There is something irresistibly comforting about a warm, spiced dessert that combines creamy pumpkin filling with a crunchy, buttery topping. This Pumpkin Crisp Recipe delivers that cozy feeling perfectly, making it an instant favorite for fall dinners or holiday gatherings. It balances the earthy richness of pumpkin with a sweet, crumbly cinnamon streusel, inviting you to savor every bite with a big smile and possibly a scoop of ice cream on the side. If you love pumpkin and crave a dessert that’s both simple and show-stopping, this recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward staples that come together beautifully, each adding its own magic to the Pumpkin Crisp Recipe. From the creamy pumpkin puree to the buttery cinnamon crumb topping, every component plays a delicious role in taste, texture, and that perfect autumnal color.
- Pumpkin puree (1 15 oz can): The star of the dish, providing smooth, rich pumpkin flavor and a vibrant orange hue.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup + 1 ½ cups): Sweetens both the filling and topping, balancing the spices perfectly.
- Large eggs (3): Bind the filling together for a smooth, custardy texture.
- Pumpkin pie spice (2 teaspoons): A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove that adds depth and festive aroma.
- Salt (½ teaspoon + ½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and brightens the overall taste.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds a sweet, fragrant note to the pumpkin filling.
- Heavy cream (â…” cup): Makes the filling luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the crumbly base of the streusel topping, lending structure and a slight nuttiness.
- Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Sprinkled into the topping for aromatic warmth and a hint of spice.
- Unsalted butter (12 tablespoons, melted): Binds the topping ingredients and delivers that irresistible golden crisp texture.
How to Make Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet or a medium casserole dish to ensure your crisp doesn’t stick. This simple prep step sets the stage for an evenly cooked and easy-to-serve dessert.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Pumpkin Filling
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to mix everything until smooth and well incorporated. Then, gradually add the heavy cream, whisking gently to keep the filling silky and perfectly textured. Pour this luscious pumpkin mixture into your prepared dish, creating a cozy base layer for your crisp.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then, drizzle in the melted butter and mix with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly and uneven, resembling coarse crumbs. This crumb topping is the key to that buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling below.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Evenly spread the cinnamon streusel topping over the pumpkin filling, making sure every bit of pumpkin is covered with that golden blanket. Bake the crisp for 40 to 45 minutes until the filling sets and the topping turns a stunning golden brown. Keep an eye on it, and if the topping starts to brown too fast, cover lightly with foil to prevent burning, ensuring perfectly baked crisp every time.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, allow the Pumpkin Crisp Recipe to cool for about 10 minutes. This pause helps the filling settle and makes serving easier. Then, dive in and enjoy it warm, perhaps topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
How to Serve Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Pumpkin Crisp Recipe can take it from delicious to divine. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting over the warm crisp adds a silky contrast. Whipped cream sprinkled with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the cozy spices beautifully. For a crunchy surprise, toasted pecans or candied walnuts scattered on top bring extra flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
While the crisp shines as a dessert, pairing it with a simple cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea invites a full sensory experience, warming you from the inside out. It also complements well with a light green salad or roasted vegetables if serving at a casual fall brunch, balancing indulgence with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the Pumpkin Crisp Recipe in individual ramekins or mason jars to impress guests with charming, personalized portions. Layer it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon in clear glasses for a rustic parfait. Garnishing with fresh mint leaves or small edible flowers adds unexpected color and elegance, turning this humble crisp into a centerpiece-worthy dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pumpkin crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen as it rests. Simply cover it tightly to keep the topping from losing its crispness and the filling from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the Pumpkin Crisp Recipe either before or after baking. For unbaked crisp, wrap the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To freeze leftovers, portion the dessert into freezer-safe containers and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, a comforting fall dessert is always at the ready.
Reheating
Reheat single servings in a microwave for 30-60 seconds until warm, or reheat the entire crisp in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the topping re-crisped. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. This lets you enjoy the Pumpkin Crisp Recipe just like fresh-baked, no matter when you serve it.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes, you can! Roast and puree fresh pumpkin, but make sure to drain excess moisture for a thick filling. Using canned pumpkin puree is a convenient option and ensures consistent texture and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, since it uses all-purpose flour in the topping. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free Pumpkin Crisp Recipe, making sure it is a 1-to-1 replacement.
Can I make this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs or commercial egg replacer, use a plant-based cream alternative, and swap butter for a vegan buttery spread. The texture and flavors will be wonderfully similar.
How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?
Ensuring the topping stays crumbly means spreading it evenly and not mixing it too much after adding the butter. Baking immediately and serving warm but not overly moist also helps maintain that perfect crispness.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover Pumpkin Crisp Recipe tastes amazing cold from the fridge or warmed up. Pair with whipped cream or ice cream for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat anytime.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like the simple pleasure of making and sharing this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe with friends and family. Its warm spices, creamy pumpkin filling, and irresistible crumb topping come together to create a dessert that feels like a cozy hug. Once you try it, it’s bound to become your go-to fall recipe, perfect for celebrations or quiet nights in. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and dive into the deliciousness you’re about to create.
Print
Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin Crisp recipe is a comforting fall dessert featuring a smooth, spiced pumpkin filling topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel. Baked until golden and set, it’s perfect served warm with ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Filling
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- â…” cup heavy cream
Cinnamon Streusel Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 tablespoons (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet or a medium casserole dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Make Pumpkin Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, 1 cup granulated sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, ½ teaspoon salt, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until fully combined and creamy. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon salt. Add the melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly coated with the butter.
- Assemble Crisp: Evenly spread the cinnamon streusel topping over the pumpkin filling, making sure to cover the entire surface for a uniform crisp.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the pumpkin filling is set (slightly firm to touch) and the topping has turned golden brown. If the topping begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the crisp to cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
Notes
- If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a medium casserole dish will work just as well.
- Make sure to whisk the pumpkin filling thoroughly to avoid lumps.
- Keep an eye on the topping while baking; covering with foil can prevent over-browning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently before serving.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk, though the texture will be slightly different.
