Fall desserts hold a special place in my heart, but pumpkin pie has always felt a bit too… expected. Don’t get me wrong – I love the classic version, but sometimes you want something with a little more personality. That’s exactly why I started playing around with this pumpkin pie brulee recipe.
The idea came to me last Thanksgiving when I was looking for a way to make our family dessert table more interesting without completely abandoning tradition. Adding that thin, crackling sugar crust on top of a classic pumpkin pie turned out to be just the twist I was looking for. And the bourbon vanilla? Well, let’s just say it makes everything better.
If you’re like me and enjoy giving familiar recipes a gentle nudge in a new direction, this one’s for you. It’s still the cozy pumpkin pie everyone knows and loves, just dressed up with a crispy top and deeper flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Pie Brûlée
- Perfect blend of classic and fancy – This isn’t your regular pumpkin pie – the crispy brûlée topping adds an elegant twist that makes it extra special for holidays or dinner parties.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can bake the pie a day before and add the caramelized sugar topping just before serving, making it perfect for busy holiday planning.
- Rich bourbon flavor – The bourbon adds a warm, cozy depth that perfectly complements the traditional pumpkin spices without being overwhelming.
- Simple ingredients – Most of these ingredients are pantry staples during holiday season, and you can even use store-bought crust to save time.
- Show-stopping dessert – That satisfying crack when you break through the caramelized sugar top will make everyone at the table smile.
| Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40-60 minutes |
| Total Time | 60-90 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
What to Serve With Pumpkin Pie Brûlée?
This fancy twist on classic pumpkin pie calls for some simple but special accompaniments that won’t overshadow its caramelized sugar topping.
A dollop of fresh whipped cream (maybe with a tiny splash of bourbon mixed in!) makes the perfect partner – though vanilla ice cream works wonderfully too if you’re craving that hot-and-cold contrast.
For drinks, try serving it with a cup of good coffee or espresso, which helps balance the sweetness and complements the warm fall spices.
If you’re feeling extra festive, a small glass of spiced apple cider or bourbon-spiked coffee would make this dessert even more cozy and special.
Which Kind of Pumpkin Puree Should I Use?
For this pie, canned pumpkin puree is your best friend – just make sure you grab pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which already has spices and sugar mixed in.
While you could make your own puree from scratch using sugar pumpkins (also called pie pumpkins), the canned stuff actually gives more consistent results because it’s specially processed to remove excess water.
If you do decide to go the fresh route, stay away from your typical jack-o’-lantern pumpkins since they’re too watery and stringy for pie.
Look for smaller, sweeter varieties like Sugar Pie, Cinderella, or Baby Pam pumpkins, which have denser, more flavorful flesh.
Storage Instructions
You can store this pumpkin pie brûlée in the fridge for up to 3 days, but wait to add the caramelized sugar topping until right before serving.
Keep the pie covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge. If you’re planning ahead, you can make the pie a day before your event – just let it cool completely before refrigerating.
When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the sugar on top and torch it fresh for that perfect crackly crust.
Keep in mind that once you’ve added the brûlée topping, it’s best to enjoy it within a few hours, as the caramelized sugar will start to soften in the fridge.
Options for Substitutions
This pie recipe has some room for flexibility with its ingredients.
If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can use butternut squash puree or sweet potato puree – just make sure to drain any excess liquid if using homemade.
The bourbon adds a nice flavor but can be replaced with vanilla extract (use 2 teaspoons) or dark rum if you prefer.
For the spices, you can use 2 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice blend instead of the individual spices, and the whipping cream can be swapped for half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
The white sugar topping for the brûlée is essential for getting that classic crackly top, but you could use raw sugar (turbinado) for an even crunchier finish.
Ingredients
- 1 pie shell (homemade or from the store)
- 1 can pumpkin puree (15 ounces)
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup white sugar (for brûlée topping)
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare a 9-inch pie dish with your choice of pie crust, whether it is store-bought or homemade.
Once the crust is ready and in the pie dish, set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Mix Pumpkin Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
Make sure the spices are thoroughly blended with the pumpkin for a consistent flavor throughout the pie.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Liquids
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Once the eggs are mixed in, pour in the heavy cream and bourbon, stirring the mixture until it becomes smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Fill the Pie and Bake
Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pie crust, carefully spreading it out evenly to ensure an even bake.
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes.
You’ll know the pie is done when the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool the Pie
Once baked, let the pie cool completely on a wire rack.
This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Create the Brûlée Topping
Just before serving, evenly sprinkle granulated sugar over the top of the pie.
Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust.
If you don’t have a torch, you can place the pie under a broiler for a few minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the pie and serve.
Enjoy the irresistible combination of smooth pumpkin filling complemented by the crisp brûlée topping.
This delightful treat is sure to impress!
