Silky Pumpkin Creme Brulee Recipe: Fall’s Sweet Surprise

Sweet memories of autumn dance through my kitchen whenever I whisk a creamy pumpkin creme brulee into existence.

Crisp mornings inspire comfort desserts that warm the soul with unexpected elegance.

Seasonal ingredients become magical when transformed into sophisticated treats that surprise even experienced home cooks.

Delicate custard meets rich pumpkin spices in a dessert that feels like pure indulgence.

Cracking through the caramelized sugar top reveals a silky smooth interior guaranteed to impress guests.

Subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg complement the luxurious texture, making this recipe a perfect finale to any meal.

FAQs

• How do I know when the custard is perfectly baked?

Look for a slight wobble in the center when you gently shake the ramekin. The edges should be set, but the middle should have a gentle jiggle. This ensures a creamy, smooth texture without being runny or overcooked.

• Can I make this recipe without a kitchen torch?

Yes! Use your oven’s broiler. Place the ramekins about 4 inches from the broiler, watching carefully to prevent burning. Move the ramekins constantly to create an even caramel crust. The process takes about 2-3 minutes.

• What type of bourbon works best in this recipe?

Choose a mid-range bourbon with subtle vanilla and caramel notes. Brands like Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace work great. If you prefer, you can substitute with rum or skip the alcohol entirely without compromising the flavor.

• Why do I need to use a water bath when baking?

The water bath (or bain-marie) helps the custard cook gently and evenly, preventing cracks and creating a silky smooth texture. It also keeps the custard from drying out or becoming rubbery during baking.

Pumpkin Crème Brûlée That’s Both Creamy And Crisp

• Craft Quick Dessert Magic: Whip up this luxurious pumpkin creme brulee with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.
• Impress Without Stress: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality dessert using simple techniques that even novice home cooks can master confidently.
• Seasonal Sensation: Perfectly captures autumn's warmth with pumpkin and maple, transforming traditional creme brulee into a festive fall treat.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare custards in advance and caramelize sugar just before serving, making it ideal for dinner parties and holiday gatherings.

Pumpkin Creme Brulee Ingredient Rundown

• Pumpkin Puree: Signature flavor that adds richness and autumn character.
• Eggs: Natural thickener that provides structure and silky texture.
• Bourbon: Optional flavor enhancer with warm, deep undertones.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Warm blend of classic fall spices for depth.
• Vanilla Bean Paste, Vanilla Extract: Complex sweet flavor with aromatic notes.

• Maple Syrup: Rich, natural sweetener with deep caramel undertones.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, smooth texture.
• Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Granulated Sugar: Used for creating crisp caramelized topping.
• Hot Tap Water: Creates gentle water bath for even baking.
• Kitchen Torch: Essential for creating signature caramelized sugar crust.

Pumpkin Crème Brûlée with a Silky Finish

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch pan and nestle your ramekins inside, getting ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Whip Together the Creamy Base

• Pumpkin puree
• Eggs
• Bourbon
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Vanilla bean paste
• Vanilla extract
• Sea salt

Whisk everything until it transforms into a silky smooth mixture that looks like autumn in a bowl.

Step 3: Create Maple Magic

Grab a small saucepan and pour in maple syrup.

Let it bubble and dance over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Once it’s bubbling, remove from heat and gently introduce heavy cream, adding about ⅓ at a time while stirring lovingly.

Step 4: Merge Flavors

Slowly pour the warm maple cream into the pumpkin mixture.

Whisk continuously, watching the two blend into a luxurious, creamy dream.

Step 5: Bake with Care

Distribute the custard evenly among the ramekins.

Fill the 9×13-inch pan with hot tap water, reaching halfway up the ramekin sides.

Slide into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes.

You’re looking for a set texture with a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 6: Chill and Rest

Once baked, rescue the ramekins from the water bath.

Let them cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes.

Cover and send them to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days to get perfectly chilled.

Step 7: Caramelize the Crown

Right before serving, sprinkle a delicate layer of granulated sugar on top of each custard.

Unleash your kitchen torch and transform the sugar into a gorgeous golden crust that crackles when tapped.

