Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée is like a warm hug from a cozy sweater. Imagine golden-hued pumpkin custard, delicately infused with spice, topped with a satisfying crack of caramelized sugar. warm fall squash soup The aroma wafts through the air, beckoning you to indulge in its creamy richness and sweet nostalgia. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving pumpkin pie twists recipe.
As I think back to my first attempt at making this delightful dessert, I can almost hear the laughter and see the sparkle in my family’s eyes as they cracked into their own little brûlées. delightful Thanksgiving appetizer Thanksgiving has never felt complete without this crowd-pleaser gracing our table, delivering warmth and joy to every spoonful.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners
- With its rich flavor profile, it’s sure to impress your guests
- The stunning presentation will have everyone reaching for their cameras before their forks
- Perfect for celebrating holidays or any special occasion that calls for something sweet
I still remember when my cousin attempted to caramelize her sugar too early, resulting in a kitchen filled with smoke and laughter instead of desserts.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pumpkin Puree: Use fresh or canned pumpkin puree for the best flavor; it gives the dessert its unique taste.
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Heavy Cream: Opt for high-fat heavy cream to achieve that luxurious texture that’s essential for crème brûlée.
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Egg Yolks: Fresh egg yolks are vital for creating a rich custard base; don’t skimp on quality here.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; reserve some for caramelizing the top layer.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor; avoid imitation if possible for a more authentic taste.
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Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend of spices brings warmth and depth; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors beautifully; balance is key in desserts.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures an even cooking process without any surprises later on.
Mix Your Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolks, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth and creamy. For more inspiration, check out this pumpkin sugar cookies recipe.
Pour Into Ramekins: Carefully divide the mixture among ramekins. Aim for an even amount in each so they cook uniformly; place them in a baking dish after filling.
Add Water Bath**: Pour hot water into the baking dish around the ramekins until it reaches halfway up their sides. This water bath helps cook the custard gently and prevents cracking.
Bake Until Set**: Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until just set but slightly jiggly in the center. The tops should look firm but still have a gentle wobble.
Cool and Chill**: Remove from the oven and let them cool down at room temperature before refrigerating them for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chilling allows flavors to meld perfectly!
Caramelize The Sugar**: When ready to serve, sprinkle an even layer of sugar over each cooled custard. Use a kitchen torch or broiler to melt and caramelize until golden brown—watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
Enjoy each spoonful of this Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée as you gather with friends and family around the table! classic comfort food for Thanksgiving.
You Must Know
- Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with creamy texture
- This dessert will impress your guests and leave them wanting more
- Perfect for celebrating the season, it adds a festive touch to any holiday table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve a smooth custard, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale, then gradually add heated cream. This sequence ensures even blending and prevents curdling.

Add Your Touch
Consider swapping traditional pumpkin puree with butternut squash for a twist. You can also experiment with flavored extracts like maple or vanilla to elevate your crème brûlée.
Storing & Reheating
Store your pumpkin crème brûlée in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a water bath, avoiding direct heat that might spoil the texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect results, use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned for richer flavor
- Ensure your cream is hot before mixing; this helps create a silky texture
- Don’t skip the chilling time—it’s essential for achieving the right consistency!
Creating my first Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée was a delightful mess—think sugar everywhere and a few burnt edges—but my friends’ reactions made it all worth it! perfect main dish for Thanksgiving.

FAQ
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works well but opt for quality brands for better flavor.
How long do I need to chill the crème brûlée?
Chill for at least four hours or overnight to achieve the perfect texture.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
You can broil the crème brûlée in an oven; just watch closely to prevent burning.
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée is the ultimate holiday indulgence. This creamy dessert features a luscious pumpkin custard infused with warm spices and topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust. With each spoonful, experience the comforting flavors of fall that will delight your guests and create lasting memories around the table. Simple yet elegant, this crowd-pleaser is sure to become a cherished tradition at your Thanksgiving celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolks, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth.
- Divide the mixture among ramekins and place them in a baking dish.
- Fill the baking dish with hot water halfway up the sides of ramekins.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until just set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
- When ready to serve, sprinkle sugar over each custard and caramelize using a kitchen torch or broiler.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin (120g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 165mg




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