Get ready to fall head over heels for Pumpkin Crisp, a dessert that wraps you up in coziness with every spoonful. Imagine creamy, spiced pumpkin filling tucked under a golden, nutty oat topping—each bite delivers nostalgia and warmth. This is the ultimate treat for autumn gatherings, holiday feasts, or anytime you crave a sweet bite of pumpkin comfort. With simple prep and bake steps, you’ll want to make Pumpkin Crisp a part of your seasonal baking traditions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Pumpkin Crisp plays an important role—some add that signature flavor, others build texture and color, and together, they create pure dessert magic. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single thing:
- Pumpkin purée: Brings earthy sweetness and the irresistible flavor of fall.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling for balanced flavor.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes to both the filling and topping.
- Large eggs: Bind the filling for structure and silkiness.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts aroma and enhances all the cozy autumn spices.
- Evaporated milk: Makes the pumpkin filling luxuriously creamy.
- Pumpkin pie spice: Classic warmth from cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cinnamon: Used in both filling and crisp topping, it’s the ultimate comfort spice.
- Salt: Just a sprinkle elevates and balances flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the topping its crumbly, crisp structure.
- Old-fashioned oats: Contribute chewiness and rustic character to the topping.
- Chopped pecans: Add rich crunch—swap in seeds or more oats for a nut-free option.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brings everything together with a buttery finish.
How to Make Pumpkin Crisp
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this prevents sticking and ensures your Pumpkin Crisp lifts out beautifully for serving. There’s nothing like easy cleanup when you’re diving into a decadent dessert!
Step 2: Create the Pumpkin Filling
In a large bowl, add the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, evaporated milk, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk everything together until you have a silky-smooth, golden-hued batter. The aroma at this point will have you dreaming of pumpkin patches and crisp autumn air.
Step 3: Assemble the Filling
Pour that luscious pumpkin mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly so each portion will bake up perfectly thick and creamy. This is the layer that makes Pumpkin Crisp so comforting, spoonable, and satisfying.
Step 4: Mix Up the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, oats, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and cinnamon. Next, drizzle in the melted butter. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and every oat and pecan is lightly coated—this is the secret to that addictive golden topping.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the crumbly topping across the entire surface of the pumpkin filling, pressing down lightly for an even layer. No patchy spots allowed—the more topping, the better! Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is deep golden and the center has set.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Pumpkin Crisp cool for at least 15 minutes. This gives the filling time to thicken up and slice neatly. Don’t worry—it’ll still be perfectly warm for serving!
How to Serve Pumpkin Crisp
Garnishes
A truly memorable Pumpkin Crisp deserves a flourish of toppings. Dollop generous whipped cream on top or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the way the cold meets warm is out-of-this-world! For a little extra sparkle, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or chopped toasted pecans just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dessert is a star on its own, but it pairs well with a cup of strong coffee or a cozy chai latte. For festive occasions, serve alongside apple cider or mulled wine to round out the flavor profile and bring out more of those comforting fall notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not shake things up? Bake Pumpkin Crisp in individual ramekins for adorable, single-serve portions perfect for dinner parties. Or, try serving it parfait-style by layering broken-up pieces with whipped cream in clear glasses for a showstopping effect. If you’re feeling especially indulgent, drizzle each bowl with salted caramel sauce before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Pumpkin Crisp, you’re in luck—it stores incredibly well! Cover the baking dish tightly or portion pieces into airtight containers. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually meld and deepen with time.
Freezing
Want to get ahead on holiday prep? Pumpkin Crisp freezes beautifully. Cool the crisp completely, then wrap individual servings or the whole dish well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label it so you don’t forget about your autumn treasure!
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked coziness, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about a minute, or warm the dish in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through. The topping will crisp back up if you finish it uncovered for the last few minutes.
FAQs
Can I make Pumpkin Crisp without nuts?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans from the topping. You can swap in extra oats or sunflower seeds if you’d like to keep the crunch, but the dessert is just as delicious without nuts.
Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?
Yes, homemade pumpkin purée is a fantastic option. Just make sure it’s smooth and not too watery—a thicker consistency will yield the creamiest filling for your crisp.
What’s the best way to tell when Pumpkin Crisp is done baking?
Check that the top is deep golden brown and feels set in the center when lightly pressed. If it still jiggles loosely, give it a few extra minutes—a set center is key for those clean, creamy squares.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble and bake the crisp a day ahead, let it cool, then refrigerate. You can reheat before serving, and it tastes just as wonderful—if not better—after the flavors meld overnight.
Is Pumpkin Crisp suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, Pumpkin Crisp is completely vegetarian-friendly. There are no animal-derived products beyond milk and eggs, so it’s a lovely option to round out your vegetarian holiday table.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t made Pumpkin Crisp yet, now’s the perfect time! It’s simple, comforting, and has a way of bringing people together at the table. Don’t be surprised if you start craving it all year long—there’s just something magical about the creamy pumpkin and the crisp, golden topping.
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Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this delicious Pumpkin Crisp. A luscious pumpkin filling topped with a crispy, buttery oat and pecan topping, this dessert is perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin purée
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the crisp topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, sugars, eggs, vanilla, evaporated milk, spices, and salt until smooth. Pour into the baking dish.
- Make the topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, pecans, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the pumpkin mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until set and golden brown. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans or use sunflower seeds or extra oats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