Custard Tips for Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Success

• Hold the kitchen torch 2-3 inches away from sugar to prevent burning, moving constantly for even caramelization.
• Use a kitchen towel under ramekins when transferring the water bath to the oven for stable, splash-free movement.
• Add an extra pinch of pumpkin pie spice or freshly grated nutmeg for deeper, more complex autumn flavor.
• Prepare custards up to 2 days in advance, keeping them refrigerated and torching sugar just before serving for maximum crispness.
• Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use maple syrup as a natural sweetener for a plant-based version of this dessert.

Chill Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Leftovers

• Store covered pumpkin creme brulee in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep ramekins tightly wrapped with plastic wrap to prevent moisture absorption and flavor contamination.
• Do not freeze these delicate custards, as the texture will become watery and separated when thawed.
• Skip reheating completely, as these desserts are best enjoyed chilled directly from the refrigerator. The delicate custard structure can break down when warmed.
• Caramelize the sugar layer just before serving to maintain the crisp, crackling texture. Prepare fresh sugar crust to prevent soggy or soft caramel from refrigeration.

Smooth Pairings for Pumpkin Crème Brûlée

• Pair with Warm Bourbon Companion: Enhance the dessert's bourbon notes by serving a small glass of smooth Kentucky bourbon, allowing the whiskey's caramel and vanilla undertones to complement the pumpkin's rich warmth.
• Create Spiced Cinnamon Contrast: Serve alongside a light cinnamon-infused black tea or coffee, which will highlight the pumpkin pie spice and provide a delightful aromatic counterpoint to the creamy custard.
• Match with Nutty Pecan Crunch: Garnish the creme brulee with candied pecans or serve a small pecan shortbread cookie on the side, adding a delightful textural crunch that echoes the dessert's autumnal flavors and provides a nutty balance to the silky custard.
• Elevate with Sparkling Apple Accent: Pour a crisp, slightly sweet sparkling apple cider to cut through the richness, offering a refreshing palate cleanser that harmonizes with the pumpkin's seasonal essence.

Creme Brulee Flavor Infusion Options

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk for a lactose-free version. Use maple syrup alternatives like agave nectar to maintain sweetness.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap granulated sugar with erythritol or stevia. Substitute pumpkin with low-carb butternut squash puree to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Double-check bourbon and vanilla extract for potential gluten contamination. Verify spices are pure and unblended.
• Alcohol-Free Variation: Eliminate bourbon completely. Replace with apple juice or additional vanilla extract for depth of flavor. Keep all other ingredients consistent with original recipe.

Pumpkin Creme Brulee Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 68 1x

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Description

Silky pumpkin creme brulee beckons with autumnal elegance, blending classic French technique and seasonal warmth. Caramelized sugar shatters to reveal creamy spiced custard, inviting you to savor each luxurious spoonful of comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) pure maple syrup
• 3 large eggs

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Finishing Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 6–8 oven-safe ramekins (4 ounces or 120 milliliters capacity each)
• 9x13-inch pan
• Kitchen torch

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and positioning ramekins inside a spacious baking pan.
2. Create a silky pumpkin base by whisking together pumpkin puree, eggs, bourbon, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla bean paste, vanilla extract, and sea salt until achieving a harmonious, smooth consistency.
3. Transform maple syrup into a luxurious cream by heating it until boiling, then gently incorporating heavy cream in gradual intervals, stirring to ensure a seamless integration.
4. Merge the warm maple cream with the pumpkin mixture through careful, continuous whisking, ensuring complete and uniform blending.
5. Distribute the custard evenly across ramekins, then situate the pan in the oven, surrounding the dishes with hot water reaching midway up their sides. Bake until the custards display a delicate, slight tremor at their center, approximately 25–30 minutes.
6. Extract ramekins from the water bath and allow them to cool naturally for quarter of an hour. Refrigerate thoroughly, covering the dishes, for a minimum of two hours or up to two days for optimal chilling.
7. Finalize the dessert by dusting each custard with a gossamer layer of granulated sugar, then utilizing a kitchen torch to transform the sugar into a crisp, golden caramelized shell moments before serving.

Notes

• Swap bourbon with apple cider or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version that maintains the rich, warm flavor profile.
• Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to create a dairy-free alternative that keeps the creamy texture.
• Adjust pumpkin pie spice blend by adding extra cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the autumnal warmth of the dessert.
• For a lighter version, replace some heavy cream with whole milk to reduce overall fat content while preserving the luxurious mouthfeel.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 68
• Calories: 129
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg