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Pumpkin Creme Brulee (Small Batch)

Maybe you don't want to make an entire pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, or maybe you're craving the more creamy creme brulee with a delicious flavor of gingerbread. Whatever the reason - this pumpkin creme brulee is easy to whip up, it can be made in advance and makes for a stress free Thanksgiving celebration!

 

Pumpkin creme brulee on a small white plate on a bigger black plate. Leaves scattered around.

 

I made this a small batch because I know a lot of people have smaller Thanksgiving celebrations. Maybe it's just you, or you and your hubby, and an entire pie might be a little much (hah - not for me, but that's another case). I'm all about making delicious food even though I'm short on people.

 

If you are just two to four people, I can highly recommend you to check out these two posts:

 

I serve this pumpkin creme brulee as a dessert on Thanksgiving, because it is so easy make ahead and ready in a jiff once the craving hits!

 

Spoon taken a piece of pumpkin creme brulee, next to the ramekin and leaves scattered around.

 

You get the flavor of a pumpkin pie and it's warm spices - combined with a creamy, milky creme brulee and that amazing crunchy topping. And I love that it's make ahead! That makes any get together or romantic dinner less stressful and more yummy. Why not whip it up on Sunday, and then you can have dessert on a Monday? YES.

 

Step-by-step instructions

 

Begin with pre-heating your oven to 150C (300F). Make sure your pumpkin puree is extra fine, blend it if not. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 50 gr brown sugar until well blended.

 

The insides of a pumpkin creme brulee.

 

Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan, while stirring, make sure it just heats through and not boils. Remove from heat and let cool a little. Slowly add the warm cream into the sugar and eggs. This way the heavy cream won’t heat up the eggs too much and make scrambled eggs. Strain this mixture. 

 

Whisk in the pumpkin puree, salt and spices. Divide the mixture into 4 ramekins (I poured 125 ml/1/2 cup into mine), and place in a large baking dish. Fill the baking dish with warm water about halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This ensures even baking.

 

Pumpkin Creme Brulee (Small Batch)

 

Bake for around 35-40 minutes. They should wiggle a little in the middle once done because they firm up considerably in the fridge (photo above shows it chilled). Cool to room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate, at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. They can be in the fridge for days like this, so it's great for a make ahead dinner.

 

Spoon holding a piece of creme brulee.

 

This pumpkin creme brulee is a little firmer than the normal creme brulee because of the pumpkin. I don't think it matters, it was delicious nonetheless. I suggest baking it for a little less time if you really want a more smooth and light consistency.

 

Make the crackling crust topping

 

Pour ½ tablespoon sugar into each ramekin, jiggle and turn it until it’s evenly coated. Using a torch, torch the tops using a circular motion and turn the ramekins. The tip of the flame is all that needs to touch the sugar. It will start to bubble and caramelize. A few burned pieces are fine, that’s what a creme brulee should look like! Cool 1 minute before serving to let the sugar set and crisp up.

 

Pumpkin Creme Brulee (Small Batch)

Pumpkin Creme Brulee (Small Batch)

 

I would recommend getting a torch, it's fun and it's easy. You can use it for a lot of different desserts (like this red currant lemon curd brulee tart), garnishes and what not. It's pretty inexpensive, I just bought this one, and I really like it. Yes, this is an affiliate link, but I honestly love it.

 

However, if you don't have one, and don't want to get one, you could use your broiler setting on the oven. Place the rack in the top position in your oven, place the pumpkin creme brulee ramekins on the rack, and then turn on the oven. Broil for 5-10 minutes (watch all the time!) and turn them around a little to ensure even broiling. This way the pumpkin creme brulee will have a little lukewarm center, but that's okay too!

 

Pumpkin Creme Brulee (Small Batch)

 

Pumpkin Bonanza!

 

 

If you have any questions or feedback, I listen. Either in the comment section below, or tag me @thegingerwithspice on Instagram. And don't forget to Pin it for later!

 

In order to keep the blog up and running this post contains affiliate links, it will be at no extra cost to you, please read the disclosure for more information.

 

📖 Recipe

Pumpkin creme brulee on a small white plate on a bigger black plate. Leaves scattered around.

Pumpkin Creme Brulee (Small Batch)

Yield: 4 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

You get the flavor of a pumpkin pie and it's warm spices - combined with a creamy, milky creme brulee and that amazing crunchy topping.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream (230ml)
  • 4-5 large egg yolks (90g)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (50 g)
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree, 125ml
  • 2 pinches ground cinnamon
  • pinch ground nutmeg
  • pinch ground ginger
  • pinch ground allspice, optional
  • pinch salt
  • 4 teaspoon granulated sugar, for topping

Instructions

  1. Begin with pre-heating your oven to 300F (150C). Make sure your pumpkin puree is extra fine, blend it if not.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and ¼ cup brown sugar until well blended. I recommend using a kitchen scale for the yolks.
  3. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan, while stirring, make sure it just heats through and not boils. Remove from heat and let cool a little. Slowly add the warm cream into the sugar and eggs. This way the heavy cream won’t heat up the eggs too much and make scrambled eggs. Strain this mixture. 
  4. Whisk in the pumpkin puree, salt and spices. Divide the mixture into 4 ramekins*, and place in a large baking dish. Fill the baking dish with warm water about halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This ensures even baking.
  5. Bake for around 35-40 minutes. They should wiggle a little in the middle once done because they firm up considerably in the fridge. Cool to room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate until cold (the longer you let it sit, the better the flavor). They can be in the fridge for days like this, so it's great for a make ahead dinner.
  6. Pour 1-1.5 teaspoon sugar into each ramekin, jiggle and turn it until it’s evenly coated. 
  7. IF USING A TORCH: torch the tops using a circular motion and turn the ramekins. The tip of the flame is all that needs to touch the sugar. It will start to bubble and caramelize. A few burned pieces are fine, that’s what a créme brûlèe should look like! Cool 1 minute before serving to let the sugar set and crisp up.
  8. IF USING THE BROILER: Place the rack in the top position in your oven, place the ramekins on the rack, and then turn on the oven. Broil for 5-10 minutes (watch all the time!) and turn them around a little to ensure even broiling. This way the pumpkin creme brulee will have a little lukewarm center, but that's okay too!

Notes

* Ramekins need to be at least 150 ml/5 oz.

If you are doubling the recipe, you don't have to double the egg yolks. You get a perfectly creamy crème brûlée with 160g (about 7 yolks). 

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 grams
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 342Unsaturated Fat: 0g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or tag @thegingerwithspice on Instagram, I'd love to see!

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Aditi

Saturday 10th of November 2018

This looks absolutely delectable. What a great twist to creme brule! Can't wait to try it soon!

Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice

Monday 12th of November 2018

I thought it was perfect for the season! Thank you so much!

Isabella

Friday 9th of November 2018

We're finally getting around to carving pumpkins this weekend. We have to try this! I've never had this flavor brulée but it sounds mouthwatering. Isabella x www.IsabellaDavid.com

Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice

Saturday 10th of November 2018

If you like pumpkin and pumpkin pies, I'm sure you'll love this one too! Thanks and happy carving!

Maddy

Thursday 8th of November 2018

Wow this looks so good! Combining two of my favorite things, how could that be bad!?

need to try asap! Thanks for sharing

Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice

Thursday 8th of November 2018

If that's two of your favorite things you will LOVE this!! Thank you, Maddy!

Sri Mallya

Thursday 8th of November 2018

This is so creative. Looks so delicious. I will try your recipe for Thanksgiving. Pinned

Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice

Thursday 8th of November 2018

Thank you so much!

Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife

Thursday 8th of November 2018

These look so good! Perfect fall dessert!

Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice

Thursday 8th of November 2018

Thank you!

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