Easy Pumpkin Crumble Dessert - Sweetly Splendid (2024)

This Pumpkin Crisp takes all the creamy, spiced goodness of pumpkin pie and adds a crunchy oat topping that’s impossible to resist. It’s the perfect blend of classic fall flavors with a modern twist—and the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just craving a cozy fall dessert on a weeknight, this pumpkin crisp recipe will become your new favorite. Let’s get baking!

When I first made this Pumpkin Crisp, it was meant to be a quick weeknight dessert, but it ended up becoming the star of fall holiday dinners. It’s easier than pie (literally—no crust to roll out!), and the topping is buttery and crunchy. Trust me, one slice of this and you’ll be fielding recipe requests from everyone at the table. It’s nostalgic, cozy, and just plain delicious.

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. Need a crowd-pleasing dessert for Thanksgiving? Pumpkin Crisp has you covered. Want something simple but satisfying to enjoy after dinner on a chilly evening? This recipe is the answer. You can dress it up with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it on its own—either way, it’s comfort food at its finest. I’ve even had friends tell me they love it cold for breakfast (and honestly, I can’t blame them).

Why you’ll love this pumpkin crisp

If you’ve ever been intimidated by the thought of making a traditional pumpkin pie, this recipe is here to save the day. No pie crust, no fuss—just creamy, spiced pumpkin filling topped with a buttery oat crisp that bakes to golden perfection.

Easier Than Pumpkin Pie: No rolling out dough or worrying about cracks in your pie crust. This pumpkin crisp recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.

The Perfect Topping: The crisp topping is a mix of old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, with nuts for added crunch.

A Versatile Dessert: Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, cold as a next-day treat, or with a drizzle of caramel sauce, this pumpkin crisp recipe adapts to any situation. It’s just as wonderful on a cozy weeknight as it is on a Thanksgiving dessert table.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Filling:

• Pumpkin Puree: The smooth and creamy base of the filling that delivers the perfect pumpkin flavor. Make sure it’s pure pumpkin puree, not the pre-sweetened pie filling.
• Evaporated Milk or Heavy Cream: Adds a velvety richness to the filling, giving it a silky texture.
• Eggs: These are the binders that hold the filling together while keeping it light and creamy.
• Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: A duo of sugars that creates just the right balance of sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Go for real vanilla extract and not the imitation kind. It makes a big difference in overall flavor.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice and Cinnamon: The iconic spices that make this dessert scream fall.
• Salt: Just a pinch of kosher salt.

For the Crisp Topping:

• Old-Fashioned Oats: Go for old-fashioned instead of quick cooking for this.
• Flour: Helps create that crispiness in the topping.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a touch of caramelized flavor.
• Cinnamon: Helps add to the fall flavor.
• Butter: Melts into the oats and sugar, creating a golden, buttery crisp topping.
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (Optional): For an extra layer of crunch and nuttiness that takes this dessert to the next level. I highly recommend it!
• Salt: Just another pinch again to help balance out the sweetness.

How to make pumpkin pie crumble

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your baking dish to ensure an easy cleanup later. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, cream, eggs, sugars, vanilla, spices, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour this filling into your prepared dish and set it aside.

For the topping, stir together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in another bowl. Cut in the butter with a fork or pastry cutter and mix until the topping clumps together into a crumbly texture. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in at this stage. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the pumpkin filling, making sure to cover it generously.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pumpkin filling is set. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow everything to settle. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy it on its own—it’s delicious either way!

Tips and tricks for the best pumpkin pecan crisp recipe

Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: Make sure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to control the sweetness and spices in your dish.

Fresh Spices Are Key: Using fresh pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon will make the flavors pop and keep the dessert tasting the best it can. When you open them, the aroma should be strong. If the aroma of your spices is faint, it’s time to replace them.

Don’t Skip the Butter: Use cold butter for the topping, cutting it in until crumbly. This technique creates a perfectly crisp and golden topping.

Customize the Texture: If you love extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.

Cool Before Serving: Let the crisp cool for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set and makes serving easier.

Make It Ahead: You can prepare the topping and filling separately ahead of time. Assemble just before baking for maximum freshness.

Variations

• Extra Crunch: Stir in some crushed graham crackers or pretzel bits to the topping for a salty-sweet twist.
• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the topping for a chocolatey touch.
• Maple Flavor: If you want a little bit of maple flavor, add a drizzle on the top before baking.
• Add a Hint of Fall Fruit: Sprinkle dried cranberries or chopped dried apples into the crisp topping.
• Spice It Up: Adjust the spices to your liking—add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to serve this easy pumpkin dessert

Pumpkin Crisp is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying a cozy weeknight treat, here are some ideas to make it extra special:

• Classic and Simple: Serve it warm, straight from the oven.
• With Ice Cream: Top with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The creamy, cold ice cream melts into the warm crisp.
• A Whipped Cream Finish: A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and pairs perfectly with the spiced filling and crunchy topping.
• Drizzle It: Add a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup over each serving.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: Serve alongside a cup of hot coffee, chai, or spiced tea for a cozy, complete dessert experience.
• For Breakfast (Yes, Breakfast!): Enjoy leftover pumpkin crisp cold or warm with a spoonful of yogurt for a delicious, fall-inspired breakfast treat.

More easy pumpkin dessert recipes you might like

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
• Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
• Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream
• Pumpkin Dessert Pizza

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