Get ready to fall in love with the Pumpkin Crisp Recipe, a true crowd-pleaser that blends the creamy comfort of pumpkin pie with the irresistible crunch of a classic crisp topping. It’s warmly spiced, simple to make, and offers just the right balance of sweet and cozy for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. This dish is destined to become your new seasonal favorite, whether it’s the highlight of Thanksgiving or a sweet Sunday treat, delivering nostalgia and joy in every golden, cinnamon-scented spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe is that it calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a meaningful role. The harmonious combination of pumpkin and spices creates an aromatic base, while the crisp topping adds that magical texture contrast we all crave.
- Pumpkin purée (1 can, 15 oz): The star ingredient that brings rich color and velvety smoothness to your crisp base.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the filling without overpowering the pumpkin’s subtle earthiness.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor to the creamy pumpkin layer.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Essential for that unmistakable warmth and coziness in both the filling and topping.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a gentle, nutty note that perfectly complements pumpkin.
- Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Just a touch adds spicy-sweet complexity.
- Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Introduces zing and brightness to the fall spice blend.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and enhances every flavor.
- Large eggs (3): Bind the filling together for a soufflé-like texture.
- Evaporated milk (1 can, 12 oz): Gives the filling luscious creaminess without heaviness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds everything out with fragrant sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Creates that quintessential crumbly crisp topping.
- Brown sugar, for topping (3/4 cup): Gives the topping its deep golden color and sweet bite.
- Rolled oats (1/2 cup): Add heartiness and chew to the topping, making each bite interesting.
- Cinnamon, for topping (1 teaspoon): Layers extra spice into every crisp, crunchy forkful.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup, optional): For those who want a toasty, nutty crunch on top—highly recommended for flavor!
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Binds the topping and ensures it bakes up perfectly golden and crisp.
How to Make Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—a crucial step for achieving that beautifully baked, set filling. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep your Pumpkin Crisp Recipe from sticking and make serving effortless.
Step 2: Mix Up the Pumpkin Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, salt, eggs, evaporated milk, and vanilla until the mixture is perfectly smooth and evenly blended. This creates that luscious, custardy base packed with warming flavors you won’t be able to resist.
Step 3: Pour and Set the Filling
Carefully pour the spiced pumpkin mixture into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly. This even layer ensures every slice is as creamy and flavorful as the last.
Step 4: Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and pecans (if you’re using them). Drizzle in the melted butter, and stir until the mixture is well moistened and forms chunky, buttery crumbles—the key to that craveable topping everyone will fight over!
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over your pumpkin base, gently patting it down so it covers every inch. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown with crunchy pockets throughout.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Pumpkin Crisp Recipe cool for 15–20 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up just enough. Serve warm for ultimate comfort, perhaps topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Serve Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
A swirl of freshly whipped cream or a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream will elevate every bite. For even more flair, sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or some extra toasted pecans. The contrast of cool, airy toppings against the rich, warm crisp is pure heaven.
Side Dishes
Serve this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe with a mug of spiced chai or hot apple cider for a truly cozy treat. If it’s part of a big feast, it pairs beautifully with simple shortbread cookies, a platter of seasonal fruit, or coffee to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, you can bake the Pumpkin Crisp Recipe in individual ramekins for personal portions that look as special as they taste. If you’re feeling festive, try layering cooled crisp in mason jars with whipped cream for a parfait-style presentation that’s great for potlucks or holiday tables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once it has cooled completely, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Your Pumpkin Crisp Recipe will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, retaining its creamy center and crisp topping.
Freezing
Good news: Pumpkin Crisp freezes well! Simply wrap the cooled, baked crisp tightly (whole or in individual portions) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To serve leftovers warm, just pop individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds, or reheat the entire dish in a 300°F oven until hot and bubbly. This revives that signature crisp topping and reawakens the fragrant spices.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?
Absolutely! Freshly made pumpkin purée can give your Pumpkin Crisp Recipe a lovely, more natural flavor. Just make sure to drain or blot extra moisture so your dessert doesn’t turn out watery.
What’s the best way to toast pecans for the topping?
Toasting pecans is easy: Simply spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, stirring once, until they’re fragrant and golden. Let them cool before adding to your crisp topping for the most crunch and flavor.
Can this recipe be made gluten free?
Of course! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The Pumpkin Crisp Recipe will still bake up wonderfully crisp and delicious.
What’s the difference between pumpkin crisp and pumpkin pie?
Pumpkin crisp combines the creamy pumpkin filling of a pie with a crumbly, oat-packed topping rather than a traditional pie crust. It’s easier to make, gets delightfully crunchy on top, and is fantastic served warm right out of the dish.
Can I make this ahead for a holiday gathering?
Definitely! Prepare the Pumpkin Crisp Recipe a day ahead, refrigerate it covered, and then gently reheat before serving. It’s a terrific way to lighten your cooking load and lets the flavors enhance overnight.
Final Thoughts
There’s genuine magic in the way this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe brings loved ones together, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fall spices. If you’re seeking a comforting, hands-down delicious dessert that’s easy to create but sure to impress, give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it all year long!
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Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this delicious Pumpkin Crisp recipe. Creamy pumpkin filling topped with a crunchy oat and pecan topping, this dessert is perfect for autumn gatherings or Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix pumpkin filling: In a bowl, combine pumpkin, sugars, spices, salt, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
- Prepare topping: Mix flour, sugar, oats, cinnamon, and pecans. Stir in melted butter.
- Layer: Spread pumpkin mixture in the baking dish, then top with the crisp mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until set and golden.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool for 15–20 minutes before serving with whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
- For added crunch, toast the pecans before adding to the topping.
- This dessert can be made a day in advance and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
