Recipes

Recipes to Raise Your Profits: 18-Minute Pumpkin Creme Brulee

Last updated on Oct 26, 2016
Amber Burns

Creme brulee has been a classic dessert favorite for centuries. Its creamy base and brittle caramel top are perfect for finishing off any style of meal. This dish is typically made with a bain marie, which can easily ruin the delicate custard or make a mess in your kitchen. Our recipe instead uses a combi oven that cooks with steam, so you don’t have to worry about the water bath or the time needed to bake the custard in a convection oven. If you want a seasonal dessert that will avoid these pitfalls and raise your profits, keep reading to find out our recipe for 18-minute pumpkin creme brulee.

What is Creme Brulee?

pumpkins

The term “creme brulee” means “burnt cream” in French. This makes a lot of sense since the recipe consists of an egg custard that’s topped with a hard caramel coating. Usually, the custard is baked in a bain marie, or water bath, before being sprinkled with sugar that's burned and caramelized with a broiler or butane torch. This can be a lengthy process, with the custard baking in the bain marie for close to an hour. However, we made our recipe with a combi oven, which uses steam as a cooking method to evenly distribute heat, eliminating the need for the water bath.

Traditionally, the dish is only made with vanilla, but many restaurants add other flavors to make the dish seasonal or more appropriate for a specific event. Chocolate, lavender, citrus, and cinnamon are all popular options. We chose to include pumpkin and some autumn spices in our recipe because nothing screams “fall” quite like pumpkin.

History of Creme Brulee

Like most classic dishes, the exact origin of creme brulee is unknown. The name would suggest a French origin, and there have been documents dating it as a French dessert as far back as 1691. There are also Trinity cream and crema catalana, which are similar desserts from England and Spain that claim to be the origin of this dish.

18-Minute Pumpkin Creme Brulee

pumpkin creme brulee

While it sounds fancy and is often served in upscale establishments, creme brulee is very simple and inexpensive to make. With only a handful of ingredients, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes more complicated than it is. As an added bonus, by using a combi oven instead of the traditional bain marie, you can speed up the time it takes to prepare the dessert and won’t need to worry about a stray splash of water affecting your bottom line.

Cost Breakdown of Pumpkin Creme Brulee

The style of restaurant, serving size, and recipe you decide to use can affect how much this dish costs to make as well as how much you charge for it. We looked at menus from a variety of different restaurants and other foodservice establishments that serve creme brulee and found that the prices ranged from $6-$12, with most listing around $8 per serving. Even with the extra spices and ingredients added in, our recipe only cost about $3.50 to make one serving, which leaves you with a large profit margin for this sophisticated treat.


  • Sold on Menu - $8
  • Food Cost per Serving - $3.50
  • Profit Margin per Serving - $4.50

    • Pumpkin Creme Brulee Recipe

    Our recipe makes 6 servings of creme brulee that are 4 oz. each. The ramekins we used were deeper than traditional creme brulee dishes, so they require longer baking times than their shallower counterparts (about 18 minutes as opposed to 11 minutes). Check out the video below for our full recipe for pumpkin creme brulee!

    Ingredients

    • 5 egg yolks
    • 1 egg
    • 17 oz. heavy cream
    • 4.5 oz. sugar
    • 3 tbsp. pumpkin
    • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
    • ½ tsp. cinnamon
    • ¼ tsp. nutmeg
    • ¼ tsp. cloves

    Directions

    1. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and whisk them together.
    2. Strain the cream mixture into a pitcher.
    3. Pour the batter into 4 oz. ramekins.
    4. Preheat your oven to 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
    5. Steam your batter at 220 degrees for 5 minutes.
    6. Lower your oven’s temperature to 212 degrees and steam for an additional 13 minutes.
    7. Remove your ramekins from the oven and put them in a refrigerator or blast chiller for at least 10 minutes or until completely cool. Keep the custard cool until you’re ready to serve.
    8. Right before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of the custard, and brown it using a torch.

    Pumpkin creme brulee is a delicious seasonal treat that your customers will love. While it seems like a complicated, time-consuming dessert, you’ll be amazed at how quick and easy it is to prepare. Best of all, by using the steam settings on your combi oven instead of the traditional water bath, you won’t need to worry about ruining your custard or making a mess with the water.

