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The Ultimate Caramel Apple Cheesecake (A Baker’s Guide!)

A beautiful slice of Caramel Apple Cheesecake being served as dessert at a festive Thanksgiving dinner.

A seasonal twist on the classic French dessert, this Pumpkin Crème Brûlée features a rich, smooth custard infused with the warm flavors of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The custard is made by tempering a hot, spiced cream and milk mixture into egg yolks and sugar. It is then gently baked in individual ramekins in a water bath until just set. After chilling for several hours, the dessert is finished with a layer of coarse sugar that is caramelized under a broiler or with a kitchen torch to create the signature hard, crackly topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 pinches nutmeg
  • 1 pinch ginger
  • 1 pinch ground cloves
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup coarse sugar or raw sugar, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cream, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it just comes to a boil. Immediately turn off the heat and let the mixture steep for at least 15 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the granulated sugar.
  4. Whisking constantly, gradually pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture to temper it.
  5. Whisk in the pumpkin puree until the custard base is smooth.
  6. Pour the mixture into 4 ovenproof ramekins. Arrange the ramekins in a baking pan and create a water bath by pouring hot water into the pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
  7. Bake in the center of the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the custards are almost set but still jiggle slightly in the center.
  8. Remove the ramekins from the water bath, let them cool for 15 minutes, then cover each with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and up to 24 hours.
  9. When ready to serve, preheat the broiler or prepare a kitchen torch. Uncover the chilled custards.
  10. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of coarse sugar on top of each custard.
  11. Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, or use a torch, until the sugar is melted and caramelized.
  12. Let the custards cool for 1 minute before serving.

Notes

  • Infusing the cream with spices before making the custard is a key step for a deep, aromatic flavor.
  • Baking the custards in a water bath (bain-marie) provides gentle, even heat, which is essential for a smooth, creamy texture.
  • The long chilling period of at least 2 hours is crucial for the custard to set completely.
  • The signature crunchy topping is created just before serving by caramelizing a layer of sugar with high heat from a broiler or torch.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/caramel-apple-cheesecake/