Pumpkin Crisp

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall, then this Pumpkin Crisp is just what you need! Imagine a creamy pumpkin filling topped with a golden, cinnamon streusel crumb. It’s like bringing the cozy warmth of autumn right into your kitchen. This recipe is so easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where everyone wants to indulge in something sweet and comforting.

What makes this Pumpkin Crisp truly special is its warm, inviting flavor and texture. It’s an excellent alternative to traditional pumpkin pie and is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Plus, it’s delicious served warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—just thinking about it makes my mouth water!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Pumpkin Crisp comes together in just about an hour, so you can enjoy a delicious dessert without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the creamy pumpkin filling and crunchy topping—perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a cozy dinner party, or just a treat for yourself, this dessert fits any occasion beautifully.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve, making hosting stress-free.
• Warm Comfort: There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of pumpkin and spices filling your home while this bakes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients that will come together beautifully in this recipe. You likely already have many of these staples in your pantry!

For the Filling

• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup heavy cream

For the Topping

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter (melted)

Variations

One of the things I love about this Pumpkin Crisp is its flexibility. You can easily tweak it to match your tastes or dietary needs:

• Add Nuts: For added crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping before baking.
• Switch Up the Spices: If you love experimenting with flavors, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick.
• Use Different Sweeteners: Swap out granulated sugar for brown sugar or coconut sugar for a richer flavor profile.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Pumpkin Crisp

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This early step ensures that your Pumpkin Crisp bakes evenly from start to finish. While that’s heating up, butter your 12-inch cast iron skillet or medium casserole dish—it’ll help create that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then gently whisk in the heavy cream until fully blended. Pour this luscious mixture into your prepared skillet—this will be the creamy base that makes every bite heavenly!

Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping

In another medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add in your melted butter and stir with a fork until crumbly. This topping is what gives our Pumpkin Crisp that irresistible crunch! Spread it evenly over the pumpkin filling; feel free to use a hand mixer if you prefer finer crumbs.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Pop your skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the filling should be set while the top turns beautifully golden brown. If you notice it browning too quickly, simply cover it lightly with foil.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once it’s done baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help firm up the filling just enough to make serving easier. I highly recommend enjoying this warm with ice cream on top—cinnamon ice cream pairs especially well if you can find some!

Now that you have this wonderful Pumpkin Crisp recipe at hand, I can’t wait for you to try it! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Crisp

Making the perfect Pumpkin Crisp is all about attention to detail and a little love in the kitchen. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out delicious every time!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree – If you have the time, roasting and pureeing your own pumpkin can elevate the flavor of your crisp significantly. Fresh puree will give you a more vibrant taste compared to canned.

• Let it cool before serving – Allowing your Pumpkin Crisp to cool for at least 10 minutes helps the filling set. This means each slice will hold its shape beautifully when served, making for a more appealing presentation.

• Experiment with spices – Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to suit your taste! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can add that extra warmth and depth typical of fall flavors.

• Store leftovers properly – If you have any leftovers (which is rare, I know!), cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat slices in the microwave for a quick dessert fix later!

• Try different toppings – While ice cream is a classic choice, don’t forget about whipped coconut cream or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Serve Pumpkin Crisp

Serving Pumpkin Crisp can be as delightful as making it! Here are some fun ideas to present this scrumptious dessert that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts – Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top just before serving for added crunch and flavor.
• Whipped cream – A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the warm pumpkin filling.
• Cinnamon dusting – Dusting a little extra cinnamon on top right before serving not only looks beautiful but also enhances that lovely fall aroma.

Side Dishes

• Apple Salad – A refreshing apple salad with crunchy apples, raisins, and a light citrus dressing complements the rich flavors of Pumpkin Crisp perfectly.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes – The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes makes for an ideal side that harmonizes with the pumpkin flavors without overpowering them.
• Green Bean Almondine – Lightly sautéed green beans with almonds provide a crisp and savory contrast to the sweet dessert, balancing out your meal beautifully.
• Cranberry Sauce – A tangy cranberry sauce adds a zesty kick that cuts through the richness of Pumpkin Crisp, offering a delightful flavor combination.

With these tips and serving ideas, your Pumpkin Crisp is sure to shine at any gathering! Enjoy this cozy dessert with loved ones and make lasting memories around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Crisp is a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness over several days. You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the Pumpkin Crisp to cool completely before storing.
• Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the Pumpkin Crisp cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for reference.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the desired portion in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

Can I make Pumpkin Crisp without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute eggs with a mixture of 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana per egg. This keeps the texture moist while maintaining the pumpkin flavor.

What makes this Pumpkin Crisp different from traditional pumpkin pie?

Unlike traditional pumpkin pie, which has a crust, this Pumpkin Crisp features a crunchy streusel topping that adds texture and sweetness, making it a unique twist on a classic favorite.

How long does Pumpkin Crisp last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Pumpkin Crisp can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes! If you have fresh pumpkin, peel and cook it until tender, then puree it until smooth. This will add a fresh taste to your Pumpkin Crisp.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Pumpkin Crisp as much as I do! It’s not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about creating warm memories around the table with loved ones. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed on a cozy night in, this dessert is bound to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your experience!