Brûléed Pumpkin Pie 🎃🔥🥧 Silky, Spiced Pumpkin Filling Topped With a Crisp, Caramelized Sugar Shell

ByKarl S

This twist on the traditional pumpkin pie keeps the smooth, custardy filling you love but adds a brûléed top layer for a dramatic finish. The result? Each bite blends velvety spice with a satisfying glassy crunch — crème brûlée meets pumpkin pie.

Ingredients (Makes 1 standard 9-inch pie)

For the crust

  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

For the filling

  • 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin purée
  • ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk for lighter texture)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the brûlée topping

  • ¼–⅓ cup granulated sugar

To serve

  • Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Blind bake the crust

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Roll out crust in a pie dish, prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment, and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
  • Bake 15 minutes, remove weights, and bake another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Lower oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Make the filling

  • In a bowl, whisk pumpkin, brown sugar, eggs, yolk, cream, spices, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Pour into the pre-baked crust.

Step 3: Bake

  • Bake 45–55 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly wobbly.
  • Cool completely, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Brûlée the top

  • Just before serving, sprinkle an even layer of sugar over the chilled pie.
  • Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. (If you don’t have a torch, place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.)

Step 5: Serve

  • Let the sugar harden for 2–3 minutes before slicing. Serve plain or with whipped cream.

Flavor Variations

  • Use maple sugar for a deeper, more complex caramel flavor
  • Add a hint of orange zest to the filling for brightness
  • Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the brûléed top for contrast
  • Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version

Pro Tips

  • Chill pie completely before brûléeing — heat from the torch won’t affect a cold custard as much
  • Keep the sugar layer thin for the perfect glassy crack without bitterness
  • If broiling, rotate the pie for even caramelization
  • Serve the same day you brûlée for the best crunch

Final Thoughts

Brûléed Pumpkin Pie turns a holiday staple into an elegant, textural treat — familiar enough to please traditionalists, but with just enough flair to make it unforgettable. That first crack of the caramelized top is pure dessert theater.

Torch it. Slice it. Hear the crack. 🎃🔥🥧

🎃 All-Purpose Pumpkin Recipes 🎃

Fall in love with pumpkin all over again! From cozy pies and muffins to cheesecakes, cookies, and savory twists, this collection covers every craving. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want a taste of autumn, you’ll find the perfect recipe here.

Explore All Pumpkin Recipes → – Savory and sweet ways to enjoy pumpkin in every meal.

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