Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall, then you’ll adore this Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée! This recipe is close to my heart; it brings together the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices in a creamy custard. The best part? It’s topped with a crunchy layer of caramelized sugar that adds a delicious contrast to the silky custard beneath.

This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to impress your family on a cozy weeknight. There’s something magical about serving these charming mini pumpkins filled with a rich, spiced custard. Trust me; it’s sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible flavor: The combination of real pumpkin and fall spices creates a dessert that tastes like autumn in every bite.
• Easy preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this elegant treat without breaking a sweat.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love cracking into the sugary crust and discovering the creamy goodness inside.
• Make ahead: You can prepare these in advance, making it easy to serve an impressive dessert without any last-minute stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée shine. Luckily, these are simple, wholesome ingredients that bring out the best flavors. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Custard

• 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 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Tiny pinch ground cloves

For Serving

• 3-4 small-medium pumpkins (5 ½ inches wide, 3 inches tall, washed, tops cut off, hollowed out)

Variations

This Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your flavors and presentation.

• Add chocolate: Incorporate some melted dark chocolate into the custard for an indulgent twist.
• Spice it up: Experiment with additional spices like cardamom or allspice for an extra flavor kick.
• Try different toppings: Instead of traditional caramelized sugar, consider using crushed graham crackers or pecans for a fun texture change.
• Go dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream and plant-based milk to make it dairy-free while keeping the delicious flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkins

Begin by preheating your oven. While it warms up, carefully wash your small pumpkins. Cut off their tops and hollow them out completely. This step is important as it creates charming little bowls for your crème brûlée.

Step 2: Whisk Together Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine your heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, egg yolks, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, kosher salt, and all those lovely spices. Whisk until everything is well blended. This mixture forms the base of your custard and incorporating air helps achieve that creamy texture.

Step 3: Bake the Custard

Pour this mixture into your hollowed-out pumpkins and place them on a baking sheet. Fill each pumpkin with water halfway up their sides before placing them in the oven. Baking them in water creates gentle heat that cooks the custard evenly—this ensures smoothness without curdling.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Once baked and set, let them cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least four hours (or overnight if you can wait!). Chilling helps develop those wonderful flavors even further while also giving you that perfect chilled dessert texture.

Step 5: Caramelize the Sugar

When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle some granulated sugar over each pumpkin’s top. Use a kitchen torch to carefully melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a hard shell. This step not only looks stunning but adds that satisfying crunch we all love!

Now you’re all set to enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée! Each spoonful will remind you of crisp fall days and cozy gatherings—it’s truly something special!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée

Making the perfect Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few handy tips up your sleeve!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree – Freshly made pumpkin puree has a vibrant flavor and richer texture compared to canned. If you’re feeling adventurous, roast a small pumpkin and blend it for this recipe.

• Monitor your custard temperature – When whisking the egg yolks with sugar, be sure to do it gently. Over-whisking can incorporate too much air, resulting in bubbles in your custard.

• Chill thoroughly – After baking, let your crème brûlées cool down before transferring them to the refrigerator. They need at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set properly for that perfect creamy texture.

• Torch carefully – When caramelizing the sugar on top, hold the torch about 2 inches away from the surface and move it in circular motions. This ensures an even caramel layer without burning.

• Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust the spices according to your personal palate. A dash of cardamom or allspice can create an exciting twist!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée

Serving Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée is just as important as making it! Presentation can enhance the overall experience, making this dessert feel extra special.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream – A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and fluffy contrast to the rich custard.
• Toasted pecans or walnuts – Sprinkle some toasted nuts on top for added crunch and depth of flavor.
• Candied ginger slices – A few slices of candied ginger not only look beautiful but also add a delightful zing that complements the spices.

Side Dishes

• Autumn salad – A mix of arugula, roasted butternut squash, and cranberries topped with a maple vinaigrette creates a refreshing contrast to the creamy dessert.
• Spiced apple compote – Warm spiced apples served alongside can enhance the fall flavors in your crème brûlée.
• Gingerbread cookies – These will add a cozy touch and are perfect for dipping into your crème brûlée.
• Vanilla ice cream – For those who love a classic pairing, serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for added richness.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée will not only taste divine but also impress everyone at your table! Enjoy whipping up this autumnal delight!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée is perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance and enjoy it at your leisure, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings, special occasions, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the crème brûlée to cool completely before storing.
• Cover each mini pumpkin with plastic wrap or transfer the custard to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the uncaramelized custard.
• Transfer the cooled custard to a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

• If you’ve frozen the custard, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To serve, pour a thin layer of granulated sugar on top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize until golden brown.
• Enjoy immediately after caramelizing for the best texture!

FAQs

Have questions about making this delightful dessert? Here are some common queries!

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices in Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée?

Absolutely! You can substitute 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for the ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s a convenient way to achieve that warm fall flavor.

How do I achieve a smooth texture in my Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée?

To ensure a smooth custard base, whisk the egg yolks and sugar thoroughly before adding them to the cream mixture. Straining the mixture through a fine mesh sieve before baking will also help eliminate any lumps.

How long does Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée last in the fridge?

When stored properly, your Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep them covered!

Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée dairy-free?

Yes! You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream or any non-dairy cream alternative. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly but will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make this Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée as I am! This recipe is not only rich and decadent but also captures all those cozy autumn vibes we adore. Whether you’re impressing guests at a dinner party or treating yourself after a long day, this dessert is sure to bring joy. Enjoy every creamy bite and happy cooking!