Pumpkin Crisp Recipe

Cozy Fall Pumpkin Crisp Recipe: Golden Sweetness in Every Bite

Autumn’s golden embrace brings a delightful pumpkin crisp that dances with warmth and nostalgia.

Memories of cozy afternoons swirl around this irresistible dessert.

Fall’s crisp air carries whispers of sweet comfort and spiced delight.

Crunchy layers promise a symphony of textures that melt on your tongue.

Seasonal ingredients come together in a magical culinary performance.

Comfort and indulgence blend seamlessly in this simple yet extraordinary treat.

Each bite invites you to savor the pure magic of homemade goodness.

Pumpkin Crisp That’s Crunchy, Cozy, And Comforting

  • Seasonal Delight: Capture autumn's warmth with this cozy pumpkin crisp that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dessert perfect for fall gatherings.
  • Quick and Easy Preparation: Create this delectable treat in under an hour with minimal cooking skills, making it ideal for novice bakers seeking a foolproof recipe.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy warm or chilled, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, ensuring a delightful dessert experience for every taste preference.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Blend classic pumpkin pie flavors with a crunchy oat topping that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed hit at family dinners and holiday celebrations.

Pumpkin Crisp Recipe Ingredients at a Glance

Pumpkin Base:
  • Pumpkin Purée: Smooth, creamy foundation that gives the dessert its signature autumn flavor, choose 100% pure pumpkin for best results.
  • Evaporated Milk: Rich and thick dairy product that helps create a silky, custard-like texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the pumpkin filling with classic sugary notes.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps set the pumpkin mixture and provides structure.
Spice Blend:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: Warm, classic fall spices that create depth and traditional pumpkin dessert flavor, use fresh ground spices for maximum aroma.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the sweet and spicy elements.
Crisp Topping:
  • Oats, Flour: Creates a hearty, crumbly texture for the topping, old-fashioned rolled oats work best.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds rich, molasses-like sweetness and helps create a golden-brown crisp.
  • Cold Butter: Provides richness and helps create a flaky, crumbly topping, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
  • Pecans: Optional nutty addition that brings extra crunch and warm, toasted flavor.

Pumpkin Crisp Baking Instructions That Are Foolproof

Step 1: Prep The Oven

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F.

Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Pumpkin Magic

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine these delightful ingredients:
  • Pumpkin purée
  • Evaporated milk
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Ginger
  • Cloves
  • Salt

Stir everything together until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Pour this luscious blend into your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Craft A Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together:
  • Rolled oats
  • Brown sugar
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cold butter

Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you have a crumbly texture.

Fold in some chopped pecans for extra crunch if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 4: Layer And Assemble

Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly across the top of the pumpkin filling, creating a tempting golden blanket.

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 filling looks set.

Step 6: Serve And Indulge

Allow the crisp to cool for a few minutes.

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.

Pumpkin Crisp Tips for Crispy, Cozy Layers

  • Opt for high-quality canned pumpkin or homemade purée for the richest, most authentic flavor and smooth texture.
  • Allow the crumble topping to remain slightly chunky to ensure a crisp, crunchy texture that doesn't sink into the pumpkin filling.
  • Adjust the spice blend to your taste by increasing or decreasing cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a personalized warm flavor profile.
  • Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
  • Reduce sugar slightly if using sweeter canned pumpkin or prefer a less sweet dessert, balancing the natural pumpkin flavor.

Save Pumpkin Crisp for Later

  • Store leftover pumpkin crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping its delicious flavor and texture intact.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. This helps restore the crispy topping and maintain the creamy filling.
  • Heat individual servings for 30-45 seconds, watching carefully to avoid overheating. A quick zap brings back the warmth without sacrificing taste.

What Goes with Pumpkin Crisp

  • Brew Warm Cinnamon Tea: Steep black tea with cinnamon sticks to complement the spices in the dessert, creating a cozy autumn harmony that amplifies the pumpkin's rich flavors.
  • Serve Caramel Bourbon Sauce: Drizzle homemade caramel bourbon sauce over the crisp, adding depth and warmth that elevates the dessert's sweet and nutty profile.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the crisp with premium vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the creamy coldness to contrast the warm, spiced filling and provide a luxurious texture contrast.
  • Pour Spiced Apple Cider: Offer chilled or warm spiced apple cider alongside the dessert, matching the seasonal spices and creating a festive fall experience that enhances the pumpkin's natural sweetness.

Crunchy and Creamy Pumpkin Crisp Mixes

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk, and substitute cold butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternative.
  • Nut-Free Option: Remove pecans completely or replace with sunflower seeds for crunch while keeping the recipe safe for nut-allergic individuals.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, and reduce brown sugar quantity to create a diabetic-friendly dessert.

FAQs

  • Are pecans necessary for this recipe?

No, pecans are optional. You can skip them or substitute with walnuts if you prefer or have nut allergies.

  • Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?

Yes, you can replace the separate spices with an equal amount of pumpkin pie spice for a convenient alternative.

  • Is evaporated milk essential for the recipe?

Evaporated milk helps create a rich, creamy texture. If unavailable, you can substitute with heavy cream or half-and-half, though the consistency might slightly change.

  • How do I know when the pumpkin crisp is fully baked?

The crisp is done when the topping turns golden brown and the filling is set, with minimal jiggle when you gently shake the pan. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.

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Pumpkin Crisp Recipe

Pumpkin Crisp Recipe


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4.9 from 32 reviews

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

Description

Creamy pumpkin crisp brings autumn’s warmth to your dessert table with layers of rich spiced goodness. Crunchy pecan streusel and silky pumpkin custard create a perfect balance that will delight seasonal sweet cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and lightly coating an 8×8-inch baking vessel with protective grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a silky pumpkin foundation by whisking together pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, granulated sugar, eggs, and a harmonious blend of warming spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and a pinch of salt until the mixture transforms into a smooth, uniform consistency.
  3. Craft a rustic topping by combining rolled oats, brown sugar, and flour in a separate mixing bowl, then methodically integrate cold butter using fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture develops a delicate, crumbly texture.
  4. Fold chopped pecans into the crumbly topping, ensuring even distribution of the nutty element throughout the mixture.
  5. Gently cascade the prepared oat crumble across the surface of the pumpkin base, creating an even, textured layer that will transform during baking.
  6. Position the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and a perfectly set pumpkin filling that jiggles slightly when gently nudged.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the crisp to cool momentarily, letting the flavors settle and intensify before serving with a luxurious dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Swap ingredients to create gluten-free version by using certified gluten-free oats and almond flour instead of traditional wheat flour.
  • Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for diabetic-friendly adaptation.
  • Toast pecans before adding to topping for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch, elevating overall texture and taste profile.
  • Experiment with spice combinations by adding cardamom or replacing ground cloves with allspice for unique seasonal variations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 305
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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