There’s just something magical about pumpkin desserts when autumn rolls in, and this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe brings all the cozy flavors of the season into one show-stopping treat. Imagine everything you love about pumpkin pie, but with an irresistible buttery oat crumble on top that adds just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd for Thanksgiving or simply craving a sweet, spiced dessert for your family, this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s impossibly easy to whip up. Each bite is creamy, warmly spiced, and finished with that perfect golden topping—like a warm hug in dessert form!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe are beautifully straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role in achieving the delicious layers you crave—creamy, spiced pumpkin goodness and a melt-in-your-mouth crumble. Gather these pantry staples, and you’re halfway to a fall dessert everyone will remember.
- Pumpkin purée: Use pure pumpkin purée for that rich, earthy flavor—canned works perfectly for ease.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the pumpkin filling set just right.
- Brown sugar: Brings a deep caramel note, both in the filling and the topping.
- Eggs: Bind the filling and give it a custardy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the warm spice and pumpkin flavors with a divine aroma.
- Ground cinnamon: A quintessential fall spice—don’t skimp!
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a nutty warmth that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Ground ginger: Lends a gentle zing, balancing the sweetness.
- Ground cloves: Just a touch gives depth and a hint of intrigue.
- Salt: Intensifies all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Evaporated milk: Makes the filling ultra-creamy—an old-school pie trick that works wonders here.
- All-purpose flour (for topping): Provides the structure for a crisp, crumbly topping.
- Old-fashioned oats: Give the topping its signature texture and a hearty bite.
- Pecans (optional): Chopped pecans infuse the topping with buttery crunch and nutty flavor.
- Cinnamon (for topping): More spice on top means more autumn flavor in every spoonful.
- Unsalted butter (melted): The key to those perfectly golden, tender, crisp crumbs.
How to Make Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving a 9×9-inch baking dish a generous greasing. This ensures that your Pumpkin Crisp Recipe releases easily and doesn’t stick—nobody wants to miss out on a single bite!
Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, both sugars, eggs, vanilla, spices, salt, and evaporated milk. The mixture should be smooth, creamy, and loaded with the aroma of fall. Make sure everything’s well combined for the silkiest possible base.
Step 3: Spread in the Dish
Pour the pumpkin mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. This forms the luscious, custardy foundation of your Pumpkin Crisp Recipe—don’t worry if it seems a little liquidy, it’ll set up beautifully as it bakes.
Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, stir together the flour, oats, brown sugar, pecans (if you’re using them), and extra cinnamon. Drizzle in the melted butter, mixing until clumps form and the mixture looks like deliciously chunky sand. These crumbles are going to bake into the crisp topping you’ll want to dig into immediately.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pumpkin mixture—don’t press down, just let it float on top. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling is just set. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving, so everything has a chance to firm up and the flavors meld together.
How to Serve Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your warm Pumpkin Crisp Recipe with pillowy whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few toasted pecans on top takes this dessert from comforting to completely unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Serve this crisp alongside a bright fruit salad or a tangy cranberry compote. If you’re offering up a dessert table, it pairs beautifully with spiced apple cider or a strong cup of coffee for those chilly evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop the crisp into elegant ramekins for individual servings, or layer it parfait-style in jars with whipped cream for a rustic, portable treat. For parties, present squares on a platter dusted with powdered sugar—it’s the star of any fall dessert spread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pumpkin Crisp Recipe will keep well in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to four days. The topping holds up surprisingly well and the flavors only deepen over time, making that midnight snack even more tempting!
Freezing
Pumpkin crisp can be frozen after baking. Cool it completely, wrap it snugly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and it’ll be almost as good as fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for a minute, or warm larger servings in a 300°F oven until heated through. If you want to revive the topping’s crunch, a quick stint under the broiler does wonders—just keep a close eye!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Roast and purée your own pumpkin for a homemade touch. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid so your Pumpkin Crisp Recipe doesn’t turn out watery.
What can I use instead of evaporated milk?
Half and half or heavy cream can be swapped in for an extra-rich filling. If using milk alternatives, choose a thicker, unsweetened non-dairy milk for best results.
Is it possible to make Pumpkin Crisp Recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free 1:1 flour blend and certified gluten-free oats for a wheat-free twist—it’ll still be perfectly crumbly and delicious.
Can I make it ahead for a party?
Yes, this dessert is fantastic for prepping ahead. Bake as directed, cool completely, and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving, and it will taste freshly made!
What should I do if my topping isn’t crisp?
If the topping is soft after baking, simply broil the dish for 1–2 minutes, watching it carefully. This brings back the crunch and gives your Pumpkin Crisp Recipe a gorgeous golden finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that brings comfort and a touch of festive charm, look no further than this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe. It’s one of those treats that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Give it a try and let it become your new must-make fall favorite!
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Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on traditional pumpkin pie, this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe features a luscious pumpkin filling topped with a crunchy oat and pecan crumble. Perfect for fall gatherings and Thanksgiving!
Ingredients
Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup evaporated milk
Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Mix pumpkin filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, sugars, eggs, vanilla, spices, salt, and evaporated milk until smooth. Pour into the baking dish.
- Prepare topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, pecans, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over pumpkin base.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until topping is golden and filling is set. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving warm or chilled.
Notes
- This dessert is a wonderful make-ahead option, reheats well, and is a perfect crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
