Pumpkin Creme Brulee

Pumpkin Crème Brûlée is the ultimate fall dessert—creamy, rich, and with that irresistible crack of caramelized sugar on top. Imagine everything you love about pumpkin pie, but elevated into a silky custard that feels fancy but is secretly super easy to make. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you look like a culinary genius, even if you’re just winging it!

Ingredients

Egg yolks: The key to a silky custard that holds its shape while staying rich and creamy.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and caramelizes into that iconic brûlée topping.
Pumpkin puree: Adds that unmistakable pumpkin flavor and a touch of fall nostalgia.
Pumpkin pie spice: A cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that gives the dish its seasonal flair.
Heavy cream: The rich base that makes the custard velvety smooth.
Vanilla extract: Balances the pumpkin spice and brings a touch of sweetness.
White sugar for the topping: Essential for that caramelized, glassy layer you’ll love cracking into.

Why These Ingredients Work

Each ingredient plays a critical role: the egg yolks and heavy cream create the luscious texture, while the pumpkin and spices make it taste like autumn in every bite. The sugar on top is the pièce de résistance, transforming into a crunchy, caramelized layer that’s pure magic.

I first made Pumpkin Crème Brûlée for a coworker’s birthday who was obsessed with all things pumpkin spice. It was my first attempt, and I was a little nervous about the fancy torch situation. But when that sugar layer caramelized to golden perfection and I heard that satisfying crack as we dug in, I knew I had nailed it.

What I didn’t expect was how much I’d love it myself—I ended up making an extra ramekin “just to test,” and let’s just say it didn’t last long. Now it’s my go-to fall dessert, and every time I make it, I think of how it started with that little birthday experiment.

How to Make Pumpkin Crème Brûlée

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until smooth and slightly pale. Add the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming, but not boiling, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs (no scrambled eggs here!).

Pour the custard into ramekins, filling them about ¾ full. Place the ramekins in a baking dish and pour hot water around them to create a water bath—it’s the secret to that perfectly smooth texture. Bake for 50 minutes, until the custards are set but slightly wobbly in the center. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld. Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top and caramelize it with a butane torch until golden and bubbly. Let it set for a minute before serving, and enjoy that magical first crack!

FAQs

Do I need a torch? It’s the easiest way to get that perfect caramelized top, but you can use your oven broiler in a pinch. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning the sugar.
Can I use canned pumpkin? Yes, just make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Can I make it ahead? Absolutely! You can prepare the custards a day in advance and brûlée the tops right before serving.

Fun Places to Serve This Holiday Treat

This Pumpkin Crème Brûlée is perfect for holiday dinners, Friendsgiving potlucks, or a cozy dessert after a family meal. It’s also a show-stopper for date night or a fun twist for a fall-themed dinner party.

How to Store Leftovers

Cover the ramekins tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you haven’t caramelized the sugar, they’ll stay fresh longer. Once torched, the sugar layer will soften in the fridge, so it’s best to brûlée just before serving.

Tips for Making This Recipe with Kids

Kids can help whisk the egg mixture and sprinkle the sugar on top. For safety, keep the torching step for the adults (or let older teens give it a supervised try). You can also turn this into a fun lesson about science—the caramelizing process is basically edible chemistry!

Why This Recipe Works

Pumpkin Crème Brûlée is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy custard is infused with warm spices and earthy pumpkin, while the crackly caramelized sugar on top adds a satisfying crunch. It’s fancy enough for a dinner party but simple enough to whip up on a cozy fall evening. It’s indulgent, festive, and guaranteed to impress.

Here are some more amazing pumpkin desserts to try: