Perfect Pumpkin Crisp Recipe

Quick and Cozy Pumpkin Crisp Recipe for Warm Fall Nights

Autumn whispers secrets of comfort through this delectable pumpkin crisp recipe that promises warmth in every single bite.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of sweet and crunchy textures.

Fragrant spices weave magic into a dessert that feels like a cozy embrace.

Crumbling layers of buttery topping melt seamlessly over soft pumpkin filling, inviting you to savor each heavenly spoonful.

Rustic and elegant, this dessert becomes an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Baking this treat fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas that beckon everyone closer.

You’ll want to dive right in and experience pure seasonal bliss with this unforgettable pumpkin crisp.

FAQs

  • Is pumpkin crisp the same as pumpkin pie?

No, pumpkin crisp has a crunchy oat topping instead of a traditional pie crust, making it more textured and less dense than a classic pumpkin pie.

  • Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can use fresh roasted and pureed pumpkin, but canned pumpkin puree provides consistent texture and flavor with less preparation work.

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

The crisp is done when the topping turns golden brown and the pumpkin filling looks set, with minimal jiggling when you gently shake the baking dish.

What Makes Pumpkin Crisp a Fall Favorite

  • Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This pumpkin crisp delivers a perfect balance of creamy pumpkin filling and crunchy oat topping that will wow everyone at your gathering.
  • Simplify Baking Magic: With basic ingredients and straightforward steps, home bakers of all skill levels can create a delicious dessert without stress or complicated techniques.
  • Celebrate Seasonal Comfort: Packed with warm pumpkin pie spices, this recipe captures the cozy essence of autumn, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations.
  • Customize with Ease: Top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon to personalize this versatile dessert and suit different taste preferences.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Crisp

Pumpkin Base:
  • Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, creamy base that provides the signature fall flavor and rich texture of the dessert.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the pumpkin's natural earthy taste.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: A classic blend that brings warm, aromatic spices to the dish.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its sweet and comforting notes.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the pumpkin mixture and provide structure to the dessert.
  • Evaporated Milk: Creates a creamy, rich consistency in the pumpkin base.
Crisp Topping:
  • Flour, Oats: Form the base of the crunchy topping with a hearty texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps create a caramelized top.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the topping achieve a light and crisp texture.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the topping.
Binding Ingredient:
  • Butter: Brings the topping together and adds richness and flavor.

How to Bake a Perfect Pumpkin Crisp

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C) so it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Create Silky Pumpkin Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Sugar
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Vanilla extract
  • Eggs
  • Evaporated milk

Blend until everything looks smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Dish

Pour the luscious pumpkin mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Mix Crunchy Topping Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Rolled oats
  • Brown sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Step 5: Create Crumbly Texture

Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse, bumpy crumbs.

Step 6: Add Crispy Topping

Sprinkle the oat mixture generously and evenly over the pumpkin base.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling sets.

Step 8: Cool And Serve

Let the pumpkin crisp rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.

Tips for Crispy Topping and Filling

  • Swap canned pumpkin with fresh roasted pumpkin for a more authentic, robust flavor profile.
  • Use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Enhance the topping's crunch by adding chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture and nutty depth.
  • Control sweetness by reducing sugar or using alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey for a healthier twist.
  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert's richness and appeal.

Flavor Variations for Pumpkin Crisp

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Crisp: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Crisp: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk, and swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Crisp: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of sugar, reduce brown sugar quantity, and add chopped nuts for extra texture and natural sweetness.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Replace evaporated milk with almond milk or oat milk, use dairy-free butter alternative, and maintain original recipe's core ingredients and method.

Serving Ideas for Pumpkin Crisp

  • Cozy Thanksgiving Centerpiece: Serve this warm pumpkin crisp as the star dessert during family gatherings, placed beautifully in the middle of your dining table with a rustic charm.
  • Sweet Breakfast Twist: Transform leftovers into a delightful morning treat by adding a dollop of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream on top, creating a breakfast-friendly version of the dessert.
  • Elegant Dessert Plating: Slice the crisp into perfect squares, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with a small mint leaf or cinnamon stick for an upscale restaurant-style presentation that elevates the homemade dessert.
  • Seasonal Ice Cream Pairing: Complement the warm pumpkin crisp with a scoop of cinnamon or maple walnut ice cream, creating a temperature and flavor contrast that enhances the overall dessert experience.

How to Store Pumpkin Crisp Properly

  • Store leftover pumpkin crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and keep the crisp fresh.
  • Refrigeration helps maintain the texture and prevents bacterial growth, ensuring food safety.
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, preserving the dessert's delicious flavor.
Print
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Perfect Pumpkin Crisp Recipe

Perfect Pumpkin Crisp Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful pumpkin crisp brings autumn’s warmth to classic dessert lovers. Crunchy topping and silky pumpkin filling create perfect balance, while simple ingredients ensure you can easily craft this seasonal favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 15 ounces (425 grams) pumpkin puree
  • 2 eggs
  • 12 ounces (354 milliliters) evaporated milk

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
  • 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (90 grams) oats
  • 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter

Instructions

  1. Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for the pumpkin base.
  2. Whisk pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, eggs, and evaporated milk until completely smooth and well-blended.
  3. Transfer the creamy pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
  4. Create the crisp topping by combining flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a separate mixing bowl.
  5. Using a pastry cutter or fork, incorporate cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms rough, uneven crumbs with a sandy texture.
  6. Generously distribute the crumbly oat topping across the entire surface of the pumpkin base, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and a firm, set pumpkin filling.
  8. Remove from oven and allow the crisp to cool for 10-15 minutes, which helps it set and makes serving easier.
  9. Slice and serve warm, optionally garnishing with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Use fresh pumpkin puree for an enhanced, rich flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Swap butter with coconut oil to make this recipe dairy-free and add a subtle tropical hint.
  • Control sweetness by reducing sugar or using alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or stevia for a healthier version.
  • Toast the oats before mixing to develop a deeper, nuttier crunch that adds complexity to the crisp’s texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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