Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your dessert experience forever! This exquisite Caramelized Pumpkin Armagnac Prune Pudding is not just a dessert—it's a decadent symphony of flavors that marries the rich, velvety essence of pumpkin with the luxurious warmth of Armagnac and the sweet complexity of prunes. Imagine a dessert so sophisticated, it whispers tales of French countryside elegance with every silky spoonful, promising to elevate your dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of prunes, chopped
- 1/2 cup of Armagnac
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
Instructions
- Soak the chopped prunes in Armagnac for 30 minutes to soften and infuse with rich brandy flavor, allowing the fruit to become plump and aromatic.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9-inch ceramic baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and fully incorporated, creating a silky custard base.
- Drain the Armagnac-soaked prunes, reserving the liquid, and fold the prunes gently into the pumpkin custard mixture.
- Pour the pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution of prunes throughout.
- Create a water bath by placing the baking dish into a larger roasting pan and filling the outer pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the pudding dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and water bath, allowing the pudding to cool for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Optional: Drizzle the reserved Armagnac over the top and caramelize the surface using a kitchen torch for added depth and shine.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set completely.
- Serve cold or at room temperature, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips
- Patience is key when soaking prunes in Armagnac—allow the full 30 minutes for maximum flavor infusion.
- Use a kitchen torch for professional-level caramelization, creating a stunning golden surface.
- The water bath technique ensures a smooth, crack-free pudding with perfect custard-like texture.
- For best results, chill the pudding for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to fully develop.
- Choose high-quality, fresh ingredients—especially the Armagnac and pumpkin puree—for the most authentic taste.
- If you don't have a kitchen torch, you can achieve caramelization under the broiler, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- The pudding can be made a day ahead, making it perfect for dinner parties and special occasions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 135mg
