As I post this recipe, I carefully duck under my desk in case anyone decides to toss some virtual tomatoes at me here. Yes, this is another pumpkin recipe posted on the internet. But in all honesty, I didn’t know pumpkin creme brulee was even a thing until last Thanksgiving, so I thought maybe a couple of you might not have heard of it or tried this recipe as well.
Pumpkin Creme Brulee
This pumpkin creme brulee had been my cousin’s contribution to the dessert spread last Thanksgiving, and after trying it, I was immediately in love.
I normally don’t make too many variations of creme brulee as I don’t like tampering with foods that are perfectly scrumptious just as they are. I discussed this a bit when I shared my recipe for lavender creme brulee.
I’m usually very resistant to adding trendy ingredients like lavender or, say, candied rose petals, because more often than not, I find them excessive and sometimes even overpowering.
In the case of the lavender creme brulee, I thought the effect of the lavender was subtle and added a slight floral quality that made the creme brulee even more tantalizing and appropriate for the summer season (which is when I had originally made it).
The pumpkin in this pumpkin creme brulee has a similar effect in the sense that it only enhances the creme brulee’s flavor, rather than muck it up for the sake of fall trends.
This pumpkin creme brulee is sweet, slightly spiced, and just as silky smooth as ever. It’s the dreamy alternative for those who dislike pie or have just had one too many slices. It’s also incredibly easy to make, much easier than you’d ever think.
I find that when I tell people I make pumpkin creme brulee at home, they’re shocked that I can make such a “fancy” dessert. But creme brulee is simply fancy in name.
The truth is it’s even easier to make than pie or most cakes. You don’t even need a kitchen torch to create the burnt sugar topping. Just set those ramekins under the broiler as I’ve done here and 30 seconds later, you’ll have a beautiful crunchy topping to break into with your spoon!
P.S. If you’re interested in learning how to make creme brulee with a step-by-step video tutorial, then make sure you check out my online pastry course here.
Pumpkin Creme Brulee
Pumpkin flavored, baked custard with a crisp sugar topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1/2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- granulated sugar, for the top
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Bring a pot or kettle of water to a boil.
- In a small saucepan, warm the heavy cream over medium low heat until it’s scalding hot, but not boiling. The edges will begin to simmer and the cream will get steamy. Stir occasionally.
- Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks, brown sugar, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla together until it’s pale in color (it should look light orange). Tip: use an electric mixer or stand mixer if you have one so that it does the work for you - use high speed.
- Slowly stream the hot cream into the mixture, whisking the mixture as you do. This will help temper the eggs. Give the batter a stir with your ladle to break up some of the foamy bubbles, then then distribute the batter among 6 oz. ramekins.
- Place the ramekins in a large and deep casserole dish. If you’ve use a pot to boil your water, use a ladle to scoop the boiling water into the casserole dish; otherwise, simply use the kettle’s spout to pour the boiling water into the dish. Pour enough water into the casserole dish to reach about 2/3 high up the sides of the ramekins. Be careful not to get any water into the actual ramekins.
- Bake the crème brûlée for about 50 to 55 minutes, or until they’re set on the edges and only have a slight wobble in the center. Let the ramekins hang out in the water bath outside of the oven until they're just warm and no longer hot. Empty the water from the casserole dish then cover all the creme brulee with plastic wrap and let them chill in the refrigerator for about 6 hours, or overnight.
- Before serving, sprinkle half a tablespoon of granulated sugar over the top of each one, before using a kitchen torch to burn the sugar on top. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the ramekins on a pan and set the pan under your oven’s broiler for until the same burnt sugar effect is achieved. Keep your eyes on them so they don’t burn too much; the sugar will burn and crisp up very quickly!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 6 ServingsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 430
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Creme brulee is my favorite! I love that you added pumpkin! Such a great idea! The crackly top and creamy center are just perfect 🙂
Thanks so much, Kelly! That crisp and creamy contrast is one of the best parts about creme brulee! XO
Oooh, creme brulee is one of my favorite desserts and I love that you added pumpkin. Such a great idea! It looks perfect!
Another absolutely winning recipe Beeta! And no annoyance over here at another pumpkin recipe – firstly because I have never baked sweet desserts with pumpkin (I know, I know!) so am keen to get tips, and secondly because I still don’t think I have seen a pumpkin creme brûlée recipe and it looks GORGEOUS!! That crackly crust is so beautiful, and I love how it is easier than it looks. Love the gif too! <3
Thank you, Claudia!! Glad to no I didn’t offend you with the pumpkin recipe…I know it can be especially bothersome to those outsides the States as you guys just don’t use pumpkin in baked goods as much as we Americans do! Anyway, you will love this recipe – so delish! XO
Beeta, you are killing me with that caramelised crust breaking video!! Who doesn’t love a crème brûlée and this is such a lovely seasonal version. Just beautiful, as always! xx
Thank you so much, Louise! The crisp topping is my favorite! <3
Love crème brûlée and this pumpkin one just might be my new favorite. I could make this year round and it would be a perfect ending to a hearty meal of beef stew, french bread, and a nice salad with cheese and pears, on a cold, snowy day. Pinning right now! Please thank your cousin for me too 🙂
Oooh I love the meal you just planned right there…am I invited!? :p Thanks so much love! XO
Eeeek! That sugar top has me weak at the knees Beeta! Looks like the perfect creme brulee. Also loving your print recipe button – I need to do this!! 🙂
Thank you so much, Jess! SS has such neat functions, including the buttons! Helps make everything organized! 🙂 XO
Gorgeous. I am gonna have to try this broiler thing! I didn’t realise it was so easy to get the crackly top. I love the divine deep orange colour of this creme brulee!! Such an elegant way to showcase all of dat pumpkin.
Thank you, Hannah! The broiler makes it so it easy to get that burnt sugar topping! <3