Easy Pumpkin Crisp Recipe: Your New Favorite Fall Dessert

Pumpkin Crisp – an incredibly easy fall dessert that will have everyone reaching for seconds! Featuring a rich and creamy pumpkin pie filling generously topped with a buttery, crunchy streusel, and finished with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream. It’s the ultimate autumn indulgence!

While classic desserts like strawberry crumble and apple crisp have long held their crowns, there’s a new contender in town ready to steal the spotlight, especially during the vibrant autumn months. Say hello to Pumpkin Crisp! This delightful dessert effortlessly marries the comforting, spiced flavors of pumpkin pie with the irresistible texture of a traditional fruit crisp, creating a dish that’s both deeply familiar and excitingly fresh. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, yet delivers a truly decadent and satisfying experience, quickly making it a top contender in your fall baking repertoire. Imagine a luscious, smooth pumpkin custard, much like your favorite pumpkin pie, but crowned with a gloriously buttery, brown sugar, and oat streusel topping that adds an unparalleled crunch and caramelized flavor to every single spoonful.

What Exactly is Pumpkin Crisp?

Pumpkin crisp is a magical hybrid dessert that cleverly combines the best elements of two beloved fall treats: the classic pumpkin pie and a rustic fruit crisp or crumble. At its heart lies a smooth, richly spiced pumpkin custard base, boasting the warm, inviting essence of traditional pumpkin pie, but without the need for a fussy pie crust. Instead, this creamy foundation is generously crowned with a thick, crunchy streusel layer, meticulously crafted from wholesome oats, all-purpose flour, sweet brown sugar, and cold, rich butter. This topping bakes to a beautiful golden perfection, creating a delightful textural contrast to the soft, tender pumpkin filling beneath. It’s an ideal dessert for those who adore the deep, comforting flavors of pumpkin but prefer a less formal, more homey and rustic presentation than a traditional pie, while still being incredibly elegant and satisfying.

Why This Easy Pumpkin Crisp Will Become Your Fall Favorite

Prepare to fall in love with this pumpkin crisp recipe, as it offers a multitude of reasons to become a staple in your autumn dessert rotation:

• Effortlessly Delicious: Say goodbye to the complexities of pie crusts! This crisp comes together with minimal fuss and takes significantly less time than a traditional pumpkin pie, making it the perfect dessert for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when you need a fantastic treat without all the stress. It’s truly a “set-it-and-forget-it” kind of bake that yields impressive results.
• Irresistible Textural Harmony: The exquisite contrast between the silky-smooth, warmly spiced pumpkin filling and the golden, crunchy, buttery oat streusel topping is simply divine. Each spoonful delivers a satisfying symphony of creamy softness and delightful crispness, making every bite an absolute pleasure.
• Embraces the Essence of Fall: Infused with aromatic pumpkin pie spice – a fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves – this dessert perfectly embodies the cozy, comforting spirit of autumn. It’s the quintessential treat for Thanksgiving feasts, Halloween parties, harvest festivals, or simply enjoying on a chilly evening at home with a hot beverage.
• A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone who tries this pumpkin crisp inevitably falls in love with its comforting flavors and delightful, unique texture. It’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering, appealing broadly to both ardent pie lovers and enthusiastic crumble aficionados alike. It’s simple enough for casual enjoyment yet elegant enough for special occasions.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm, straight from the oven, with a generous scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream or a luxurious swirl of homemade whipped cream. For an extra touch of indulgence, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can elevate it to a gourmet experience!
• Conveniently Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily assemble the entire crisp in advance, refrigerate it, and then bake it just before serving. This incredible make-ahead capability simplifies your holiday meal prep and reduces stress, allowing you to focus on other aspects of entertaining.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Pumpkin Crisp

Crafting this incredible pumpkin crisp requires a few simple, wholesome ingredients, most of which you likely already have readily available in your pantry, especially as fall approaches. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with a few important tips for each component:

