Custard Baked in a Pumpkin
If you're looking for something new in your fall dessert repertoire, try this take on pumpkin pie: A sweet, fall-inspired custard baked inside a whole pie pumpkin (pie pumpkins look just like a jack-o-lantern type pumpkin, except smaller and sweeter). This version of "pumpkin pie" is easier than the pastry version, simply because you don't have to worry about making a perfect flaky crust. Another benefit of this method is that each diner can make their dessert more or less sweet depending upon personal preference. If someone wants a sweeter dessert, scoop out more of the custard with the pumpkin compared to someone who wants a less-sweet dessert with more pumpkin and less custard. And don't forget the whipped cream! (Note that the smaller the pumpkin the better here; it's better to cook two small pumpkins than one large one.)
Ingredients
- 1 small pie pumpkin (about 7 inches by 7 inches)
- 6 eggs (buy local eggs when you can)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (ground)
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg (ground)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (ground)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Before diving in, make sure your pumpkin isn't too large. If it's much larger than the one pictured the timing of baking the pumpkin and the custard may be off; a larger, thick-walled pumpkin is an excellent insulator, which will prevent the heat from reaching the custard in the middle of the pumpkin.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and coat the bottom of a roasting pan lightly with oil (select a roasting pan large enough to hold the pumpkin and its lid, side-by-side).
- Cut a lid off the pumpkin and remove the guts and seeds (save the seeds for baking later).
- Once the inside of the pumpkin is cleaned out, take a fork and gently score the inside walls.
- Sprinkle the inside of the pumpkin with a tablespoon of the white sugar and bake, open side down, in the roasting pan for about 30 minutes, or until just barely fork-tender (start checking at 20 minutes).
- While the pumpkin bakes, break the eggs into a mixing bowl and whisk for about a minute, or until frothy.
- Add to the bowl the heavy whipping cream, brown sugar, spices, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until thoroughly mixed.
- Add the remaining white sugar to the bowl, and whisk until all ingredients are combined and the sugar is dissolved; this can take several minutes.
- Pour the custard mixture into a saucepan and cook for 20 minutes over low heat, stirring often. Do not allow the custard to come to a boil. After it starts to thicken, turn off the heat.
- Remove the pumpkin from the oven and turn right side up, placing back into the roasting pan. Pour the custard into the pumpkin.
- Place about 1/2 inch of water into the roasting pan and place the lid, cut-side down, beside the pumpkin.
- Bake the pumpkin for about an hour and a half, or until the custard sets. After an hour has passed, test the pumpkin by sticking a long cake tester or knife into the center of the custard; at this point the custard likely won't be set all the way through (but oven temperatures vary and elevation can greatly impact baking times). If the custard isn't set continue baking, testing every 15 minutes, until done. (Do not bake with the lid on the pumpkin; the pumpkin lid will prevent the custard from cooking through.)
- After the custard is set, remove the pumpkin from the oven and let it cool for about 30 minutes.
- Serve the pumpkin by scooping out generous helpings of custard, scraping the soft pumpkin from the sides. It's fun to bring the whole pumpkin to the table and allow everyone to serve themselves.
Nutrition
Calories: 401kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 6gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 163mgSodium: 92mgPotassium: 564mgFiber: 1gSugar: 45gVitamin A: 12420IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 2mg
Notes
Recipe and photos by Christina Keibler.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!