Description
A luscious fall treat that combines creamy spiced pumpkin with a sweet, nutty praline topping. Perfect for cozy gatherings, Thanksgiving tables, or when you just need a little autumn comfort on your plate!
Ingredients:
2 cups pumpkin puree
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking pan.
5 minutes
In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and eggs until smooth.
7 minutes
Pour mixture into the prepared dish and bake for 45–50 minutes, until set in the center.
50 minutes
While baking, prepare praline topping: melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2 minutes
Stir in corn syrup and powdered sugar; cook 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4 minutes
Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans.
2 minutes
Spread praline topping evenly over baked pumpkin base.
3 minutes
Return to oven for 10–12 minutes, until praline is golden and bubbly.
12 minutes
Allow to cool before slicing and serving for best texture.
10 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 75 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
#PumpkinDessert #PralineTopping #FallBaking #SweetIndulgence
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect dessert. First, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing. Preheat your oven and prepare your baking dish thoroughly. When whisking the pumpkin base, mix for a full 3-4 minutes until no streaks remain and the mixture is completely homogenous. Use a toothpick to test for doneness after 45 minutes; it should come out clean. For the praline, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir constantly to prevent the sugar from burning. When spreading the hot topping, work quickly but carefully to create an even layer over the entire surface.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is versatile. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an elegant presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt or a few whole pecans. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a dessert wine like a late-harvest Riesling. For Thanksgiving, present it on a cake stand alongside other autumnal treats.
How-to Summary
In summary, create a smooth pumpkin custard base, bake until set, then top with a homemade butter-pecan praline sauce and bake briefly again. The key stages are: mixing the wet ingredients, initial baking, preparing the stovetop praline, applying the topping, and a final bake to set the praline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of puree? Yes, but ensure it’s cooked, pureed, and drained of excess moisture to match the consistency of canned puree.
How do I store leftovers? Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The texture is best at room temperature, so let slices sit out for 20 minutes before serving.
Can I make this nut-free? Absolutely. Omit the pecans from the praline. The topping will be a delicious butterscotch-like layer.
My topping is too hard after cooling. What happened? This usually means the sugar mixture was cooked too long. Next time, remove it from the heat as soon as it thickens to a syrup that coats the back of a spoon.
Can I prepare any parts in advance? You can mix the pumpkin base, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. The praline topping is best made fresh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using pumpkin pie filling instead of puree, which contains added sugars and spices and will throw off the recipe balance.
- Overbaking the initial pumpkin base, which can lead to a cracked surface and dry texture.
- Not stirring the praline mixture constantly, resulting in scorched sugar.
- Adding the pecans while the saucepan is still on the heat, which can cause the nuts to burn.
- Slicing the dessert before it has cooled sufficiently, causing it to fall apart.
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Praline Dessert is the epitome of autumn comfort, masterfully blending a velvety spiced pumpkin layer with a rich, crunchy nut topping. It’s a show-stopping dish that is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. By following the detailed guide and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure a flawless result every time. Perfect for any fall celebration or a cozy night in, this dessert is sure to become a seasonal favorite.