Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Put six 1-by-5-inch creme brulee ramekins (1 cup each) in a roasting pan.

Step 2

Combine the heavy cream and vanilla pod and seeds in a medium saucepan and whisk to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat, cover and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Discard the vanilla pod.

Step 3

Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks, dark brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice and 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar in a large bowl. Add the cream mixture a little at a time, stirring constantly. Transfer the egg mixture to the ramekins. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

Step 4

Bake the custard until set but still a little jiggly in the center, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool at room temperature for 10 minutes, then remove from the water bath. Refrigerate the ramekins for at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.

Step 5

To serve: Sprinkle the top of each custard with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Using a kitchen blowtorch, melt the sugar, swirling the ramekins as needed to make sure the sugar is evenly browned. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.