Pumpkins & Spice & Cream & Pralines

An easy-to-assemble and bake pumpkin spice custard topped with a glorious combo of whipped cream and almond pralines. How's that for a make-ahead dessert to turn you into a dessert celebrity?

I developed this recipe last November, typed it up in December and forgot to post it! Today, I present you with the best seasonal recipe for your next dinner--Pumpkin Custard with Almond Praline. Here's the recipe in printable format.

Pumpkin custard with whipped cream and an almond praline crown.

The custard is simplicity itself. The whipped cream is lightly sweetened and fortified with extra fat to stabilize it. Again, so easy. The praline requires your full attention, but that's it. One, two, three, and you're done. All simple with ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store. All make-ahead ease. All super delicious and spectacular!

And if the praline-making process intimidates you, just toast the almonds and run them quickly through a food processor. Sprinkle that over the whipped cream, and your elegant dessert will still be delicious and spectacular.

The sugar just beginning to caramelize at the edges.

Heavy cream with added cream cheese to stabilize it.