We think of stuffing and dressing as savory affairs, but Pumpkin Dessert Dressing turns that on its head. It’s tender, deeply spiced, and creamy-sweet, packed with fall holiday flavors. It balances smokiness, buttery richness, and slightly citrus notes into autumnal amazement. Drizzled with an even creamier whiskey sauce on top, Pumpkin Dessert Dressing will delight your Thanksgiving guests and your tongue in equal measure!
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 6 large eggs
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1-pound loaf cinnamon raisin bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
For the whiskey pecan sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 2/3 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/3 cup whiskey
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Step 2 –Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with a tablespoon of softened butter.
Step 3 –In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
Step 4 –Add the cubed bread, mixing until just combined. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes to let the bread absorb flavors.
Step 5 –Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking pan.
Step 6 –Bake the dessert dressing until golden brown and the center is set, about 40-45 minutes. It might puff up during baking, but it should deflate once removed from the oven.
Step 7 –Meanwhile, add the heavy cream, egg yolks, and sugar to a saucepan and whisk to combine into a smooth mixture.
Step 8 –Over medium heat on the stove-top, gently cook the mixture, whisking constantly until the mixture can thinly coat the back of a spoon, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 9 –Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool, stirring it frequently.
Step 10 –In a separate saucepan on the stove-top over medium heat, melt the 6 tablespoons of butter.
Step 11 –Add the pecans and cook until a nutty aroma emerges and the butter browns, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 12 –Then combine the pecan mixture and the cream mixture. Stir in the whiskey.
Step 13 –Serve the dessert dressing warm and drizzled with the whiskey pecan sauce, with more on the side as an option!