Description
This Pumpkin Custard recipe creates a silky, spiced dessert featuring a smooth pumpkin-flavored custard topped with a rich caramel layer. Baked in a water bath for a creamy texture, it highlights the flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, perfect for a comforting autumn treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Custard
- 3 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Make the caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup granulated sugar without stirring until it liquefies and turns a deep amber color. Immediately pour the caramel into six 6-ounce ramekins, swirling to coat the bottoms evenly. Let the caramel cool and harden completely.
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 2 egg yolks, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 cup pumpkin puree until smooth. Slowly whisk in 1 1/4 cups heavy cream and 1/2 cup whole milk, followed by 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until fully incorporated.
- Preheat and bake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Pour the custard mixture evenly into the caramel-lined ramekins. Place the ramekins in a deep baking dish and pour hot water into the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Carefully transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the custards are just set with a slight wobble in the center.
- Cool and serve: Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set. To serve, run a knife around the edges of each custard and invert the ramekin onto a dessert plate to reveal the caramel topping.
Notes
- Slowly melt the sugar without stirring to avoid crystallization and achieve a smooth caramel.
- Use a water bath (bain-marie) to ensure gentle, even cooking of the custards for a creamy texture.
- Chilling overnight improves the texture and flavor development.
- Ensure custards are slightly wobbly in the center after baking for perfect consistency.
- Pumpkin pie spice can be adjusted to taste or substituted with individual spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
