Caramel & Pumpkin Parfaits + A Virtual Baby Shower

Here’s a fact, I do love me some pumpkin spice! That said, I am not entirely sure why I wait an entire year for pumpkin-spice season to hit… but when it does hit, oh it goes down! You can find me enjoying everything from pumpkin spice lattes to straight up pumpkin pie.

So what do you do when it’s the middle of February (pumpkin season is still months away) and a craving hits? I’m not the suck-it-up-and-wait-it-out type, so I took matters into my own hands…

Of course this whole parfait thing started with me whipping up a batch of pumpkin pudding. Simple pumpkin pudding. And then I wanted whipped cream… and gingersnaps to add bite…. and then caramel drizzle to punch up the sweetness. Before I knew it, I was making a full fledged parfait! I can’t complain though, it sure hit the spot and worked wonders on my pumpkin craving!

Caramel & Pumpkin Parfaits

This easy to assemble pumpkin parfait is the perfect craving crusher when pumpkin season is still months away. Perfectly flavoured pumpkin pudding is accompanied by fresh whipped cream, crunchy gingersnaps, and a big drizzle of caramel. Oh so good any time of the year!

Pumpkin Pudding
3/4 cup canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 cup milk
1 cup table cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg

In a large bowl mix together pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice. Set aside. To a medium saucepan add brown sugar, cornstarch and salt. Add milk, cream, vanilla, and egg. Whisk until combined. Place pan over medium heat and while stirring constantly, cook the mixture until it thickens. Remove from heat. Slowly pour slightly cooled mixture into the bowl with the pumpkin puree. Whisk until fully combined. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding and refrigerate until cool (3-4 hours).

Whipped Cream
1 cup whipping cream
1 tbsp liquid honey
1/2 tsp vanilla

In a stand mixer add whipping cream, honey and vanilla. Beat on high until soft peaks start to form in the cream. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.

Caramel Sauce
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Pour sugar into saucepan and set over medium heat. Allow sugar to melt and caramelize. Swirl the pan and resist the urge to stir. You’ll start to see the caramel turn an amber brown. Once this stage is reached, remove from heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Don’t be alarmed if the caramels begins to bubble. Return the pan to medium heat and simmer until the caramel is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in butter, salt and vanilla.

To Assemble the Parfait
1. Start layering ingredients into a jar or short glass: crushed gingersnaps, pudding, whipped cream, caramel sauce. Repeat until you have reached the top of the glass.
2. Enjoy!

Of course I won’t be enjoying this lovely parfait all on my own. I’ve been joined by 15 other fabulous Canadian food bloggers to celebrate Jan of Family Bites and her soon-to-be-arriving baby!

Jan (who is also the author of Gatherings) is the sweetest person you will ever meet! Jan let us in on her little pregnancy surprise this past summer when we toured the Aberfoyle Market. I was 110% sure she was going to have a girl. Boy was I wrong… (I am really not that good at these guessing these things; with a 50-50 chance you’d think I’d be right more times than not!). Jan will be welcoming a baby boy (literally any day now) to her already bursting house of men! Best of luck to you Jan; may you, Rob and the boys enjoy every minute of it!

Check out what Jan’s other incredible blogger friends are bringing to the party!

Mardi from eat. live. travel. write // Blueberry Cheesecake Macarons
Julie from Dinner with Julie // Lemon Tart
Heather from The Tasty Gardener // Cream Puffs with Caramel Cream and Chocolate Pretzel Top
Isabelle from Crumb: A Food Blog // Blackberry Meringue Bars
Jennifer from Seasons and Suppers // Baby Blueberry Beignets
Christina from Strawberries For Supper // Chocolate Madeleines
Aimée from Simple Bites // Roasted Turnip Hummus
Jenny from The Brunette Baker // Wild Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins
Liliana from My Cookbook Addiction // Mini-cupcakes
Carole from The Yum Yum Factor // Beet and Blue Cheese Canapes
Charmian from The Messy Baker // Piglet Muffins
Amy from Family Feedbag // Marmalade Poke Cake
Meg from Sweet Twist of Blogging // Carrot Apple Loaf
Louisa from Living Lou // Maple Walnut Cookies
Libby from Libby Roach Photography // Butter Baked Good’s Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookie
Robyn from Planet Byn // Milk & Cookies Shooters