
Cardamom-Vanilla Honeynut Squash Brulée
Courtesy of Zimmysnook
8
15 minutes
45 minutes
If you love cozy fall flavors, this Cardamom-Vanilla Honeynut Squash Brulée with a maple drizzle will absolutely steal your heart. It’s warm, creamy, and gently spiced with cardamom, then finished with a turbinado caramel that gives crème brûlée vibes but is simpler and more wholesome.
This dish blurs the line between side and dessert, pairing roasted honeynut squash with a silky cardamom–vanilla glaze and a whisper of maple sweetness. Whether you serve it for brunch, a holiday dinner, or a fancy plant-forward dessert, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
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- 4-5 honeynut squash, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- Pinch of fine sea salt
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- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 6–8 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 2 strips (about 1.5 inches) orange zest (optional, for brightness)
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- 1/3 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (or 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste)
- Pinch of fine sea salt
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- 2–4 tbsp turbinado sugar or maple sugar
- Garnishes: labneh or whipped cream, cardamom-infused maple drizzle, crushed pistachios, small mint leaves.
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Provisions Large Oval Roaster
OvenBond Half Sheet Pan
Provisions Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
NanoBond Butter Warmer
Provisions 12” Balloon Whisk
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Arrange honeynut halves cut side up on the baking sheet. Brush each with melted butter, drizzle with maple syrup, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, or until tender and caramelized at the edges.
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In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, crushed cardamom pods, and orange zest (if using).
- Warm gently over low heat for 5–10 minutes, without boiling. Let it sit for 5 minutes off the heat to deepen the flavour.
- Strain out the pods and zest, then pour into a clean jar. Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
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In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the cream, egg yolk, cardamom, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
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Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C). Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of glaze over each warm squash half.
- Return to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, until the glaze is glossy and slightly thickened.
- Let cool for 10–15 minutes to firm up.
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Sprinkle each squash half with turbinado or maple sugar. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until deep amber. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes to set.
- Note: Your sugar layer won't crack like brûlée unless you use more sugar. We prefer using a sprinkle of sugar, which adds a lovely soft caramel texture without being overly sweet.
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Top with a dollop of labneh or whipped cream, drizzle lightly with the infused maple syrup, and sprinkle with crushed pistachios and mint. Serve warm.