Warm, spiced, and irresistibly cozy, Pumpkin Crisp is the dessert your autumn evenings have been dreaming about. Imagine a silky pumpkin pie filling topped with a golden, buttery streusel that bakes into a crunchy layer of goodness. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s the perfect blend of creamy and crisp in every single bite.

This dessert brings together the best of fall flavors in a way that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving feast or just want a comforting sweet treat, Pumpkin Crisp hits the spot with its simple ingredients, incredible aroma, and that golden crisp topping that delivers the ultimate crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Crisp

Pumpkin Crisp is one of those desserts that feels familiar yet wonderfully fresh. It offers the nostalgic taste of pumpkin pie without the fuss of making and rolling out a crust. The streusel topping is made with oats, brown sugar, and pecans—giving it a crumbly texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth pumpkin base.

It’s perfect for gatherings, quick to whip up, and endlessly customizable. Plus, it fills your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked pumpkin—basically, fall in a pan.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few for combining the wet pumpkin base and the dry crisp topping separately. Opt for medium and large sizes for convenience.
Whisk: Essential for ensuring your pumpkin filling is smooth and evenly mixed.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and scraping down the sides of bowls without losing any batter.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters, especially when working with spices.
9×13 Baking Dish: This ensures the filling bakes evenly and the topping gets perfectly crisp. Glass or ceramic works great.
Oven Mitts: Safety first! Always have mitts on hand when handling hot dishes.
Ice Cream Scoop (Optional): For that perfect scoop of vanilla ice cream to crown your crisp.

Each of these tools plays a role in creating a hassle-free dessert experience. Investing in quality basics ensures your Pumpkin Crisp comes out just right every time.

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Crisp

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Crisp serves a delicious purpose—creating the balance between velvety filling and crunchy topping.

For the Pumpkin Filling:

Canned Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show, offering deep, earthy sweetness and smooth texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the pumpkin and helps highlight its natural flavor.
Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of molasses richness and depth.
Evaporated Milk: Delivers creaminess without excess moisture.
Eggs: Essential for binding the filling together.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with warm aromatic notes.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—the heart of every great fall dessert.
Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness.

For the Crisp Topping:

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the crumble and gives it structure.
Old-Fashioned Oats: Adds texture and that classic crisp crunch.
Brown Sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes beautifully while baking.
Chopped Pecans: Adds nutty flavor and crunch.
Butter: Melted and mixed in to bind everything together and help it crisp up in the oven.
Cinnamon: Brings an extra warm spice note to the topping.

How To Make the Pumpkin Crisp

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth and fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly moistened.

Step 4: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the pumpkin filling. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the crisp cool slightly to help the filling firm up. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate treat.

Serving and Storing Pumpkin Crisp

Pumpkin Crisp is best served warm, straight from the oven, with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting into every crevice of the crunchy topping. The contrast between the cold creaminess of the ice cream and the warm spiced filling is a comfort-food dream.

If you’re serving a crowd, this dessert is a hit at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. It’s also great made a few hours in advance—just warm it in the oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.

To store leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. The topping may lose some crispness over time, but a quick toast in the oven can revive that lovely crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Pumpkin Crisp and Pumpkin Pie?

Pumpkin Crisp has a similar custard base to pumpkin pie but skips the crust. Instead, it’s topped with a sweet, buttery oat streusel that crisps up in the oven.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, just be sure to roast and puree the pumpkin well. Drain any excess moisture for a smooth filling.

Is it possible to make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the filling and topping separately and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the topping right before baking for the best texture.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

How do I keep the topping crisp when storing leftovers?

Store it uncovered or loosely covered with foil to avoid trapping moisture. Reheat in the oven instead of the microwave for a crispier finish.

What ice cream pairs best with Pumpkin Crisp?

Classic vanilla is always a winner, but cinnamon or butter pecan ice cream also complement the flavors beautifully.

Want More Fall Dessert Ideas?

If this Pumpkin Crisp has your heart, you’ll fall in love with these other seasonal sweet treats from my kitchen:

Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread brings a nutty, buttery finish to your dessert table.
Amish Applesauce Cake is a moist and comforting cake that’s full of fall spice.
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake fuses two classics into one indulgent bite.
Winter Brittle for a crunchy, nutty treat to gift or nibble by the fire.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a fruity, rich twist that’s perfect for any celebration.

Each of these brings its own cozy, comforting spin on dessert—perfect for enjoying with family and friends when the temperatures drop.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra pecans? Try a caramel drizzle on top? Or maybe swap in walnuts? I love hearing the creative spins you all put on these recipes.

Looking for more comfort-filled desserts and creative spins on seasonal sweets? Join me on Pinterest for daily inspiration and new favorites: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest.