Pumpkin Crisp Recipe

Cozy Autumn Pumpkin Crisp Recipe: Homemade Sweetness in Every Bite

Crisp autumn winds carry the delightful aroma of a pumpkin crisp that promises comfort in every warm, golden bite.

Seasonal spices dance through kitchens, beckoning you to create something magical.

Baking becomes an adventure with this simple yet extraordinary dessert.

Layers of sweet pumpkin mingle with a crunchy, buttery topping that whispers of cozy evenings.

Comfort emerges from humble ingredients, turning ordinary moments into delectable memories.

Maple and cinnamon weave their enchantment, promising a dessert that feels like a gentle embrace.

Why Pumpkin Crisp Is an Autumn Staple

  • Conquer Quick Dessert: Grab basic pantry ingredients and transform them into a crowd-pleasing pumpkin crisp without complex kitchen skills.
  • Celebrate Seasonal Comfort: Dive into warm, spiced flavors that capture autumn's cozy essence with minimal preparation and maximum deliciousness.
  • Customize with Ease: Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent twist that elevates this simple dessert from good to spectacular.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or spontaneous dessert cravings, this recipe guarantees smiles around the table.

Ingredients Needed for Pumpkin Crisp

Main Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, rich base that provides the classic autumn flavor and creamy texture for the dessert.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the topping for a golden, crisp finish.
  • Eggs: Bind the pumpkin filling together and create a smooth, custard-like consistency.
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm spices that bring traditional pumpkin pie flavors and aromatic depth to the dessert.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a rich, sweet background note that complements the pumpkin and spices.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Crisp Topping Components:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Brown Sugar, Butter: Create a classic crumbly, sweet topping with a rich, golden-brown texture.
  • Pecans, Rolled Oats: Provide extra crunch and nutty flavor to the crisp topping.

How to Prepare Pumpkin Crisp

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Pumpkin Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Eggs
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Blend everything until the mixture looks silky smooth and completely combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Topping

In a separate bowl, craft the delectable crumble by mixing:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Chopped pecans
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Cold butter (cut into small pieces)

Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the ingredients until they resemble coarse, crumbly breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Layer and Assemble

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Generously sprinkle the crispy topping over the entire surface, covering the pumpkin base completely.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center looks set but slightly jiggly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the pumpkin crisp rest for 15-20 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps it set and makes serving easier. For an extra indulgent touch, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Pro Tips to Perfect Your Pumpkin Crisp

  • Ensure your pumpkin puree is not watery by using canned or draining homemade puree thoroughly to prevent a soggy crisp.
  • Experiment with spice levels by adjusting cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or oat flour for a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture.
  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crisp topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
  • Let the dessert cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set and achieve the perfect slice-able consistency.

Flavor Twists for Pumpkin Crisp

  • Maple Pecan Pumpkin Crisp: Replace some sugar with maple syrup and add chopped pecans to the topping for a rich, nutty flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Crisp: Swap regular flour with almond or oat flour in the topping and use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for a crunchy texture.
  • Spiced Chai Pumpkin Crisp: Incorporate chai spice blend into the pumpkin filling and add cardamom to the crisp topping for an aromatic, warm-spiced dessert.
  • Apple Pumpkin Hybrid Crisp: Layer thinly sliced apples beneath the pumpkin filling and mix cinnamon into the topping for a fall-inspired combination.

Pairings That Enhance Pumpkin Crisp

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, smooth vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm, spiced pumpkin crisp, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
  • Serve with Spiced Chai Latte: The rich, aromatic chai with its blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger echoes the warm spices in the pumpkin crisp, enhancing the dessert's cozy autumn flavors.
  • Match with Caramel Bourbon Sauce: Drizzle a small amount of caramel bourbon sauce over the crisp to add depth, richness, and a subtle boozy warmth that elevates the dessert's sweet profile.

Storage Guidelines for Pumpkin Crisp

  • Store leftover pumpkin crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap individual portions or the entire dish securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning and maintain moisture.
  • Reheat individual servings for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Add a small splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain the crisp topping's texture.

Frequently Asked Questions on Pumpkin Crisp

  • What are the key ingredients in the pumpkin crisp?

The key ingredients include pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, flour, butter, and brown sugar for the crisp topping.

  • Is this dessert gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour in the topping, which means it’s not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities unless you use gluten-free flour alternatives.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin crisp a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in the oven before serving to restore its crispy texture.

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Pumpkin Crisp Recipe

Pumpkin Crisp Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy pumpkin crisp delights autumn dessert enthusiasts with layers of rich, spiced goodness. Crunchy pecans and silky pumpkin custard create a perfect balance that will make you crave seconds.


Ingredients

Scale

Pumpkin Base:

  • 2 cups (473 ml) canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Crisp Topping:

  • 1 cup (90 g) old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine pumpkin puree, spices, sugar, and other filling ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly until the mixture reaches a silky, uniform consistency with no lumps.
  3. Carefully transfer the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface to ensure consistent cooking.
  4. Create the crisp topping by blending flour, brown sugar, butter, and additional dry ingredients in a separate bowl, using fingertips or a fork to form a crumbly, textured mixture.
  5. Generously distribute the crumbly topping across the entire surface of the pumpkin filling, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  6. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until the topping turns a rich golden brown and the filling sets with minimal jiggling.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the pumpkin crisp to cool for 10-15 minutes, which helps the filling stabilize and makes serving easier.
  8. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the dessert’s decadent flavor profile.

Notes

  • Swap canned pumpkin with roasted fresh pumpkin for a more intense, authentic flavor profile.
  • Add a pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg to enhance the warm, seasonal spice notes in the filling.
  • Use gluten-free oats and almond flour to make this dessert celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
  • For a lighter version, replace some butter in the topping with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining richness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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