• Eggs: These are absolutely crucial for the pumpkin filling, acting as a binder and contributing significantly to its smooth, rich, and custard-like texture. For optimal results, use large eggs, ideally at room temperature, as they incorporate more easily into the mixture.
• Pumpkin Puree: This is a critical distinction! Ensure you grab 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling already contains added sugars, spices, and often has a higher liquid content, which can throw off the carefully balanced ratios of this recipe. Always look for cans clearly labeled “100% Pure Pumpkin” to ensure the best flavor and consistency.
• Evaporated Milk: This concentrated, unsweetened milk adds a luxurious richness and unparalleled creaminess to the pumpkin filling. It’s what gives the pumpkin crisp its distinct lusciousness and depth, making it reminiscent of a classic, velvety pumpkin pie. Don’t confuse it with sweetened condensed milk, which is much sweeter.
• Brown Sugar (for the filling): Brown sugar contributes deep, molasses-rich caramel notes and a wonderfully balanced sweetness to the pumpkin base. While light brown sugar is generally preferred for a classic, mellow flavor, dark brown sugar can be used if you desire a more intense, robust molasses profile.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: This delightful pre-blended spice mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves is what truly makes this dessert sing with the flavors of fall. If you don’t happen to have any on hand, there’s no need to worry! You can easily craft your own homemade version by combining individual spices.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract is essential, as it acts as a flavor enhancer, amplifying all the other wonderful spices and adding a warm, subtle depth to the filling.
• Salt (for the filling): Just a small pinch of salt in the filling is vital for balancing the sweetness and effectively bringing out the vibrant, natural flavor of the pumpkin, preventing it from tasting flat.
• Old Fashioned Oats: These rolled oats are absolutely vital for the streusel topping, providing that coveted chewy-crisp texture that defines a great crisp. While quick oats can be substituted in a pinch, old-fashioned oats offer a far superior, heartier texture and don’t get mushy.
• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the essential structural base of your streusel topping, helping it bind together and crisp up beautifully into golden, crumbly clusters during baking.
• Brown Sugar (for the topping): Once again, brown sugar in the streusel contributes significantly to the delicious caramelization and rich, sweet flavor of the topping, creating that irresistible golden crust.
• Butter: Using cold, unsalted butter, cut into small cubes, is absolutely critical for achieving a truly crumbly, perfectly textured streusel. When you work with cold butter, it prevents it from melting too quickly and creates those wonderful pea-sized crumbles that bake into a wonderfully crunchy topping, rather than a dense cookie-like layer.

It’s worth noting that while the filling ingredients are quite similar to those found in a traditional pumpkin pie, the specific ratios are subtly adjusted. This careful modification ensures that the filling sets perfectly, providing a sturdy yet sumptuously creamy base that beautifully complements the robust oatmeal streusel topping. This precise balance guarantees the crisp doesn’t become too watery or overly dense, but rather perfectly holds its form while remaining delightfully tender and flavorful.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make The Best Pumpkin Crisp

For the full, detailed measurements of each ingredient and a conveniently printable version of this recipe, be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of this post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 12-inch oven-safe skillet (like a cast iron pan) or a 2-3 quart casserole dish. A standard 9×13 inch baking dish also works wonderfully for this recipe. Once greased, set it aside while you proceed with preparing the delicious components.
2. Mix the Pumpkin Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, pure pumpkin puree, brown sugar, evaporated milk, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk all these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth, well blended, and no lumps remain. This ensures a silky-smooth custard. Carefully pour this creamy pumpkin mixture evenly into your prepared and greased baking dish.
3. Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine all the dry ingredients for the topping: the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, an additional dash of pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Use a fork or your clean fingertips to gently mix these dry ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.
4. Incorporate the Butter: Now, add the cold, unsalted butter, which you have previously cut into small cubes, to the dry streusel mixture. Using your fingertips, a pastry blender, or even a fork, work the butter into the dry ingredients. Continue until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs or small peas. The critical step here is to keep the butter as cold as possible; this prevents it from melting too quickly and is key to creating those delightful crumbly clusters that bake into a wonderfully crunchy topping.
5. Assemble and Bake: Once your streusel is ready, evenly sprinkle the prepared oat mixture over the smooth pumpkin filling in your baking dish. Ensure the entire surface of the pumpkin layer is covered, creating an inviting, rustic top. Carefully place the dish into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes.
6. Check for Doneness: To confirm your pumpkin crisp is perfectly baked and set, you can gently jiggle the dish; the center of the pumpkin filling should be mostly set with only a slight wobble. For ultimate precision, insert an instant-read thermometer into the very center of the pumpkin filling. Once it registers 175°F (79°C), you’ll know it’s perfectly cooked through. The streusel topping should also be beautifully golden brown and delightfully bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve: Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the pumpkin crisp from the oven. Allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting to serve. This crucial cooling time allows the pumpkin filling to fully set, making it much easier to scoop out neat portions.

Following these straightforward steps will consistently result in a perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying dessert, featuring a creamy, aromatic pumpkin base and a wonderfully crunchy, sweet streusel topping that will undoubtedly be adored by everyone lucky enough to try it.

Can I Make This Pumpkin Crisp Ahead?

Absolutely! This pumpkin crisp is a fantastic dessert to prepare in advance, making it incredibly convenient for entertaining, holiday gatherings, or simply when you want to minimize last-minute kitchen stress. You can assemble the entire crisp – meaning the pumpkin filling poured into the dish and the streusel topping generously sprinkled over it – up to 1-2 days before you intend to bake it.

Once assembled, ensure the baking dish is tightly covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing refrigerator odors, and then store it safely in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake and serve, remove the dish from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for approximately 20-30 minutes while your oven preheats. This crucial step helps the dish warm up slightly and ensures more even baking. Afterward, simply bake it according to the recipe instructions, and you’ll have a fresh, warm dessert ready to impress without any last-minute fuss!

How To Serve and Store Your Delicious Pumpkin Crisp

The optimal way to enjoy pumpkin crisp is often a matter of personal preference, but I wholeheartedly recommend serving it warm. There’s something undeniably comforting and utterly irresistible about the warm, aromatic, spiced pumpkin filling gently melting together with a cool, luscious topping. Even when enjoying leftovers, I often opt for a quick reheat in the microwave or oven to revive that wonderfully fresh-baked warmth and soften the pumpkin, though some enjoy it chilled as well.

Regardless of your preferred temperature, the toppings are where you can truly elevate this dessert to new heights:

• Classic Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream is always a fantastic and timeless choice. For an extra festive and seasonal touch, consider making pumpkin spice whipped cream by incorporating a pinch of pumpkin pie spice and a spoonful of powdered sugar into your cream before whipping it until light and airy.
• Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream is a match made in heaven when paired with warm pumpkin crisp. The delightful contrast of the hot crisp and cold, melting ice cream is simply divine and creates an incredible experience.
• Decadent Caramel Drizzle: For an added layer of pure indulgence, drizzle warm, gooey caramel sauce generously over your crisp and ice cream. Butterscotch sauce is also a fantastic and complementary option that adds another dimension of flavor.
• Toasted Nuts: Enhance the texture and nutty flavor by sprinkling some lightly toasted and chopped pecans or walnuts over the top of your crisp before serving. This adds an extra layer of crunch and warmth.

Any way you choose to serve this versatile pumpkin crisp, it’s bound to be a delicious, memorable, and comforting treat that perfectly captures the delightful essence of fall. For storage, any leftover pumpkin crisp should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While the streusel topping might lose a little bit of its initial crispness over time, the flavors of the pumpkin filling will remain absolutely wonderful. It is generally not recommended for freezing, as the custard-like filling can sometimes become watery or separate upon thawing, affecting the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pumpkin Crisp

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying pumpkin crisp:

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes, you certainly can use homemade fresh pumpkin puree! However, if you opt for fresh pumpkin, it’s important to ensure it’s very thick and thoroughly drained of excess moisture. Fresh pumpkin can sometimes contain more water than canned versions, so you might need to slightly reduce the amount of evaporated milk in the recipe or extend the baking time by a few minutes until the filling is fully set and firm.

Is it possible to make this pumpkin crisp gluten-free?

Absolutely! To adapt this delicious pumpkin crisp to be gluten-free, you would need to make two key substitutions. First, replace the all-purpose flour in the streusel topping with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (preferably one that already contains xanthan gum for optimal texture). Second, ensure that the old-fashioned oats you use are certified gluten-free, as standard oats can often be cross-contaminated with wheat during processing.

What if I don’t have a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend?

No problem at all! You can easily create your own aromatic pumpkin pie spice blend using individual spices you likely have on hand. A popular and effective homemade blend typically consists of: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, and ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (or allspice). Feel free to adjust these ratios slightly to perfectly suit your personal taste preferences for intensity.

How do I know when my pumpkin crisp is perfectly cooked and ready?

The tell-tale signs that your pumpkin crisp is done are quite clear: the pumpkin filling should be nicely set, meaning it shouldn’t jiggle much when you gently shake the baking dish. Additionally, the streusel topping should have transformed into a beautiful golden brown color and should be visibly bubbly around the edges. For ultimate precision and peace of mind, insert an instant-read thermometer into the very center of the pumpkin filling; once it consistently reads 175°F (79°C), you’ll know it’s perfectly cooked through and safe to enjoy.

Can I add chopped nuts to the streusel topping for extra flavor?

Absolutely, and it’s a fantastic idea! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping is a wonderful way to introduce an extra layer of delightful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully. Simply stir the chopped nuts in with the oats and flour before you begin incorporating the cold butter. This will ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the topping.

More Delightful Fall Pumpkin Treats to Try

If you’re a true enthusiast of all things pumpkin, these other delectable fall recipes are sure to bring even more warmth, spice, and cheer to your kitchen throughout the season:

• Pumpkin Dump Cake: An incredibly easy, layered pumpkin dessert that tastes like pie without the fuss.
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pancakes: Start your crisp fall mornings right with these fluffy, spiced pancakes.
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread: A wonderfully moist and flavorful quick bread, studded with chocolate chips, perfect for snacking or breakfast.
• Pumpkin Cupcakes: Adorable, perfectly portioned, and incredibly delicious, topped with a luscious cinnamon-spiced buttercream.
• Pumpkin Coffee Cake: An ideal treat for breakfast, brunch gatherings, or simply enjoyed with your afternoon coffee.
• Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: Soft, perfectly spiced, and delightfully chewy cookies for any occasion that calls for a sweet treat.

4.63 from 8 votes

Pumpkin Crisp

By Erin Sellin

Pumpkin Crisp – an easy fall dessert that everyone will go crazy for! A creamy pumpkin pie filling is topped with a crunchy streusel and then topped with whipped cream.

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 45 minutes mins

Total: 55 minutes mins

Servings: 8

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Ingredients 

Filling

• ▢ 3 whole eggs
• ▢ 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
• ▢ 3/4 cup brown sugar
• ▢ 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• ▢ 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping

• ▢ 1 cup old fashioned oats
• ▢ 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ▢ 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• ▢ 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into cubes

Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 12 inch skillet or 2-3 qt casserole dish. Set aside
• In a bowl whisk together all of the ingredients for the filling until smooth and well blended. Pour into prepared dish.
• In a bowl mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, pumpkin spice and salt until well combined.
• With your fingers work in the butter until the mixture is all pea-sized.
• Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the top and bake for 40-45 minutes. You can use a thermometer and once it reaches 175 degrees F you know it is set.
• Remove from the oven and let cool before serving with whipped cream.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 332kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 366mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is an approximation. Always consult a qualified nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Additional Info

Author: Erin Sellin

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Course: Dessert Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8

Calories: 332

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