Thanksgiving mashed potatoes-recipe-bliss/”>creamy mashed potatoes recipe sweet potato turkey bake.
Now, let me tell you about that one Thanksgiving where I decided to surprise my family with this delectable dessert. As I lifted the torch to caramelize the sugar, my cousin shouted, “What are you making? A crème brûlée or a blowtorch demonstration?” Spoiler alert: we all survived the flame show, and the dessert was a hit! Perfect for those cozy gatherings when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée combines rich flavors with an easy preparation process
- The stunning visual appeal will wow your guests at any holiday gathering
- You can customize it with various spices or toppings based on personal preferences
- Plus, it’s an elegant twist on traditional pumpkin pie that everyone will adore
I still chuckle thinking about how my family dug into that luscious crème brûlée, their eyes lighting up with each spoonful. It was definitely a memorable occasion!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Pumpkin Puree: Use fresh or canned pumpkin puree; just ensure it’s 100% pumpkin for optimal flavor.
-
Cream: Heavy cream works best for that luxurious texture; don’t skimp on quality here.
-
Egg Yolks: The secret to a rich custard; avoid overcooking them during preparation.
-
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the mixture and provides that glorious crispy topping when caramelized.
-
Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract for an aromatic depth; it really elevates the flavor profile.
-
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices create warmth and nostalgia—perfect for any holiday gathering.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Ramekins: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Arrange ramekins in a baking dish deep enough to hold water for a water bath.
Mix the Pumpkin Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
Add Cream Slowly: Gradually stir in heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent scrambling the eggs—aim for creamy perfection.
Pour into Ramekins: Carefully pour the mixture into prepared ramekins while avoiding spills; use a ladle if necessary to keep things tidy.
Bake in Water Bath: Fill your baking dish with hot water halfway up the sides of your ramekins. Bake for 40-45 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Chill and Caramelize Topping: Once cooled, refrigerate for at least two hours. When ready to serve, sprinkle sugar evenly on each custard layer and caramelize using a kitchen torch until golden brown.
Enjoy every spoonful of this Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée as you gather around the table with loved ones! For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving pecan pie recipe.
You Must Know
- Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée is a creamy, decadent dessert that combines the flavors of pumpkin pie with a delightful caramelized sugar top
- The texture should be smooth and velvety, providing a satisfying contrast to the crispy topping
- Using fresh pumpkin can elevate the dish significantly
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, prep your ingredients first, then bake the custard while the brûlée tops cool. This ensures a seamless cooking experience and perfect timing.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional spices with nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick. You can also experiment with flavored sugar for the brûlée topping to surprise your guests.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. For best quality, reheat gently in the oven to maintain creaminess; avoid microwaving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother custard; this prevents lumps
- Always strain your mixture before baking to ensure silky texture
- Serve immediately after torching for optimal crunch on top
Creating my first Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée was a magical moment when my friends declared it better than pie; I still savor their cheers.

FAQ
Can I use canned pumpkin for Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée?
Absolutely, canned pumpkin works well and saves time without sacrificing flavor.
How do I know when my crème brûlée is done?
The custard should be set but jiggle slightly in the center when done.
What if I don’t have a torch for caramelizing sugar?
You can broil it in the oven briefly, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, blending the warm flavors of pumpkin pie with a rich, creamy custard and a perfectly caramelized sugar crust. This elegant treat will impress your guests and create unforgettable holiday memories. With its velvety texture and aromatic spices, this dish brings the essence of Thanksgiving to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare ramekins in a baking dish for a water bath.
- Whisk together pumpkin puree, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl until smooth.
- Gradually stir in heavy cream while whisking to prevent scrambling.
- Pour the mixture into prepared ramekins carefully.
- Fill the baking dish with hot water halfway up the sides of ramekins. Bake for 40-45 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Chill for at least two hours, then sprinkle sugar on top and caramelize with a kitchen torch until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin (120g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 185mg





Leave a Comment