Pumpkin Pie Brle with Bourbon Vanilla Whipped Cream Recipe

Easy Pumpkin Pie Brûlée with Bourbon Vanilla Whipped Cream Recipe

Pumpkin pie brûlée represents a delightful twist on a classic autumn dessert that elevates traditional expectations.

Creamy custard meets caramelized sugar in a luxurious dance of textures and flavors.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert crafts familiar ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Warm spices blend seamlessly with rich, silky filling, creating a harmonious balance of comfort and elegance.

Delicate crackle of torched sugar provides a dramatic sensory moment that delights every guest.

Each spoonful promises a decadent journey through layers of seasonal indulgence.

The combination of smooth pumpkin and crisp caramel surface offers an irresistible contrast that will captivate your palate.

Highlights of Pumpkin Pie Brûlée with Bourbon Vanilla Whipped Cream

  • Elevate Classic Pumpkin Pie: This recipe transforms the traditional pumpkin pie into a gourmet dessert with a crispy caramelized sugar topping and sophisticated bourbon vanilla whipped cream.
  • Texture Symphony: Experience a delightful contrast between the smooth, creamy pumpkin filling, the crunchy brûlée layer, and the delicate whipped cream, creating a multi-dimensional sensory experience.
  • Festive Presentation Magic: The decorative leaf-adorned crust and elegant garnishes like fresh nutmeg, orange zest, and mint leaves turn this dessert into a showstopping centerpiece perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredient List for Pumpkin Pie Brûlée with Bourbon Whipped Cream

Pie Crust:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Base for the pie crust with a tender and flaky texture..
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a delicate, layered crust..
  • Sugar, Cinnamon: Adds sweet and warm spice to the decorative pie leaf cutouts..
  • Egg, Water: Creates an egg wash for brushing and securing decorative elements..
Pie Filling:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Creamy base that provides classic autumn flavor and smooth texture..
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Warm blend of spices that gives traditional pumpkin pie taste..
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and helps create a rich, creamy filling..
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps set the pie filling and provides structure..
  • Orange Zest: Bright citrus note that enhances the overall flavor profile..
  • Salt: Balances and elevates the sweetness of the pie..
Brûlée Topping and Whipped Cream:
  • Granulated Sugar: Creates a crisp, caramelized topping with a delightful crunch..
  • Heavy Cream: Base for a light and airy whipped cream..
  • Confectioners Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream..
  • Vanilla Bean Paste: Adds intense vanilla flavor with visible vanilla specks..
  • Bourbon: Provides a warm, complex depth to the whipped cream..
  • Fresh Nutmeg: Aromatic garnish that complements the pumpkin flavor..
  • Mint Leaves: Provides a fresh, decorative garnish..
  • Orange Zest: Adds a bright, cit.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Brûlée with Vanilla Cream

Step 1: Craft the Decorative Pie Crust

Create a delightful pie canvas by mixing cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Whisk egg and water to make a shiny egg wash. Roll out pie dough into a pie plate, gently pressing into corners. Use creative leaf-shaped cutters to design:
  • Leaf shapes from remaining dough
  • Egg wash for brushing
  • Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling

Attach leaves along crust edges, using aluminum foil balls to support their shape. Poke fork holes in pie shell and freeze while preparing filling.

Step 2: Develop the Pumpkin Filling

Warm up your oven to 425°F. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Orange zest
  • Salt

Microwave for one minute to blend flavors. Cool slightly, then whisk in sweetened condensed milk and eggs until silky smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Pie to Perfection

Pour filling into chilled pie shell. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then lower heat to 350°F. Continue baking 35-40 minutes until center is set but slightly wiggly. Cool for 20 minutes, then refrigerate for 2 hours.

Step 4: Create Caramelized Sugar Shards

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with silicone mat. Spread sugar in thin layer and bake 12-15 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Cool completely, then pulverize in food processor.

Step 5: Whip up Bourbon Vanilla Cream

In mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until thickened. Add confectioners sugar and continue whipping. Gently fold in:
  • Vanilla bean paste
  • Bourbon

Whip until soft peaks form.

Step 6: Brûlée and Garnish

Moments before serving, sprinkle caramelized sugar over pie. Use kitchen torch to melt sugar into golden crisp layer. If using broiler, shield crust with foil.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Top pie with bourbon vanilla whipped cream. Garnish with:
  • Fresh nutmeg
  • Orange zest
  • Mint leaves

Serve immediately and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Helpful Tips for Pumpkin Pie Brûlée Success

  • Microwave Flavor Boost: Briefly heating pumpkin puree with spices enhances depth and eliminates canned taste, creating a more vibrant filling.
  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Freeze pie shell before adding filling to maintain crisp texture and prevent liquid absorption.
  • Sugar Caramelization Technique: Watch caramelized sugar closely during baking to achieve perfect golden color without burning.
  • Torch Precision: Move kitchen torch constantly when caramelizing sugar to create even, crisp brûlée topping without scorching.
  • Chill for Stability: Refrigerate pie for at least 2 hours to help filling set completely and improve slicing quality.

Saving and Reheating Pumpkin Pie Brûlée Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the whipped cream separate in an airtight container.
  • Freeze: Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm individual slices in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy crust and maintain crisp brûlée topping. Add fresh whipped cream after reheating for best texture and flavor.

