Description
This Pumpkin Custard recipe is a smooth, creamy dessert featuring the warm autumn flavors of pumpkin and spices. Baked gently in a water bath, it yields a delicate custard with a luscious texture, perfect for a comforting holiday treat or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- â…› teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place 4 to 6 ramekins inside a deep baking dish suitable for a water bath.
- Mix Pumpkin and Spices: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the custard’s flavor.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until the mixture becomes silky and well-blended, ensuring a smooth custard base.
- Fill Ramekins: Pour the custard mixture into the prepared ramekins, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for gentle setting.
- Create Water Bath: Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins, which helps cook the custard evenly and prevents cracking.
- Bake Custards: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate the custards for at least 2 hours to fully set and develop flavor.
- Serve: Serve chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and presentation.
Notes
- Using a water bath (bain-marie) ensures gentle, even cooking to prevent overcooking or cracking of the custard.
- For best texture, allow the custards to chill thoroughly before serving.
- You can customize spice levels according to taste by adjusting cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version, though texture may vary.
- Ensure ramekins are about the same size for even cooking.
