Pumpkin Crisp: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe

As the crisp fall air settles in, there’s nothing quite like the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spice. Fall is a season that brings with it the joy of indulgent desserts—spicy pumpkin treats, warm cinnamon, and sweet treats that fill the house with inviting aromas. One such dessert that stands out is Pumpkin Crisp. If you’re a fan of pumpkin pie but find the crust a bit fussy or just want something a little different, then Pumpkin Crisp is the dessert for you.

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This recipe combines the creamy richness of pumpkin pie filling with the irresistible crunch of a cinnamon streusel topping. What makes it truly special, though, is its simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a complete beginner, this Pumpkin Crisp is easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to please a crowd. Plus, it’s versatile! You can enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even cinnamon ice cream if you can find it. It’s a perfect dessert for Thanksgiving, cozy family dinners, or just a weekend treat to enjoy at home.

But beyond its great taste and ease of preparation, this Pumpkin Crisp is a dessert that every beginner cook can confidently tackle. There’s no need for fancy kitchen tools or complex techniques—just a few basic ingredients, some simple steps, and an oven to bring it all together. If you’re looking for a fall dessert that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare, this recipe has your name on it.

Why Pumpkin Crisp is Perfect for Beginners

If you’ve just started your cooking journey, this Pumpkin Crisp is the ideal recipe to try. It’s straightforward, fuss-free, and you don’t need to be a professional baker to get it right. The ingredients are simple and readily available, and the steps are easy to follow. This recipe takes advantage of pantry staples like pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon to create something truly extraordinary.

For beginners, this recipe eliminates the need to worry about making a pie crust from scratch, which can be tricky for novice cooks. Instead, you’ll simply combine the pumpkin mixture with a buttery streusel topping, and the result is a dessert that’s just as satisfying as a traditional pumpkin pie but without the hassle of pie crust. It’s also incredibly flexible—whether you’re dairy-free, gluten-free, or need to substitute certain ingredients, you’ll find that this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your dietary preferences.

Moreover, the time investment is minimal. The recipe only takes about 15 minutes of prep work and 40 to 45 minutes of baking time, making it a quick and easy dessert for beginners to prepare. If you’re looking for a fall treat that can be made with ease yet still impress your guests, Pumpkin Crisp is your answer.

Ingredients and Preparation

Before you get started, it’s important to gather all your ingredients. Fortunately, this recipe uses simple, common ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. You will need the following:

For the Pumpkin Pie Layer:

• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree: This is the base of your pumpkin crisp, giving it that rich pumpkin flavor. Make sure to buy plain pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as pie filling contains added sugar and spices.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the pumpkin filling and helps balance out the spices.
• 3 large eggs: Eggs add structure and richness to the pumpkin mixture.
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: A perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, pumpkin pie spice is essential for giving the dessert that warm, fall flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt helps to enhance the other flavors and prevent the dessert from being too sweet.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: The vanilla adds a layer of warmth and complexity to the pumpkin filling.
• ⅔ cup heavy cream: Heavy cream gives the pumpkin filling its smooth, velvety texture and richness.

For the Cinnamon Streusel:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This will form the base of your streusel topping. It creates the crumbly texture that contrasts so nicely with the creamy pumpkin filling.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: The sugar will sweeten the streusel and balance the richness of the pumpkin layer.
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Cinnamon is the key spice in the streusel, adding a signature fall aroma and flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Just like in the filling, the salt in the streusel helps to balance the sweetness.
• 12 tablespoons (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted: Butter gives the streusel its crispiness and richness, creating the perfect crunchy topping for the creamy pumpkin filling.

Optional Substitutions:

• For the Pumpkin Pie Layer: If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. You can also try using a plant-based butter in the streusel topping if you’re looking to make this dessert vegan.
• For the Streusel: Brown sugar can be used in place of some of the granulated sugar for a deeper, caramelized flavor. If you don’t have unsalted butter on hand, you can use salted butter but reduce the amount of added salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s go through the steps to make this delicious Pumpkin Crisp.

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully heat up while you prepare the other components. Grease a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or a medium-sized casserole dish with butter to prevent the pumpkin crisp from sticking during baking.
2. Make the Pumpkin Pie Layer: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract. Once this mixture is smooth and well combined, slowly add the heavy cream and continue whisking until the filling is creamy and free of lumps. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect pumpkin filling that will hold together when baked.
3. Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter and mix everything together with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. The streusel should form small, coarse crumbs. If you prefer a finer topping, you can use a hand mixer to mix the ingredients, but be careful not to overmix.
4. Assemble the Crisp: Pour the prepared pumpkin filling into your greased skillet or casserole dish. Then, evenly sprinkle the cinnamon streusel topping over the pumpkin layer. The streusel will bake into a golden, crispy layer on top of the creamy filling, creating a perfect balance of textures.
5. Bake the Pumpkin Crisp: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The filling should be set and no longer jiggle in the center, and the streusel should be golden brown. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the Pumpkin Crisp to cool for at least 10 minutes after baking. This will help the filling firm up and make it easier to serve. You can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent treat.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• How to Tell When It’s Done: The pumpkin filling should be firm and set in the center, with no wobble when you gently shake the dish. The topping should be golden and crispy. If you’re unsure, you can insert a toothpick into the center to check for doneness.
• Preventing Overbaking: If you notice that the streusel topping is becoming too brown too quickly, you can lightly cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning while the pumpkin filling continues to cook.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the crisp for up to a week. If you prefer, you can freeze the cooled crisp for up to 3 months—just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

This Pumpkin Crisp is delicious on its own, but there are many ways you can enhance the dessert to make it even more special.

• Top with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the warm, spiced pumpkin filling. For an even more festive touch, try cinnamon ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Add Extra Crunch: For more texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the streusel before baking. These nuts add a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft, creamy pumpkin layer.
• Serve with Drinks: This dessert is perfect with a hot beverage like apple cider, chai tea, or a warm cup of coffee.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Crisp is the ultimate fall dessert that combines the best of pumpkin pie and crisp toppings in a way that’s both simple and delicious. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned baker, this easy recipe will soon become a favorite in your autumn dessert rotation. The creamy pumpkin filling, the crunchy cinnamon streusel topping, and the warm, comforting flavors make this dish a perfect choice for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or any cozy night at home.

With its minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this Pumpkin Crisp offers everything you need in a fall dessert: flavor, texture, and ease. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be customized to your preferences. Serve it with a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or enjoy it all on its own—the possibilities are endless.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a can of pumpkin puree and get baking. This delightful Pumpkin Crisp is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and it’s the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fall.