As I stood in my kitchen, the scent of warm spices wafted through the air, transporting me directly to cozy autumn gatherings. This is the perfect backdrop for crafting my Tasty Pumpkin Pie Brulee with Bourbon Vanilla, a delightful twist on a classic fall favorite. Not only does this decadent dessert feature a smooth, creamy pumpkin filling, but it also boasts a satisfying, crackling brulee topping that brings a bit of playful crunch to every bite. With minimal prep time and the added flair of bourbon vanilla, you can impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a cozy evening at home. Are you ready to elevate your holiday dessert game with this scrumptious masterpiece? Why is This Pumpkin Pie Brulee Special? Uniquely Delicious: This Pumpkin Pie Brulee with Bourbon Vanilla redefines a classic, adding a layer of elegance with its crispy sugar topping that perfectly contrasts the creamy filling. Festive Flavor: The rich infusion of bourbon and warm spices captures the essence of fall, making it the ultimate holiday dessert to share. Easy to Make: The recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Serve this at your next gathering alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or pair it with coffee for a delightful finish to your meal, ensuring every guest leaves with a smile. Versatile Options: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, like butternut squash, or switch up the crust for a new adventure in flavors. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my Crock Pot Bourbon for another festive twist! Pumpkin Pie Brulee Ingredients For the Filling • Pumpkin Puree – Use pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling) for the best flavor and texture. • Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and depth; coconut sugar can be a great substitute for a richer taste. • Salt – Balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the filling. • Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, Nutmeg) – Adds warm, aromatic notes characteristic of fall; feel free to substitute with 2 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice blend. • Eggs – Provides structure; make sure to incorporate each egg completely for a smooth filling. • Heavy Cream – Enriches the filling’s texture; swap with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. • Bourbon – Infuses a distinctive flavor into the pie; for a non-alcoholic option, replace with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. For the Brulee Topping • Granulated Sugar – Used to create the brulee topping; raw sugar (turbinado) can give you that extra crunch. For the Pie Crust • Pie Crust – Forms the base of your pie; choose store-bought for convenience or make your own for a personal touch. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Pie Brulee with Bourbon Vanilla Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven reaches the optimal temperature for baking when you’re ready to cook your Pumpkin Pie Brulee with Bourbon Vanilla. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and prepare your pie dish. Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust Take your 9-inch pie dish and fit your preferred pie crust into it. If using a store-bought crust, follow the package instructions on pre-baking if necessary. This step provides a sturdy base for your creamy pumpkin filling and ensures a crisp texture once baked. Step 3: Mix the Filling In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, salt, and warm spices until fully blended and smooth. The mixture should have a vibrant orange hue and a smooth texture, indicating that the flavors are coming together beautifully. This step creates the delightful filling for your Pumpkin Pie Brulee. Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs and Cream Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a silky filling. Next, stir in the heavy cream and bourbon until everything is smooth and combined. This creamy mixture will result in a rich, flavorful filling for your pie. Step 5: Fill the Crust Carefully pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly. It should sit just slightly below the edge of the crust. This ensures even baking and a gorgeous finish on your Pumpkin Pie Brulee as it rises during the cooking process. Step 6: Bake the Pie Place the filled pie into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean with a slight jiggle in the filling. This stage is crucial to achieving that perfect custard-like consistency for the Pumpkin Pie Brulee. Step 7: Cool the Pie Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the filling firms up. Be patient here, as it’s important to let it rest before adding the brulee topping. Step 8: Caramelize the Topping Just before serving, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top of the cooled pie. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it turns a deep golden brown and forms a crisp crust. This final step creates that signature crunchy topping for your Pumpkin Pie Brulee with Bourbon Vanilla. How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Pie Brulee Fridge: Store any leftover pumpkin pie brulee in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be sure to only caramelize the sugar topping right before serving to maintain its crunchy texture. Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled pumpkin pie brulee without the sugar topping in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, then add sugar and brulee the top just before serving for that signature finish. Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the pumpkin pie filling a day in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake it the next day, adding the brulee topping just before serving for the best experience. Make Ahead Options These Pumpkin Pie Brulee with Bourbon Vanilla are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the pie filling up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, heavy cream, and spices, then refrigerate it covered. The pie crust can also be made ahead; just roll it out and place it in the pie dish, covering it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to serve, pour the filling into the crust, bake, and cool. Remember to complete the brulee topping just before serving for that signature crunch, ensuring your dessert remains just as delicious and impressive! Pumpkin Pie Brulee with Bourbon Vanilla Variations Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize this divine dessert to suit your taste! Butternut Squash: Swap pumpkin puree with butternut squash for a subtly different flavor that still screams fall. Sweet Potato: Use sweet potato puree instead of pumpkin for added sweetness and a vibrant twist for your pie. The natural sweetness will enhance the overall flavor beautifully. Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy texture that pairs well with warm spices. Graham Cracker Crust: Switch out your traditional pie crust for a graham cracker crust for a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the creamy filling. Flavored Sugar: Elevate the brulee topping by using cinnamon sugar or brown sugar for a warm, spiced flavor that adds an extra layer of comfort. Dark Rum: Substitute bourbon with dark rum for a different kind of warmth that wonderfully blends with the spices in your pie. Spiced Nuts: Top your finished pie with spiced pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture and richer flavor profile, creating a unique twist at every bite. Caramel Drizzle: For a decadent finish, drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel over the brulee topping right before serving – it’s an indulgent way to take this pie over the top. And don’t forget, if you’re craving more flavorful delights, check out my Vanilla Pound Cake or enjoy the savory goodness of my Chicken Sauce to complement your holiday meal. Expert Tips for Pumpkin Pie Brulee Cool Completely: Allow the pie to cool completely before refrigerating. This enhances the melding of flavors and ensures the filling sets properly. Brulee Just Before Serving: Only caramelize the sugar topping right before serving to maintain its signature crispness; brulee sugar softens quickly once exposed to moisture. Check for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center of the pie to check for doneness. It should come out clean, but the filling can still have a slight jiggle for the perfect custard-like texture. Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: For the best flavor and texture, use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, avoiding unnecessary additives. Experiment with Toppings: Consider flavoring your brulee sugar with spices or citrus zest to add a unique twist to your Pumpkin Pie Brulee with Bourbon Vanilla. What to Serve with Tasty Pumpkin Pie Brulee with Bourbon Vanilla The perfect pumpkin pie brulee deserves a meal companion that enhances its warm, spiced notes while offering complementary textures and flavors. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich filling, enhancing each bite. The creaminess beautifully balances the crunchy sugar top. Vanilla Ice Cream: Served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this pairing creates a delightful temperature contrast and creamy texture, making every mouthful even more indulgent. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm, spiced apple cider evokes the essence of fall and subtly enhances the bourbon notes in the pie, making it the perfect sipper alongside your dessert. Pecan Pie Bars: The crunchy sweetness of pecan pie bars introduces a lovely contrasting flavor profile, while their texture adds an enjoyable bite to follow the smooth brulee. Maple Bacon Cookies: These cookies bring a savory-sweet balance that elevates the pumpkin flavors in your brulee, offering a delightful sweet-and-savory experience with each bite. Coffee with Bourbon Cream: For a fabulous beverage option, sip on coffee enriched with bourbon cream. The coffee offers just the right bitterness to complement the dessert’s sweetness. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite ties in beautifully with the fall theme and its aromatic spices enhance your pumpkin pie experience. Indulge in these pairings to create a cozy and comprehensive autumn feast that transforms your pumpkin pie brulee into the star of the meal. Pumpkin Pie Brulee with Bourbon Vanilla Recipe FAQs What type of pumpkin puree should I use? Absolutely! For the best results, use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added spices and sugars that can affect the final flavor and texture of your Pumpkin Pie Brulee with Bourbon Vanilla. How should I store leftover pumpkin pie brulee? Store any leftover pumpkin pie brulee in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remember, it’s essential that you only caramelize the sugar topping right before serving to keep that delightful crunch intact. Can I freeze pumpkin pie brulee? Yes, you can! For freezing, ensure the pie has cooled completely and exclude the caramelized sugar topping. Place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving, then caramelize the sugar topping for that crispy finish. What should I do if the pie doesn’t set properly? If your pumpkin pie brulee comes out too jiggly or doesn’t seem to have set, it might need more baking time. Always bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, although a slight jiggle is acceptable for that perfect custard texture. Ideally, keep an eye on it around the 50-minute mark, and check again every 5 minutes after that if needed. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Absolutely! If you need a dairy-free option, simply substitute the heavy cream with a full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half. Additionally, to make it non-alcoholic, replace the bourbon with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Always be mindful of any allergies your guests might have, especially related to nuts or gluten, depending on your pie crust choice! Pumpkin Pie Brulee with Bourbon Vanilla: A Cozy Fall Delight This Pumpkin Pie Brulee with Bourbon Vanilla is a delightful twist on a classic, featuring a creamy pumpkin filling and a satisfying sugar brulee topping. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Filling1 can Pumpkin Puree Use pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling) for the best flavor and texture.3/4 cup Brown Sugar Adds sweetness and depth; coconut sugar can be a great substitute for a richer taste.1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the filling.2 1/2 teaspoons Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, Nutmeg) Adds warm, aromatic notes characteristic of fall.3 large Eggs Provides structure; incorporate each egg completely for a smooth filling.1 cup Heavy Cream Enriches the filling's texture; swap with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.1/4 cup Bourbon Infuses a distinctive flavor; for non-alcoholic, replace with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.For the Brulee Topping1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Used to create the brulee topping; raw sugar can give you that extra crunch.For the Pie Crust1 pre-made Pie Crust Choose store-bought for convenience or make your own for a personal touch. Equipment 9-inch pie dishWhiskMixing BowlKitchen torch Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather your ingredients and prepare your pie dish.Fit your preferred pie crust into the 9-inch pie dish, following package instructions if using store-bought.Whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, salt, and warm spices until smooth and blended.Incorporate the eggs one at a time, then stir in the heavy cream and bourbon until fully combined.Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.Bake the pie for 50 to 60 minutes, checking for doneness with a knife.Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before adding the brulee topping.Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the cooled pie and caramelize with a kitchen torch. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 5000IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesAllow the pie to cool completely before refrigerating. Only caramelize the sugar topping right before serving to maintain its crispness. Use pure pumpkin puree for best flavor and texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
