Pumpkin Crisp

If you’re looking for the perfect fall dessert to warm your heart and home, let me introduce you to my beloved Pumpkin Crisp. This recipe is near and dear to my heart, effortlessly blending a creamy pumpkin pie filling with a golden cinnamon streusel topping. It’s like your favorite pumpkin pie, but with a delightful twist! Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight treat or a family gathering, this dessert will have everyone asking for seconds.

I love how simple it is to prepare, yet it still brings that comforting taste of autumn right to your table. Plus, serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream makes it an instant favorite during the chilly months. Trust me—once you try this Pumpkin Crisp, it might just become your go-to dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the creamy pumpkin filling and crunchy topping. It’s a hit at any gathering!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make this Pumpkin Crisp ahead of time and pop it in the oven when guests arrive, making entertaining a breeze.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with ice cream or whipped cream, or even as a breakfast treat—it’s delicious any time of day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything you need to make this scrumptious Pumpkin Crisp!

For the Pumpkin Filling

• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup heavy cream

For the Streusel Topping

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter (melted)

Variations

One of the best things about this Pumpkin Crisp is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping for added crunch and flavor.
• Try different spices: Swap out pumpkin pie spice with apple pie spice or even add a pinch of nutmeg for something new!
• Include chocolate chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips into the filling for a sweet surprise.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for an easy gluten-free option.

How to Make Pumpkin Crisp

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This step ensures that your dessert bakes evenly from start to finish. While the oven warms up, butter a 12-inch cast iron skillet or medium casserole dish to prevent sticking later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. Then, slowly whisk in the heavy cream—it adds richness that truly elevates the filling! Pour this delicious mixture into your prepared skillet.

Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping

In another bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter and stir until crumbly; this creates that irresistible topping we all love! Spread an even layer over the pumpkin filling. If you’d like a more uniform crumb texture, feel free to use a hand mixer for quicker results.

Step 4: Bake It Up

Place your skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it; when the filling is set and the top turns golden brown, it’s ready! If you notice that it’s browning too quickly on top, just cover it lightly with foil.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once done baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes—this helps firm up that luscious filling. Now comes my favorite part: serving! Enjoy this Pumpkin Crisp warm with ice cream or whipped cream on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with cinnamon ice cream for an extra special treat!

Enjoy every bite of this wonderful fall dessert that will surely become one of your favorites!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Crisp

Making the perfect Pumpkin Crisp is all about attention to detail and a few handy tricks. Here are some tips to help you create a delightful dessert that will impress everyone!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: While canned pumpkin works great, making your own puree from a sugar pumpkin can elevate the flavor and texture of your dish.
• Don’t skip the cooling time: Allowing your Pumpkin Crisp to cool for 10 minutes helps the filling firm up, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall experience.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the pumpkin pie spice or add a hint of nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist on the traditional flavor.
• Keep an eye on the topping: If your streusel topping starts browning too quickly, covering it with foil can prevent burning while allowing the filling to finish baking.
• Make it ahead of time: This dessert stores well! Prepare it a day in advance and simply reheat before serving for an easy and stress-free addition to your meal.

How to Serve Pumpkin Crisp

Serving your Pumpkin Crisp can be just as fun as making it! With a few creative touches, you can turn this dessert into a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, fluffy texture that complements the richness of the pumpkin filling perfectly.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkling some toasted nuts on top adds crunch and enhances the warm, nutty flavors of autumn.
• Drizzle of caramel sauce: A light drizzle of caramel sauce over each serving gives a sweet contrast that elevates this dish to new heights.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: A cup of warm apple cider offers a comforting beverage pairing that complements the fall flavors in your Pumpkin Crisp beautifully.
• Cinnamon-spiced roasted sweet potatoes: The natural sweetness and spiciness of roasted sweet potatoes harmonize wonderfully with pumpkin, creating a cozy autumn meal.
• Mixed green salad with vinaigrette: A fresh salad balances out the richness of the Pumpkin Crisp; consider adding sliced apples or dried cranberries for extra fall flair.
• Vanilla bean ice cream: While this may seem like an obvious choice, nothing beats classic vanilla ice cream melting over warm Pumpkin Crisp for an indulgent treat.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating not only an amazing Pumpkin Crisp but also an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Crisp is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness throughout the week or to impress guests at your next gathering. Here’s how you can store it properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the Pumpkin Crisp to cool completely before storing.
• Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the Pumpkin Crisp cool down completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best quality, label and date your storage container.

Reheating

• To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If desired, add a scoop of ice cream on top right before serving!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe.

What makes Pumpkin Crisp different from pumpkin pie?

Pumpkin Crisp features a creamy filling with a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping, giving it a unique texture compared to traditional pumpkin pie.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for my Pumpkin Crisp?

Absolutely! You can roast and puree fresh pumpkin, ensuring it’s well-drained and smooth before mixing it into your filling.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Crisp turns out perfectly?

Make sure to evenly spread the streusel topping and bake until the filling is set. Keeping an eye on the crust’s color will help avoid over-browning.

Is this Pumpkin Crisp recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it easy to enjoy later.

What toppings go well with Pumpkin Crisp?

Serving your Pumpkin Crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream is fantastic! Whipped cream also makes a lovely addition.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Pumpkin Crisp as much as I do! It’s a comforting dessert that captures the essence of fall and brings smiles to everyone who tries it. Enjoy each delicious bite and feel free to share your experience with me—I’d love to hear how it turned out!