture into each pumpkin, filling them about ¾ full.
Create a water bath by adding hot water to the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the pumpkins.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
To serve, sprinkle with sugar on top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crispy.

Notes

Custards can be made up to two days in advance. Torch the sugar topping right before serving for optimal crunch.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: pumpkin, crème brûlée, fall dessert, holiday recipe, elegant dessert