Cozy Pumpkin Crisp Recipe

Heartwarming Pumpkin Crisp Recipe for Autumn Comfort

Autumn’s golden embrace brings warmth through this delectable pumpkin crisp that blends sweet seasonal flavors into pure comfort.

Layers of spiced pumpkin create a rich, velvety foundation for the crunchy streusel topping.

Cinnamon and nutmeg dance across each delightful bite, promising a dessert that whispers of cozy evenings.

Crisp pecans add a satisfying texture that complements the smooth pumpkin base.

Each forkful offers a perfect balance of soft and crunchy elements that capture the essence of fall.

This simple yet elegant dessert will become your new favorite way to celebrate the season’s most beloved ingredient.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Pumpkin Crisp Ingredient Rundown

For Pumpkin Base:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Creamy autumn staple that provides rich, smooth base with deep orange color and hearty flavor.
  • Evaporated Milk: Concentrated dairy that adds luxurious creaminess and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet companions that balance pumpkin's earthy notes and create caramelized depth.
  • Eggs: Crucial binding agent that helps set custard-like texture and adds protein.
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic enhancer that rounds flavors and adds warm undertones.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: Warm spice blend that creates quintessential fall flavor profile.
  • Salt: Flavor amplifier that balances sweetness and highlights spice complexity.
For Crisp Topping:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Structural base that helps create crumbly, crunchy texture.
  • Rolled Oats: Wholesome ingredient adding nutty flavor and textural interest.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides caramelized sweetness and helps topping become golden.
  • Pecans: Crunchy nut that introduces rich, toasty element and delightful texture.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warming spice that connects topping with pumpkin base.
For Finishing:
  • Unsalted Butter: Binding agent that creates crispy, golden topping and adds richness.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: Optional creamy accompaniment that complements warm dessert.

Handy Tools for Pumpkin Crisp Perfection

  • 9×9-inch baking dish: Essential for perfectly sized pumpkin crisp.
  • Large mixing bowls: One for pumpkin filling, another for crisp topping.
  • Whisk: Helps blend pumpkin filling ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing crisp topping and stirring ingredients.
  • Oven: Needed for baking the dessert to golden perfection.

Pumpkin Crisp Prep from Start to Finish

  • Fire Up the Oven

Warm the oven to a cozy 350F. Grab your baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

  • Mix the Pumpkin Magic

Grab a big mixing bowl and whirl together pumpkin, milk, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and warm spices until everything blends into a silky smooth mixture. Pour this gorgeous creation into your prepped dish.

  • Craft the Crunchy Topping

In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Drizzle melted butter over the dry ingredients and mix until you’ve got a delightful crumbly texture.

  • Layer and Bake

Scatter the crispy topping across the pumpkin base. Slide the dish into the oven and let it transform for 40-45 minutes until it turns golden and sets beautifully.

  • Chill and Delight

Give your masterpiece a quick 15-minute rest. Serve it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate autumn treat.

Swaps & Secrets to Elevate Pumpkin Crisp

  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pumpkin crisp up to two days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the oven before serving to maintain its crispy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Genius: Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this dessert celiac-friendly. Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure complete dietary compliance.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Replace pecans with rolled seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without nuts. This modification works perfectly for those with nut allergies.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk or almond milk. Use dairy-free margarine instead of butter to create a completely dairy-free version of this seasonal treat.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust the spice blend to suit your taste preferences. For a milder flavor, reduce ground ginger and cloves. For more warmth, increase cinnamon and add a pinch of cardamom for extra depth.

How to Present Pumpkin Crisp Beautifully

  • Frosty Cream Dream: Top each slice with a generous scoop of cold vanilla ice cream, allowing it to slowly melt and create a rich, creamy sauce over the warm pumpkin crisp.
  • Caramel Drizzle Delight: Gently pour warm caramel sauce in elegant zigzag patterns across the dessert, adding a sweet, luxurious touch that complements the warm spices.
  • Nutty Crunch Garnish: Sprinkle additional toasted pecans or chopped walnuts on top for extra crunch and a nutty flavor that enhances the crisp's texture and depth.
  • Seasonal Styling: Serve on a rustic wooden board with a small cinnamon stick or fall leaves as a decorative touch, making the dessert feel like a cozy autumn celebration.

Keep and Reheat Pumpkin Crisp the Right Way

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours after baking, keeping the crisp fresh and delicious for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dessert up to 24 hours before serving, covering tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerating until ready to bake, which helps develop deeper flavor profiles.
  • Freezing Fantastic: Wrap individual portions or the whole dish securely in freezer-safe wrap, storing up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat at 325F for best texture restoration.
  • Room Temperature Tips: Allow the pumpkin crisp to cool completely before storing, preventing condensation that could make the crispy topping soggy and maintaining its delightful crunch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 8

Print
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Cozy Pumpkin Crisp Recipe

Cozy Pumpkin Crisp Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Pumpkin crisp delivers a delightful autumn dessert with layers of creamy pumpkin and crunchy streusel topping. Warm spices and buttery crumble create a comforting treat you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) pumpkin puree, canned
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup evaporated milk (or heavy cream)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ginger
  • ¼ tsp cloves
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 350F (175C), establishing the foundation for a delectable dessert.
  2. Pumpkin Base Creation: Whisk pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, granulated and brown sugars, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves into a smooth, harmonious blend that promises rich, autumnal flavors.
  3. Layer Formation: Pour the velvety pumpkin mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to create a luscious base for the crisp topping.
  4. Topping Assembly: Combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans, then drizzle melted butter over the dry ingredients, gently mixing until a crumbly, textured topping emerges.
  5. Baking Process: Sprinkle the pecan-infused crisp topping completely over the pumpkin layer and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and a firm, set center that indicates perfect doneness.
  6. Cooling and Serving: Allow the dessert to rest for 15 minutes after removing from the oven, letting the layers meld and flavors intensify, then serve warm with an optional garnish of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent finale.

Notes

  • Spice Balance: Adjust spice quantities to personal taste, but maintain the harmony between cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for authentic pumpkin dessert flavor.
  • Texture Perfection: Mix crisp topping gently to avoid over-compacting, ensuring a light, crumbly texture that delivers satisfying crunch when baked.
  • Moisture Control: Pat pumpkin puree with paper towel if extra watery to prevent soggy bottom and maintain ideal dessert consistency.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Swap regular flour with gluten-free blend, use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar, and replace butter with plant-based alternative for vegan and gluten-sensitive variations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 170 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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