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  • 10 Fall Flavors that Aren't Pumpkin Spice

    When fall arrives, what flavors immediately come to mind? For many, that flavor is probably pumpkin spice. However, pumpkin spice is a blend of classic fall spices that deserve their time in the spotlight, too. We'll explore 10 other classic, comforting autumn flavors below that can get you into the fall spirit, no pumpkin needed. Shop All Fall and Winter Flavors 1. Apple Apples are a fall-friendly ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. You can’t beat a glass of fresh apple cider on a fall day, and hard apple cider will warm you up on a chilly autumn evening. Apple cinnamon cupcakes, freshly baked apple pie, and homemade applesauce are delicious alternatives to pumpkin-flavored treats. Apples' growing season lasts from August to October, making them the perfect fall produce selection for your menu. 2. Salted Caramel Salted caramel is a sweet and salty treat perfect for customers craving an escape from spice. Caramel candies, cookies, and hot drinks are all good ideas. Caramel lattes have an especially autumnal quality that's comforting on a cold day. For a special fall-themed treat, caramel apples are always a crowd-pleaser. 3. Maple Maple flavor invokes visions of pancakes on lazy Sunday mornings and frost-covered maple trees on crisp, autumn days. What better flavor to represent the fall season? Maple has recently moved into the spotlight thanks to delicious concoctions like maple spice lattes and maple syrup cocktails. It pairs well with both sweet and savory ingredients and is a staple flavor on the Thanksgiving table. Try it in desserts like a maple pecan pie, whip it into sweet potatoes, or make a spicy maple glaze for turkey. 4. Hazelnut The sweet, buttery flavor of hazelnut pairs extremely well with coffee or hot chocolate. This flavor has become a favorite in recent years, largely due to the increased popularity of Nutella spread. Hazelnuts can be used in sweet or savory recipes and add a rich, nutty flavor that befits the harvest season. 5. Pear The pear harvest falls between August and October, making this fruit another great option for your seasonal menu. Pear flavor tastes great with a variety of spices, including cinnamon, star anise, and vanilla. Whether you make pear cider, pear crumble, chocolate pear cake, or fancy poached pears, this fall fruit is simply scrumptious. 6. Ginger Ground ginger can add a kick of flavor to a wide range of foods but is especially delicious in gingerbread. While gingerbread is associated with Christmastime, gingersnap cookies are a perfect autumn cookie, especially when paired with hot tea. As an added bonus, ginger is a natural pain reliever. 7. Chai Chai combines the flavors of aromatic spices like cardamom, clove, and cinnamon. To make chai tea, the spices are added to a strong cup of black tea and mixed with creamy milk. The result is a warm, cozy beverage that’s perfect to sip on a crisp, autumn day. Not just for tea, chai flavoring can be added to everything from cookies and cupcakes to ice cream and pancakes. 8. Cranberries Cranberries are on the Thanksgiving table for all of the right reasons. Their vibrant, ruby red color adds a bright hue amongst the green and beige, while the sweet tartness of cranberry flavor cuts the heavy richness of mashed potatoes, turkey with gravy, and green bean casserole. Besides cranberry sauce, cranberries provide an alternative Thanksgiving flavor for cheesecakes, pies, and grilled meats. 9. Butterscotch The warming tastes of caramel, browned butter, molasses, and vanilla are all wrapped into the iconic flavor of butterscotch. The seasonal flavors of butterscotch can be infused into your next signature fall latte, and can even be featured on your winter drink menu thanks to its silky-sweet, buttery taste that takes the chill off from the cool air. Blondies, autumn cheesecakes, and cookies that use butterscotch flavor have been known to take fall baking to a prized level. Butterscotch also plays nicely when spooned over ice creams that use comforting fall flavors. 10. Bourbon Bourbon's tasting notes are reminiscent of every fall flavor we enjoy: caramel, vanilla, and oak. The bourbon flavor is so complex that it can be found in recipes for entrees, desserts, and beverages alike. Whether you're creating a seasonal menu that's full of fresh fall flavor ideas or making a sinfully boozy bourbon-infused dessert, bourbon is a shockingly simple ingredient that builds all kinds of flavorful dishes. In a market flooded with pumpkin spice-flavored foods and drinks, stand out by offering your guests unique menu items that capture the comforting essence of other fall flavors. Whether you're crafting new specialty coffee drinks, adding pastries to your bakery case, or planning a fall-themed menu, there is a wide array of autumn-inspired ingredients and flavors that will take your culinary creations to new heights.

