Crunchy Pecan Pumpkin Custard

Crunchy Pecan Pumpkin Custard Recipe | USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 12

Introduction

Crunchy Pecan Pumpkin Custard is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for the fall season. This creamy and flavorful custard is topped with a crunchy pecan topping that adds a nice contrast in texture. It is a great dessert to serve at Thanksgiving or any fall gathering.

History

Pumpkin custard has been a popular dessert in American cuisine for many years, especially during the fall and winter months. The addition of pecans to the custard adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy pumpkin custard perfectly.

Ingredients

3 egg whites
16 oz (454 g) canned pumpkin
12 oz (340 g) lowfat evaporated milk
0.75 cup equal brown sugar substitute
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp vanilla
0.25 tsp finely shredded orange peel
4 oz (113 g) cool whip lite
0.25 cup equal brown sugar substitute
2 tbsp flour
0.5 tsp cinnamon
0.25 tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp butter
0.5 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

How to prepare

In a medium mixing bowl, lightly beat the egg whites with a rotary beater or whisk.
Stir in the pumpkin, milk, 0.75 cup of brown sugar substitute, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and 0.25 tsp of orange peel.
Fold in a container of Cool Whip.
Pour the pumpkin mixture into 12 (6 oz (170 g)) custard cups or one 2 qt (1.89 liter) square baking dish.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) until the sides just start to set, allowing 20 minutes for the cups and 45 minutes for the dish.
Meanwhile, for the topping, combine 0.25 cup of brown sugar substitute, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small mixing bowl.
Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the pecans and set aside.
Sprinkle the custards with the topping.
Bake for an additional 10–15 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
Serve warm.

Variations

For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut milk or almond milk instead of evaporated milk.
You can also add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the custard mixture for a boozy twist.
Instead of pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds for the topping.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to lightly beat the egg whites to incorporate air into the custard mixture, which will help make it light and fluffy.

- Be careful not to overbake the custard, as it can become dry and rubbery. The custard is done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

- Allow the custard to cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Crunchy Pecan Pumpkin Custard warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. You can also sprinkle some extra chopped pecans on top for added crunch.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the egg whites lightly will help incorporate air into the custard mixture, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture.

- Folding in the Cool Whip gently will help maintain the custard's creamy consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular sugar instead of sugar substitute if desired.

- If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, you can use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the custard mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. You can also prepare the pecan topping in advance and sprinkle it on top just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Crunchy Pecan Pumpkin Custard in individual custard cups for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish each serving with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Pairing Recommendations

This custard pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy dessert experience. You can also serve it with a glass of dessert wine or a spiced cider for a festive touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover custard in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for 30-60 seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 24g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 14g

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g

- Saturated Fat: 4g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 4g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 120%

- Vitamin C: 2%

- Calcium: 10%

- Iron: 6%

Alergens

Contains eggs, milk, and tree nuts (pecans)

Summary

This Crunchy Pecan Pumpkin Custard is a relatively low-calorie dessert option that is rich in Vitamin A and a good source of protein. It is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging.

Summary

Crunchy Pecan Pumpkin Custard is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for the fall season. With a creamy pumpkin custard base and a crunchy pecan topping, this dessert is sure to be a hit at any fall gathering. Enjoy this dessert warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Crunchy Pecan Pumpkin Custard. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small town. I had always loved to cook, a passion that was passed down to me from my own grandmother. She taught me everything she knew, and I was always eager to learn more.

One day, while rummaging through an old dusty cookbook that belonged to my grandmother, I came across a worn and tattered page with a recipe that caught my eye. It was for a Crunchy Pecan Pumpkin Custard, a unique and delicious dessert that I had never heard of before. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.

The recipe called for simple ingredients like pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. But what set this custard apart was the addition of crunchy pecans and a sweet caramel topping. I could almost taste the warm, creamy custard and the crunchy pecans in my mind.

Excited to try something new, I set to work gathering all the ingredients I needed. I carefully measured out each one, following the instructions on the page to the letter. As I mixed the ingredients together, the kitchen filled with the warm and comforting aroma of pumpkin and spices.

I poured the mixture into individual ramekins and topped each one with a generous sprinkling of pecans. Then, I placed them in the oven to bake, eagerly anticipating the finished result.

As the custards baked, the sweet scent of caramelized sugar filled the kitchen. I could hardly wait to take them out of the oven and dig in. When the timer finally dinged, I carefully removed the ramekins and set them on the counter to cool.

The custards looked perfect – a rich, golden brown with a crunchy pecan topping. I couldn't resist taking a bite right away, and as soon as I did, I knew I had found a new favorite dessert.

The combination of creamy pumpkin custard, crunchy pecans, and sweet caramel was a revelation. The flavors melded together perfectly, creating a dessert that was both comforting and indulgent. I couldn't believe how easy it was to make such a delicious treat.

From that day on, Crunchy Pecan Pumpkin Custard became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for every special occasion and holiday, delighting my friends and family with its unique and decadent flavors.

Over the years, I've shared the recipe with many people, passing on the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious from scratch. Each time I make this custard, I'm reminded of that first moment of discovery, and I'm grateful for the simple pleasure of cooking and sharing good food with the ones I love.

As I grow older, my passion for cooking only deepens, and I continue to seek out new recipes and techniques to add to my collection. But no matter how many recipes I try, Crunchy Pecan Pumpkin Custard will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy of discovery and the simple pleasures of a homemade meal.