Pumpkin Creme Brulee

Want an amazing Creme Brulee recipe that you can actually make yourself?

Growing up in Spain, our desserts were lighter and smaller portioned; yet, hugely satisfying. My favorite dessert has got to be my grandmother’s custard Crèma Catalana. The recipe is still written down on a post-it in my recipe binder. Every Christmas Eve, I host a dinner at my house for family and friends.

Last year, I pulled my grandmother’s basic recipe out, and the Crèmas were an instant hit. This fall, I’ve experimented a bit since I roasted an entire pumpkin and I have a lot of pumpkin puree left. The result: a delicious dish that is so satisfying, it will be a hit when you make it.

The caramelized sugar crust is totally optional; but don’t I just look like I’m having a blast with the blowtorch? I tell you, I go all out over at the MOMables kitchen! That torch is actually a plumber’s version and not the foodie gourmet one you get for $20 at the store. It was left over from one of my husband’s projects years ago!

Pumpkin Creme Brulee

Courtesy of MOMables™ Abuela’s Recipe Stash Yield: 6 – 7 Ramekins (depending on size)

• Author: MOMables
• Cuisine: Treats

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups half & half
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 6 large egg yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar, plus 6 tablespoons for browning tops

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Place the ramekins on a cookie sheet (with sides), and fill with enough water so that it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins (water bath).
2. In a 2-quart pot, heat the half & half, vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin puree over medium heat.
3. Place the egg yolks and ½ cup sugar in a small bowl. Mix until you achieve a pale yellow color, and the sugar has dissolved.
4. Remove the pot from the heat, and slowly whisk while you incorporate the egg mixture into the half & half mixture. Whisk continuously until both mixtures are well combined.
5. Fill each ramekin with the mixture, but do not overfill. This yields enough for six (5-ounce) oval ramekins (gratin dishes).
6. Place the pan in the oven on the middle rack, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. To test for doneness, jiggle the pan to see if the custard is set (pudding like). If so, remove, and let it cool on the counter before refrigerating overnight (you can make these up to 3 days ahead of time).
7. Optional: Before serving, spread 1 tablespoon of sugar on each ramekin, and, using a blowtorch, caramelize the sugar to form a candy coating. Don’t have a blowtorch? That’s okay, these are delicious without the added sugar.