  • Types of Edible Pumpkins

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It typically has a round shape, a thick rind, and a fleshy interior. Pumpkins come in various sizes, ranging from small to massive. While we often associate pumpkins with bright orange colors, edible pumpkins come in hues ranging from white to orange to green to blue. Pumpkins are believed to have originated in Central America over 7,500 years ago and were an important crop for Native American tribes. The early settlers in America quickly recognized the value of pumpkins and began cultivating them for both their nutritional and medicinal properties. Today, pumpkins are grown worldwide, with the United States being the leading producer. Types of Pumpkins with Pictures Pumpkins are incredibly versatile in the culinary world. From sweet to savory dishes, there are countless ways to incorporate these flavorful fruits into your commercial kitchen. The flesh of a pumpkin is often pureed and used in soups, sauces, and pies, providing a rich and creamy texture. 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Kabocha Squash Flavor: Sweet, nutty, with a hint of malt Kabocha Squash Texture: Light and fluffy Kabocha Squash Uses: Soups, casseroles, curries, sauces, pies, muffins, quick bread 2. Honeynut Squash The honeynut squash is a small pumpkin, typically measuring around 4 to 6 inches in length. Despite its small size, the honeynut squash packs a big flavor punch. It offers a sweet and nutty taste laced with malty flavor notes. It has a distinct oblong shape. The skin is pale orange, and its flesh is vibrant and dense. Consider using honeynut squash puree to make a flavorful pumpkin milkshake. Honeynut Squash Flavor: Sweet, nutty, hint of malt Honeynut Squash Texture: Velvety, soft, and smooth Honeynut Squash Uses: Vegetable roasts, stuffed honeynut squash, creamy soups, desserts 3. Cinderella Pumpkin The Cinderella pumpkin is aptly named because its distinct shape resembles the iconic carriage from the beloved fairytale. 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Its flavor profile can be described as sweet and nutty, with subtle earthy undertones. This unique combination makes it a versatile ingredient that pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes. Hubbard Squash Flavor: Sweet, hazelnut essences Hubbard Squash Texture: Dense and firm Hubbard Squash Uses: Roasted side dish, pies, muffins, tempura, curry, mashed 5. Calabaza Squash Calabaza squash, also known as West Indian pumpkin, is a popular variety of winter squash that originated in the Caribbean. This large, round pumpkin typically grows to about 10-20 pounds and has thick, pale orange skin. When it comes to taste, Calabaza squash has a mildly sweet and nutty flavor. The skin is thick and hard, providing excellent protection and a long shelf life. Inside, the flesh is a vibrant orange, dense, and firm, but it easily breaks down when cooked, resulting in a smooth consistency. This makes Calabaza squash a great choice for creating velvety soups or creamy pumpkin pies. Calabaza Squash Flavor: Nutty, mild sweetness Calabaza Squash Texture: Firm Calabaza Squash Uses: Tempura, stew, pies, enchilada filling, roasted side dish 6. Red Kuri Squash Also known as Japanese squash or Hokkaido squash, red kuri squash is a type of winter squash that originated in Japan but has gained popularity worldwide for its exceptional taste and beautiful appearance. It typically has a tear-drop shape and vibrant red-orange skin. Red kuri squash offers a smooth and sweet flavor profile that is often likened to chestnuts. When cooked, the flesh of this type of pumpkin becomes tender and velvety, making it a dream ingredient for purees, bisques, and creamy sauces. Its soft texture also lends itself well to being roasted or baked, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Red Kuri Squash Flavor: Mild, sweet, earthy chestnut flavor Red Kuri Squash Texture: Tender, velvety Red Kuri Squash Uses: Bisques, pasta sauces, curries, risotto Back to Top 7. Jarrahdale Pumpkin Named after the small town of Jarrahdale in Western Australia, the Jarrahdale pumpkin is a unique Australian heirloom variety of edible pumpkin. With its blue-grey skin and flattened shape, the Jarrahdale pumpkin is a true showstopper. One of the standout features of the Jarrahdale pumpkin is its smooth and creamy consistency. Pair its melt-in-your-mouth texture with its sweet, nutty flavor profile, and the Jarrahdale pumpkin is a dream ingredient for creating silky-smooth dishes. Jarrahdale Pumpkin Flavor: Sweet pumpkin flavor Jarrahdale Pumpkin Texture: Velvety Jarrahdale Pumpkin Uses: Bisques, pies, muffins, quick