Pumpkin Crisp Recipe

If you are looking for a cozy, comforting autumn dessert that brings all the warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor you adore, look no further than this Pumpkin Crisp. It’s a perfect balance of creamy pumpkin filling and a delightfully crunchy, cinnamon-spiced streusel topping. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or a casual family dessert, the Pumpkin Crisp delivers with every bite, offering that classic seasonal flavor in a fresh and easy-to-make presentation. It’s an absolute must-have for anyone who loves pumpkin desserts with a bit of a crisp, buttery finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pumpkin Crisp is surprisingly simple to make, relying on pantry staples that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s the velvety smooth pumpkin puree or the buttery topping that gives this dessert its irresistible crunch.

• Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that gives the filling its rich, earthy sweetness and vibrant color.
• Granulated sugar: Used in both the filling and topping for balanced sweetness throughout.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the silky pumpkin base.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Blends cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to infuse the filling with warm autumn flavors.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out all the flavors.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the pumpkin mixture.
• Heavy cream: Makes the filling luxuriously smooth and creamy.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the crumbly base of the topping when combined with butter and sugar.
• Cinnamon: Intensifies the spice notes in the streusel topping, making it fragrant and inviting.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and folded into the topping to create that perfect crumbly texture and rich flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Crisp

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and generously buttering a 12-inch cast iron skillet or a medium casserole dish. The butter not only prevents sticking but also adds a subtle richness that complements the Pumpkin Crisp perfectly.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined. Then whisk in the heavy cream to create a luscious, creamy texture that will bake into a silky filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. If it feels a bit wet, you can use a hand mixer briefly to get that perfect streusel consistency that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared skillet, spreading it evenly. Then evenly distribute the crumbly cinnamon streusel topping over the pumpkin layer. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the filling is set and the topping turns a gorgeous, golden brown. If the topping starts browning too fast, loosely cover the crisp with foil to protect it.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the Pumpkin Crisp to cool for about 10 minutes on a wire rack. This helps the pumpkin filling firm up, making it easier to serve and enjoy. It’s best served warm, ideally topped with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence.

How to Serve Pumpkin Crisp

Garnishes

Nothing beats a warm slice of Pumpkin Crisp with a big scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream slowly melting on top. You can also add freshly whipped cream sprinkled with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavors even more. Toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce make fantastic finishing touches for an elevated experience.

Side Dishes

Serve Pumpkin Crisp alongside a cup of hot spiced apple cider or a rich coffee to complement the deep fall flavors. If it’s part of a larger meal, pair it with a creamy cheese plate or roasted nuts to balance the sweetness and add some textural contrast to your dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve individual portions in ramekins for a charming presentation. You can also layer the Pumpkin Crisp in trifle bowls with whipped cream for a crowd-pleasing dessert. Adding a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds on top adds both crunch and visual appeal that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftover Pumpkin Crisp tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It maintains a delightful balance of creamy filling and crisp topping—just chill and serve cold or warm up before enjoying.

Freezing

Pumpkin Crisp freezes wonderfully! Wrap individual portions or the entire dish securely in freezer-safe wrap or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so it warms evenly and stays moist.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling, reheat Pumpkin Crisp in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. This helps restore the crunchy topping and warms the filling through. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but it may soften the topping slightly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, roast it until tender and puree it until smooth. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture so your filling isn’t watery. The flavor will be just as delicious and slightly fresher.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, whole milk or half-and-half can work, but they won’t provide the same richness and creaminess. For dairy-free alternatives, coconut cream is a great swap that adds a subtle tropical note to the Pumpkin Crisp.

Can I make Pumpkin Crisp gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour in the streusel topping with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. This adjustment keeps the crumbly texture intact without compromising on flavor.

Is Pumpkin Crisp suitable for freezing after baking?

Definitely. Once baked and cooled, Pumpkin Crisp can be frozen well. Just wrap it tightly, and when you want to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to restore that fresh-baked taste.

How spicy is the Pumpkin Crisp?

The spice level is moderate, with the pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon lending warm, cozy notes without overwhelming heat. You can easily adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to suit your personal taste if you prefer it milder or more spiced.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Pumpkin Crisp enough for your seasonal dessert lineup. It’s one of those comforting treats that feels like a warm hug on a cool day, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give it a try—you might just find that it becomes your go-to fall favorite, treasured year after year.

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