If you are looking for a delightful fall dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table, this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with the rich, velvety flavors of pumpkin and a perfectly spiced crumbly topping, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. With its luscious layers and inviting aroma, this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe will quickly become your go-to for festive gatherings or a sweet treat any time you crave the essence of autumn.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a special role in creating the rich texture, deep flavors, and that irresistible golden topping that make this dessert unforgettable.
- Pumpkin puree: The star of the dish, providing smooth, creamy texture and that unmistakable fall flavor.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and helps the filling become luxuriously silky.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Brings caramel notes and a tender sweetness to both the filling and crisp topping.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps set the custard-like filling perfectly.
- Eggs: Act as the binder to create structure in the filling.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth of flavor that enhances the pumpkin’s natural earthiness.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that classic holiday spice aroma.
- Salt: Brings out all the other flavors while balancing sweetness.
- Nutmeg, cloves, and ginger: The perfect trio that layers complexity and sparkle to the spice profile.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crisp topping, adding a golden, crumbly texture.
- Salted butter (melted): Provides richness and helps the crisp topping brown beautifully.
- Pecans (optional): For a crunchy contrast that adds a toasted, nutty dimension.
- Ice cream: The ideal cool, creamy topping to serve alongside warm pumpkin crisp.
How to Make Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spraying a 9×13 inch pan with oil is crucial for easy removal and cleanup. This sets the stage for a perfectly baked pumpkin crisp that lifts easily from the pan and looks inviting to serve.
Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, heavy cream, both sugars, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Take your time here to ensure everything is well combined—the spices and sugars dissolve evenly to create that unmistakable silky, spiced filling.
Step 3: Pour the Filling into the Pan
Once blended, pour the luscious pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. This will be the base that’s creamy and rich, ready to support the crisp topping you’ll add next.
Step 4: Prepare the Crisp Topping
In a separate medium bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, melted butter, chopped pecans if using, cinnamon, and salt. This mixture should be crumbly and moist, perfect for sprinkling generously over the pumpkin layer for that classic crunch.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Evenly sprinkle your topping over the pumpkin filling, covering the surface thoroughly. Bake in the oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center no longer jiggles or feels wet. This is the moment your kitchen will fill with autumn magic.
Step 6: Serve Warm with Ice Cream
Serve this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe warm straight from the oven. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top melts into every nook and cranny, creating a perfect balance of hot and cold, creamy and crisp.
How to Serve Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Pumpkin Crisp Recipe with a sprinkle of freshly chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top. A drizzle of caramel sauce also works wonders to add an extra layer of indulgence.
Side Dishes
If serving this as part of a larger meal, pair it with lightly spiced whipped cream or a cup of strong coffee or chai tea. These help balance the richness of the dessert and elevate the cozy feel of the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party touch, serve the crisp in individual ramekins or mini mason jars. This adds a rustic, personal feel that guests will love, and it’s a fun way to showcase this classic Pumpkin Crisp Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Pumpkin Crisp covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the topping from becoming soggy.
Freezing
This Pumpkin Crisp Recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 2 months, making it a great make-ahead dessert option.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions or the whole crisp in a 350-degree oven until warmed through and the topping regains its crispness, usually about 15-20 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can soften the topping too much.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully and is the easiest option to get the right smooth texture for this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for the heavy cream?
You can swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. It may give a slight coconut flavor but will keep the filling rich and creamy.
Can I make this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The topping might have a slightly different texture but will still provide that crunchy contrast.
How can I make a nut-free version?
Simply omit the pecans from the topping. If you want extra crunch without nuts, try adding rolled oats or toasted seeds instead.
What is the best way to serve leftover Pumpkin Crisp?
Reheat it in the oven until warm and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It tastes just as amazing the next day!
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Crisp Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of fall’s comforting flavors wrapped up in a luscious, crunchy treat. Easy to make and crowd-pleasing, it’s perfect for cozy nights or holiday gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how wonderfully simple and delicious pumpkin can be in crisp form!
Print
Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Pumpkin Crisp features a spiced pumpkin filling topped with a buttery pecan-studded crisp topping. Baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect served warm and topped with ice cream for a cozy fall dessert.
Ingredients
Filling
- 15 ounces pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- â…› teaspoon ground cloves
- â…› teaspoon ground ginger
Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ¾ cup salted butter (melted)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup pecans (chopped, optional)
For Serving
- Ice cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with oil or non-stick spray and set aside.
- Mix the Pumpkin Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until the mixture is thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Pour Filling into Pan: Pour the prepared pumpkin filling batter evenly into the greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Prepare the Crisp Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, melted salted butter, ground cinnamon, salt, and chopped pecans (if using). Mix until crumbly and well combined.
- Add Topping and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping mixture over the pumpkin filling. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set without being moist.
- Serve: Allow the crisp to cool slightly. Serve warm with scoops of ice cream on top for a perfect dessert experience.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit the nuts for a nut-free version.
- Ensure the pumpkin puree is pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling for best results.
- The crisp topping can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free butter alternative.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugars slightly to taste.