Suggested Pairings for Pumpkin Pie Brûlée

  • Craft a Bourbon-Infused Dessert Companion: Pair this pumpkin pie brûlée with a smooth Kentucky bourbon neat or on the rocks to enhance the bourbon vanilla whipped cream's subtle warmth.
  • Complement with Spiced Autumn Beverage: Serve alongside a warm mulled apple cider or spiced chai tea that mirrors the pie's cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice notes, creating a cozy flavor harmony.
  • Elevate with Nutty Cheese Plate: Accompany the dessert with a selection of aged gouda, sharp cheddar, and candied pecans to provide a savory counterpoint to the pie's sweet caramelized sugar and creamy texture.
  • Match with Seasonal Digestif: Round out the experience with a small glass of amaretto or calvados, which will complement the orange zest and bourbon hints while offering a warming finish to the dessert course.

Different Takes on Pumpkin Pie Brûlée

  • Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie: Replace cinnamon sugar with a blend of maple syrup and chopped pecans for a nutty, rich flavor profile. Sprinkle candied pecans on top for extra crunch and sweetness.
  • Chai Spice Pumpkin Brûlée: Swap pumpkin pie spice with a homemade chai spice blend featuring cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Add a touch of black tea powder to enhance the warm, aromatic notes.
  • Chocolate Orange Pumpkin Brûlée: Incorporate dark chocolate shavings into the filling and drizzle with orange-infused caramel. Garnish with chocolate-covered orange peel for an elegant, decadent touch.
  • Salted Caramel Pumpkin Crunch: Mix crushed praline or toffee bits into the caramelized sugar topping. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the brûlée layer to create a sophisticated sweet-salty contrast.
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Pumpkin Pie Brle with Bourbon Vanilla Whipped Cream Recipe

Pumpkin Pie Brle with Bourbon Vanilla Whipped Cream Recipe


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Pumpkin pie brûlée marries classic autumn comfort with French culinary finesse, blending silky pumpkin custard and crisp caramelized sugar. Bourbon vanilla whipped cream adds sophisticated warmth, making you crave this elegant seasonal dessert that elevates traditional holiday flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Pie Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 (15-ounce / 425 grams) can pumpkin puree
  • 1 (14-ounce / 397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • ½ teaspoon orange zest

Pie Base:

  • 1 package (2 circles) pie dough

Brûlée Topping:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

Bourbon Vanilla Whipped Cream:

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons confectioners sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • ½ teaspoon bourbon

Garnish:

  • Freshly grated nutmeg
  • Orange zest
  • Small mint leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pie dough by blending cinnamon and sugar in a small mixing vessel. Create an egg wash by whisking egg with water in a separate container.
  2. Gently stretch the pie dough into a plate, carefully pressing into each corner and creating decorative fluted edges.
  3. Craft delicate leaf shapes using decorative cutters from remaining dough. Delicately brush leaf cutouts with egg wash and generously dust with cinnamon sugar mixture.
  4. Artfully attach leaf decorations along pie crust edges, using aluminum foil supports to maintain their elegant shape during baking.
  5. Pierce pie shell with fork tines and place in freezer while preparing filling.
  6. Preheat oven to 425°F, combining pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, orange zest, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for one minute to intensify flavors.
  7. Allow mixture to cool, then incorporate sweetened condensed milk and eggs, whisking until achieving a silky smooth consistency.
  8. Transfer filling into chilled pie shell. Bake initially at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 35-40 minutes until center sets with a subtle wobble.
  9. Allow pie to cool for 20 minutes, then refrigerate for minimum two hours.
  10. Create caramelized sugar shards by spreading sugar thinly on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
  11. Once cooled, pulverize sugar shards into fine powder using a food processor.
  12. Whip heavy cream until thickened, gradually adding confectioners sugar and continuing until soft peaks form.
  13. Gently fold vanilla bean paste and bourbon into whipped cream until just incorporated.
  14. Immediately before serving, sprinkle caramelized sugar powder across pie surface.
  15. Use kitchen torch to melt sugar, creating a golden, crisp caramelized layer. Alternatively, use broiler with crust protected by aluminum foil.
  16. Garnish with bourbon vanilla whipped cream, freshly grated nutmeg, orange zest, and delicate mint leaves.
  17. Serve and enjoy immediately to preserve textural integrity.

Notes

  • Crust Crafting Tip: Create decorative leaf-shaped cutouts and attach them to the pie edges using egg wash for a stunning, autumnal presentation.
  • Flavor Boost Technique: Microwave pumpkin puree with spices briefly to intensify and mellow the taste, eliminating any tinny canned flavor.
  • Baking Precision: Use a two-stage baking method – start at high heat, then reduce temperature to ensure a perfectly set, creamy filling without cracking.
  • Caramelization Hack: Prebake sugar on a lined baking sheet to create ultra-fine caramel dust for a professional brûlée topping.
  • Torching Wisdom: Use a kitchen torch for controlled, even caramelization, or carefully broil with pie crust protected by foil to achieve the signature crisp sugar crust.
  • Serving Secret: Garnish with fresh nutmeg, orange zest, and mint leaves to add bright, aromatic finishing touches that elevate the dessert’s visual and flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 386
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 89 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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