Pumpkin Crisp Recipe

If you love cozy fall desserts that bring both warmth and comfort to the table, this Pumpkin Crisp is an absolute must-try. Picture velvety pumpkin filling infused with fragrant pumpkin pie spice, all topped with a buttery, cinnamon-kissed crumble that bakes to golden perfection. This Pumpkin Crisp strikes the perfect balance of smooth and crunchy textures, making every spoonful a delightful celebration of autumn flavors that’s incredibly easy to make and sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Crisp plays a simple but essential role, whether it’s bringing rich flavor, tender texture, or that perfect golden color that makes this dessert irresistible. Here’s what you’ll gather to create this fall classic:

• Pumpkin puree: The star of the show, providing creamy texture and classic pumpkin flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Used in two parts to balance sweetness in both the filling and the topping.
• Large eggs: They bind the filling and add structure, ensuring a luscious custard.
• Pumpkin pie spice: A fragrant blend of warming spices that infuse the filling with autumn aroma.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors wonderfully.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a smooth, sweet depth to the pumpkin mixture.
• Heavy cream: Makes the filling silky and rich.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumble topping for that satisfyingly crunchy contrast.
• Cinnamon: Sprinkled in the topping, it complements the pumpkin spice beautifully.
• Unsalted butter: Melted to bind the crumble together and add irresistible richness.

How to Make Pumpkin Crisp

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and generously buttering a 12-inch cast iron skillet or a medium casserole dish. The butter not only prevents sticking but also helps the edges develop that delightful golden crust.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Pumpkin Filling

In a large bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree with sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Then gently fold in the heavy cream, which adds a luscious, creamy texture so your Pumpkin Crisp filling stays wonderfully moist and tender.

Step 3: Mix the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter, then stir with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. You can also use a hand mixer for a quicker, more uniform crumble. This topping creates that perfect finishing touch of sweet crunch you expect from a Pumpkin Crisp.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the pumpkin filling into your prepared dish, then carefully spread the cinnamon streusel topping evenly over the surface. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown. If you notice the crumble browning too quickly, just tent some foil on top to keep it from getting too dark.

Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let your Pumpkin Crisp cool for about 10 minutes so the filling can firm up just right. Serve warm, ideally topped with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Cinnamon ice cream is my personal favorite pairing, bringing an extra layer of spice and creaminess that’s absolutely heavenly.

How to Serve Pumpkin Crisp

Garnishes

A warm Pumpkin Crisp is wonderful on its own, but you can elevate every serving with a few delightful garnishes. Whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast, while vanilla or cinnamon ice cream melts into the crisp topping, enriching each bite with creaminess and cooling balance to the spices.

Side Dishes

This Pumpkin Crisp pairs beautifully with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot apple cider, turning any dessert moment into a cozy treat. If you’re serving it alongside a meal, light, spiced drinks or even a spiced nut mix can create a lovely harmony on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also layer the crisp in a trifle dish with whipped cream for an elegant twist, or serve alongside caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your Pumpkin Crisp tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and the flavors actually deepen, making each leftover bite even more satisfying.

Freezing

You can freeze your Pumpkin Crisp either before or after baking. For best results, freeze unbaked assembled crisp tightly wrapped, then bake from frozen by adding extra baking time. If freezing baked leftovers, cover well and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm your Pumpkin Crisp gently in the oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps restore the crunch of the topping while keeping the filling warm and creamy. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crumble crisp.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it until smooth before using. Just make sure it’s well drained or cooked enough to reach the consistency of canned pumpkin puree so your Pumpkin Crisp filling stays smooth.

Is this recipe gluten-free or can it be adapted?

The recipe calls for all-purpose flour in the topping, but you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free. Just be sure your blend is suitable for baking to keep the crumble texture just right.

Can I make this ahead of time before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the entire Pumpkin Crisp up to a day in advance, cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready, bake directly from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What’s the best way to achieve a crunchy topping?

Using melted butter in the crumble topping and avoiding overmixing helps create that perfect crumbly texture. Baking without foil until it’s golden brown also ensures a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pumpkin filling.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts folded into the crumble topping add a wonderful nutty crunch and an extra layer of flavor to your Pumpkin Crisp, making it even more irresistible.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Crisp is more than just a dessert; it’s a heartwarming experience that invites you to savor the best flavors of the season in every bite. Whether for a festive gathering or a simple family dessert, I promise it will bring smiles and requests for seconds. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious magic that only a perfectly baked Pumpkin Crisp can deliver!

Print