Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with our Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée—a decadent twist on the classic dessert that will have your taste buds dancing with delight! Imagine a velvety custard infused with rich pumpkin puree and aromatic spices, all topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust that shatters with the slightest tap of your spoon. This easy-to-follow recipe is not only a showstopper for your dinner parties but also a delightful treat to savor on cozy nights in. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into this delightful dessert that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Arrange four 6-ounce ramekins in a large, deep baking pan.
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice. Whisk together until smooth and well incorporated.
- Heat the cream mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Bring to a gentle simmer, but do not allow to boil. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes to infuse flavors.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth and slightly pale in color.
- Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
- Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a smooth texture.
- Carefully pour the custard into the prepared ramekins, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Fill the baking pan with hot water, creating a water bath that reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Carefully transfer the baking pan to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove ramekins from the water bath and let cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar evenly over each custard.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it turns golden brown and forms a crisp top. If you don't have a torch, place ramekins under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the caramelized sugar cool and harden for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with a light dusting of pumpkin spice if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pumpkin Puree: For the best flavor, use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
- Temperature Matters: When tempering the egg yolks, ensure the cream mixture is warm but not boiling. This helps prevent curdling and ensures a smooth custard.
- Strain for Smoothness: Don’t skip the straining step! Straining the custard through a fine-mesh sieve removes any lumps and guarantees a silky texture.
- Water Bath Technique: Make sure the hot water bath reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins for even cooking. This gentle heat helps prevent the custards from cracking.
- Caramelizing Sugar: If using a kitchen torch, keep it moving to avoid burning the sugar. If broiling, watch closely and rotate the ramekins for an even caramelization.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the custards to chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This helps the flavors meld and enhances the overall texture.
- Garnish for Presentation: A light dusting of pumpkin spice or a dollop of whipped cream adds a beautiful finishing touch to your dessert.With these tips in hand, you’re all set to create a stunning Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée that will leave everyone wanting more!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 23g
Cholesterol: 240mg
