Description
Pumpkin Pie Brûlée with Bourbon Vanilla Whipped Cream is an elegant dessert combining the rich, creamy texture of pumpkin custard with a crisp, caramelized sugar topping. Infused with warm pumpkin spices and complemented by a luscious bourbon vanilla whipped cream, this dessert is perfect for festive occasions or cozy gatherings, offering a delightful contrast of silky custard and crunchy brûlée crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Base
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or high-quality canned)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Brûlée Topping
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Bourbon Vanilla Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar or to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, heavy cream, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined, forming the creamy custard mixture.
- Bake in a Water Bath: Pour the custard mixture evenly into individual ramekins. Place the ramekins inside a deep baking dish filled halfway with hot water. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) until the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the center, approximately 40-50 minutes, ensuring a silky finish.
- Chill Thoroughly: Remove the ramekins from the water bath and allow them to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set the custard and prepare it for the brûlée topping.
- Make Bourbon Vanilla Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and bourbon until soft peaks form. Adjust bourbon quantity to keep the flavor balanced and not overpowering.
- Caramelize the Sugar: Just before serving, evenly sprinkle granulated sugar over the top of each chilled custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crackling, golden crust. Allow it to cool briefly to harden.
- Final Assembly: Top each caramelized custard brûlée with a generous dollop of bourbon vanilla whipped cream and serve immediately to enjoy the full sensory experience.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, lump-free custard texture.
- Do not overbake—the custard should still jiggle gently when done to maintain silkiness and prevent curdling.
- Chill the custard overnight for enhanced flavor melding and easier brûlée topping application.
- When caramelizing, hold the kitchen torch steady and move slowly to avoid burning the sugar or custard beneath.
- Adjust bourbon in whipped cream incrementally to avoid an overpowering taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
Keywords: pumpkin pie brûlée, bourbon whipped cream, pumpkin custard dessert, autumn dessert, gluten-free dessert