Ingredients

  • 18 graham cracker sheets, or 2 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of grated nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons unflavored powdered gelatin (from 3 envelopes)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) canned unsweetened pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Method

  • Make the crust: Preheat oven to 325F.
  • In a food processor, combine graham cracker sheets, sugar, cocoa, cinnamon, and nutmeg; process until finely ground.
  • Transfer to a medium bowl; mix in butter.
  • Press mixture into bottom and up sides of a 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
  • Place on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet; bake until dry, 12 to 15 minutes.
  • Let cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Make the filling: In a small heatproof bowl, combine brandy and 2 tablespoons water.
  • Sprinkle gelatin over liquid; let soften 10 minutes.
  • With an electric mixer on medium-low, beat eggs.
  • While eggs are beating, combine remaining 1/4 cup water and the granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture registers 245F on a candy thermometer, about 5 minutes.
  • Immediately raise mixer speed to high.
  • Pour sugar mixture down side of mixing bowl in a thin stream; whisk until mixture increases in volume and is pale yellow, about 5 minutes more.
  • Place bowl with softened gelatin over (not in) a pan of simmering water; stir until gelatin has dissolved.
  • Reduce mixer to low speed; whisk in gelatin mixture, the pumpkin, sour cream, allspice, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  • Pour into piecrust; refrigerate until set, 4 hours or up to 1 day.
  • Make the topping: Whisk cream, confectioners sugar, and vanilla in a medium chilled bowl until stiff peaks form.
  • Using a pastry bag fitted with a 7/16-inch star tip (such as Ateco #825), pipe whipped cream over tart.