Nothing says fall quite like the sweet, spicy aroma of pumpkin and cinnamon baking in the oven. Pumpkin Pie Crisp is the perfect dessert to capture that cozy feeling, combining the warm flavors of pumpkin pie with a buttery, crunchy topping. Unlike a traditional pumpkin pie, this crisp is lighter, easier to make, and packed with texture, making it ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or a simple weeknight treat.
What makes this dessert so appealing is the combination of tender, spiced pumpkin filling and a crisp, golden topping made of oats, brown sugar, and butter. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures, with flavors that evoke nostalgia for homemade autumn desserts. Plus, it’s a dessert that’s easy to serve, easy to slice, and guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step to create the perfect Pumpkin Pie Crisp, share tips for success, and suggest serving ideas so that you can enjoy fall flavors at their finest.
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Pie Crisp
There are so many reasons this dessert stands out from traditional pumpkin pie:
- Easy to Make: No pie crust to roll or worry about; everything bakes in a single dish.
- Perfect Texture: Creamy pumpkin filling topped with a crunchy, buttery oat topping.
- Customizable: Add nuts, spices, or extra sweetness to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.
- Family Favorite: Appealing to all ages, perfect for holiday dinners or casual desserts.
Pumpkin Pie Crisp delivers all the flavors of classic pumpkin pie but in a fuss-free, textured, and irresistible format.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Crisp
Making Pumpkin Pie Crisp is simple and involves preparing a pumpkin filling, a crunchy topping, and baking until golden.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, diced
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, eggs, cream, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Topping
In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the pumpkin filling. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is set.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving so the filling sets fully. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
What to Serve With Pumpkin Pie Crisp
This dessert pairs beautifully with a variety of complementary flavors:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Melts over the warm crisp for a creamy contrast.
- Whipped Cream: A light and airy addition that enhances the spice flavors.
- Coffee or Chai Tea: Perfect for fall brunches or dessert after dinner.
- Fruit Garnish: Sliced apples or pears for extra seasonal flair.
It’s a versatile dessert that works well for casual family meals or holiday gatherings.
Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Pie Crisp
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves make a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: The topping should be golden and the filling set but not dry.
- Cold Butter for Topping: Ensures a crisp, crumbly texture.
- Optional Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch to the topping.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the topping ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Following these tips will give you a Pumpkin Pie Crisp that’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly textured.
Storing and Reheating
Pumpkin Pie Crisp keeps well, making it a convenient dessert option:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 5 days; warm before serving for best texture.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
- For the whole dish, cover loosely with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Roast and puree fresh pumpkin for the filling, but you may need slightly more liquid to achieve the right consistency.
Can I make Pumpkin Pie Crisp gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend for the topping.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the filling and topping separately, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
Can I add more spices or flavorings?
Yes. A pinch of cardamom or ginger enhances the autumnal flavor, and a splash of bourbon or maple syrup adds depth.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Pie Crisp is a simple, comforting, and irresistibly spiced dessert that captures the best flavors of fall. With creamy pumpkin filling and a crunchy, buttery topping, it’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or a cozy night in.
It’s a dessert that’s easy to prepare, can be customized with nuts or extra spices, and pairs beautifully with ice cream, whipped cream, or warm beverages. This fall, treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of Pumpkin Pie Crisp—you’ll soon understand why it’s a seasonal favorite.
Pumpkin Pie Crisp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin filling.
- Top with chopped pecans, then drizzle melted butter evenly over the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.