bread, cookies, cheesecake, scones 8. Buttercup Squash Buttercup squash is a winter squash known for its sweet flavor and creamy mouthfeel which intensifies when roasted. Its flesh is dense, mildly sweet, and has nutty undertones that add depth to both savory and sweet recipes. This makes it a great choice for soups, stews, casseroles, and even desserts. You can roast it, steam it, bake it, or puree it to use as a base for sauces and soups. Its natural sweetness pairs well with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, making it a perfect ingredient for comforting fall recipes. The squash is characterized by its dark green skin and distinctive turban shape, making it a visually appealing addition to any farmer's market stand. Buttercup Squash Flavor: Sweet and creamy Buttercup Squash Texture: Dense, firm, and non-fibrous Buttercup Squash Uses: Pies, muffins, soups, casseroles, curry, risotto, pasta sauce, salads 9. Carnival Squash Carnival squash is a small- to medium-sized winter squash. Its name comes from its beautiful, carnival-like appearance, featuring a blend of colors that can include orange, yellow, green, and cream. This eye-catching exterior makes it a popular choice for decorative purposes during the fall season. However, carnival squash is not just aesthetically pleasing. It also offers a delicious flavor that is often described as sweet, nutty, and buttery. Its soft texture easily absorbs flavors from herbs and spices, resulting in flavorsome dishes. Carnival Squash Flavor: Maple, butter, and nut undertones Carnival Squash Texture: Creamy and buttery Carnival Squash Uses: Vegetable roasts, stuffed carnival squash, cheesecake, cupcakes, custard 10. Fairytale Pumpkin Fairytale pumpkins are a variety of winter squash that originated in France and are also known as Rouge Vif d’Etampes. They are vibrant orange, round, and deeply ribbed, just like the pumpkin carriage from the classic fairy tale. In terms of taste, fairytale pumpkins offer a sweet and nutty flavor. When roasted, their natural starches caramelize and turn to sugar, producing a scrumptious base for fall desserts. Additionally, their dense and creamy flesh is fine-grained, making them one of the best types of edible pumpkins for baking applications like our pumpkin creme brulee recipe. Fairytale Pumpkin Flavor: Rich, very sweet, buttery Fairytale Pumpkin Texture: Smooth and dense Fairytale Pumpkin Uses: Creme brulee, cupcakes, cheesecake, mousse, pie, frosting, ice cream 11. Sugar Pie Pumpkin The sugar pie pumpkin, also known as sugar pumpkin, is a small pumpkin that is prized for its sweet and smooth flesh. This variety is specifically cultivated for its culinary uses, making it the go-to choice for homemade pumpkin pies, custards, and other delectable treats. What sets the sugar pie pumpkin apart from other varieties is its ideal balance of sweetness and texture. Its flesh is fine-grained and dense, offering a creamy smooth, consistency. It’s packed with natural sugars, giving it a rich and indulgent flavor. When cooked, the sugar pie pumpkin transforms into a velvety puree that adds depth and sweetness to any dish it graces. But the sugar pie pumpkin isn't just limited to desserts. Its mild and slightly nutty flavor makes it a great addition to soups, stews, and roasted vegetable medleys. Sugar Pie Pumpkin Flavor: Rich, buttery, sweet Sugar Pie Pumpkin Texture: Creamy, tender, smooth Sugar Pie Pumpkin Uses: Pies, quick bread, vegetable roasts, salads, casseroles, soups 12. Long Island Cheese Pumpkin The Long Island cheese pumpkin is known for its distinct shape and pale orange color. It has a flattened appearance, similar to a wheel of cheese, hence its name. Its smooth skin and deep ridges give it an attractive and rustic look, but this pumpkin isn't just for show. It's also highly regarded for its culinary uses. The Long Island Cheese Pumpkin has a sweet and nutty flavor, making it perfect for baking, roasting, or pureeing. Its flesh is dense and creamy, making it ideal for pies, soups, and other pumpkin-based dishes. Long Island Cheese Pumpkin Flavor: Mild, pairs sweet with earthy Long Island Cheese Pumpkin Texture: Tender, creamy Long Island Cheese Pumpkin Uses: Curries, sauces, soups, stir-fries, tarts, quick bread, pies Back to Top The edible pumpkin possibilities are endless. Whether you're looking to make a delicious pumpkin pie, a pumpkin tempura appetizer, or a creamy bisque, there's a type of edible pumpkin that's perfect for your dish. Reference this guide as you update your fall menu to find the perfect edible pumpkin for every application.

  • Pumpkin Pie Spice Explained

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