Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole-2/”>Maple Sweet Potato Casserole.
This dish isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience packed with nostalgia and comfort. I remember the first time I made it for Thanksgiving dinner; the family was skeptical at first. But when they took their first bite, their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning. You can enjoy this indulgent dessert while giving thanks for all the good things in life, making it a staple on our holiday table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée is simple to make, yet delivers an impressive dessert that steals the show
- The rich pumpkin flavor combined with warm spices captures the essence of fall perfectly
- Visually stunning with its shiny caramelized top, it’s sure to impress your guests
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed at any festive occasion or cozy gathering
I recall a Thanksgiving where everyone was raving about this dessert, and my cousin tried to hide a second helping behind his plate.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pumpkin Puree: Use canned or homemade puree; both work beautifully but ensure it’s pure pumpkin without additives.
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Heavy Cream: Opt for high-fat cream for that ultra-rich texture that makes crème brûlée so luxurious.
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Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar is ideal for sweetening the mixture and achieving that perfect caramel crust.
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Egg Yolks: Large egg yolks are crucial, as they provide richness and act as a thickening agent in the custard.
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Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth and depth; fresh nutmeg really elevates the flavor profile.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of quality vanilla extract enhances all flavors in this delightful treat.
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Brown Sugar: For caramelizing on top, brown sugar adds an extra hint of molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Oven and Ramekins: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place 4-6 ramekins in a baking dish large enough to hold them without crowding.
Mix Custard Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, egg yolks, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
Pour into Ramekins: Carefully pour the custard mixture into each ramekin until they’re about three-quarters full. Ensure an even distribution for consistent cooking.
Bake in Water Bath: Pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Chill Before Serving: Once baked, remove from water bath and let cool at room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Add Sugar Topping and Caramelize: Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of brown sugar over each custard. Using a kitchen torch (or broiler), carefully caramelize the sugar until golden brown and bubbly—about 1-2 minutes.
Enjoy each creamy bite of Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée while savoring those crunchy caramel shards on top! This dessert not only brings joy but also creates beautiful memories around your holiday table. Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups.
You Must Know
- This Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée balances creamy textures with a crunchy caramel top, creating a delightful contrast
- The sweet aroma of pumpkin and spices wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds
- It’s a holiday dessert that impresses without being overly complicated
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, prepare the pumpkin base and let it cool while you whip the cream. Then, combine them and pour into ramekins before baking in a water bath for even cooking.

Add Your Touch
Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of bourbon to elevate the flavor profile. A sprinkle of sea salt on top after caramelizing adds an unexpected twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply place under the broiler for a few minutes to refresh the caramel topping.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect results, ensure your cream is cold to create stable peaks while whipping
- Always chill the crème brûlée before caramelizing for better texture
- Use a kitchen torch for precise control over caramelization; it’s quicker than using an oven!
Creating this dessert reminds me of my first Thanksgiving hosting experience. My family raved about the Pumpkin Crème Brûlée, and I felt like a culinary superstar that day.

FAQ
What makes Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée different from regular crème brûlée?
For more inspiration, check out this 25 Must-Try Thanksgiving Side Dishes recipe.
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée includes pumpkin puree and spices for festive flavors.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to two days before serving; just add sugar before caramelizing.
What should I use if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
You can place ramekins under a broiler but watch closely to prevent burning.
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crème Brûlée is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining creamy pumpkin and warm spices with a crunchy caramelized top. This elegant dish captures the essence of fall, making it a showstopper at your holiday gatherings. Enjoy the harmony of flavors and textures as you indulge in this rich, comforting treat that will leave your guests asking for more.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated preferred)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place 4-6 ramekins in a baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, egg yolks, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture into each ramekin until three-quarters full.
- Add hot water to the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, sprinkle brown sugar on top and caramelize using a kitchen torch or broiler for about 1-2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin (120g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 245mg




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