Pumpkin Pie Brûlée Recipe
Introduction
Pumpkin Pie Brûlée is a delightful twist on the classic pumpkin pie, combining rich custard with a crisp, caramelized sugar topping. This elegant dessert is perfect for fall gatherings or any time you want a creamy treat with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, cream, sugar, and eggs until smooth and fully combined.
- Step 2: Pour the mixture into ramekins or a baking dish. Place them in a larger pan filled with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Step 3: Remove the custards from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully chilled.
- Step 4: Just before serving, sprinkle an even layer of sugar on top of each custard. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar by moving the flame evenly until it turns golden brown and forms a crisp brûlée crust.
- Step 5: Allow the topping to cool and harden for a minute before serving to enjoy the perfect contrast between creamy custard and crunchy caramel.
Tips & Variations
- Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, or roast and puree fresh pumpkin for a more natural flavor.
- For added warmth, mix a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spices or cinnamon into the custard mixture.
- If you don’t have a torch, place the sugar-topped custards under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Storage
Store any leftover pumpkin pie brûlée covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Re-torch the sugar topping just before serving to restore the crisp caramel layer.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the custard ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the custard and refrigerate it up to 2 days before caramelizing the sugar topping. Just add the brûlée layer right before serving.
What sugar is best for caramelizing the topping?
Granulated white sugar works best for creating a crisp, golden brûlée crust. Avoid using powdered sugar as it doesn’t caramelize properly.
PrintPumpkin Pie Brûlée Recipe
This Pumpkin Pie Brûlée is a decadent twist on the classic dessert, combining the creamy, spiced pumpkin custard with a crisp caramelized sugar topping achieved through torching. The silky pumpkin filling is baked to perfection, then topped with a brûléed crust for a delightful texture contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Custard
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Brûlée Topping
- 2–3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves) along with salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour into Ramekins: Divide the custard mixture evenly into individual ramekins suitable for baking.
- Bake the Custard: Place the ramekins in a baking dish, and add hot water to the dish halfway up the sides of the ramekins to create a water bath. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for approximately 40 to 45 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Chill: Remove ramekins from the water bath, allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
- Caramelize the Sugar Topping: Just before serving, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top of each custard. Using a kitchen torch, carefully heat the sugar until it melts and caramelizes forming a crisp, golden-brown crust. Let the topping harden for a minute before serving.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, strain the custard mixture before baking.
- Use a kitchen torch for best and even caramelization; alternatively, broil briefly but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Adjust spices to your preference, adding more cinnamon or nutmeg for a stronger flavor.
- Serve immediately after torching for a crisp sugar crust and creamy custard contrast.
Keywords: pumpkin pie brûlée, pumpkin dessert, custard, caramelized sugar topping, fall dessert
