Pumpkin Crisp

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Pumpkin Crisp is a delightful twist on traditional pumpkin pie. With its creamy filling and golden cinnamon streusel topping, it’s sure to warm your heart and home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it warm with a scoop of ice cream, it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy pumpkin!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Pumpkin Crisp comes together in just about 15 minutes of prep time! Perfect for those who want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the comforting flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon. It’s an excellent way to get kids excited about dessert!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this ahead of time and bake it just before serving. It’s great for holiday gatherings or when you have guests over.
• Deliciously Versatile: Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream, and feel free to get creative with toppings like nuts or chocolate chips!
• Perfect for Fall: The combination of pumpkin and spices brings all the cozy vibes associated with autumn.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful Pumpkin Crisp. You likely have many of these items on hand already!

For the 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 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Some Nuts: Consider mixing in chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping for added crunch.
• Spice It Up: If you love bold flavors, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling for an extra kick.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter version.
• Fruit Twist: Add fresh cranberries or raisins into the filling for a fruity surprise!

How to Make Pumpkin Crisp

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your dessert bakes evenly and gives that lovely golden finish. Butter your 12-inch cast iron skillet or medium casserole dish so nothing sticks!

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients together creates that smooth and creamy base that makes this dish so special. Once mixed well, gently stir in the heavy cream until everything is combined beautifully. Pour this luscious mixture into your prepared skillet.

Step 3: Make the Crispy Topping

In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Adding melted butter turns this mixture into a crumbly texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling. Don’t worry if it takes a bit of elbow grease; just keep mixing until it’s nice and crumbly. Spread this delicious streusel over the pumpkin mixture evenly.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Place your skillet in the oven and bake until the filling is set and the top is golden brown—about 40 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it; if your topping browns too quickly, lightly cover it with foil.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

Let your Pumpkin Crisp cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This waiting period helps firm up that delicious filling. When you’re ready to dig in, serve it warm topped with ice cream or whipped cream—cinnamon ice cream is my personal favorite if you can find it!

Now you’re all set to enjoy this comforting treat!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Crisp

Creating the perfect Pumpkin Crisp is all about attention to detail and a few helpful tricks. Here are some pro tips to ensure your dessert turns out wonderfully every time!

• Choose quality pumpkin puree: Using high-quality pumpkin puree makes a significant difference in flavor. Opt for 100% pure pumpkin without added sugars or spices to let the natural taste shine.

• Don’t skip the cooling time: Allowing your Pumpkin Crisp to cool for at least 10 minutes helps the filling firm up, making it easier to slice and serve. This also ensures that each bite is perfectly balanced with the streusel topping.

• Experiment with spices: If you want to customize your flavor profile, feel free to add more spices such as nutmeg or ginger. This can enhance the warmth and complexity of the dish, making it even more delightful.

• Use a mix of flour for topping: For an interesting twist on texture, consider mixing all-purpose flour with almond flour or oat flour. This can add a nutty flavor and make your streusel topping even more delicious.

• Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dessert multiple times!

How to Serve Pumpkin Crisp

Serving your Pumpkin Crisp is just as important as making it! With a little creativity, you can turn this delightful dessert into a showstopper that will impress your friends and family.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A light and fluffy alternative to traditional whipped cream, coconut cream adds a tropical twist that complements the pumpkin flavors beautifully.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkling some chopped nuts on top adds crunch and enhances the autumn vibe of your dish. Plus, they provide healthy fats!
• Caramel drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce elevates your Pumpkin Crisp with extra sweetness and richness. It’s a decadent addition that everyone will love.

Side Dishes

• Cranberry sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce balances out the sweetness of the Pumpkin Crisp perfectly, offering a refreshing contrast on your plate.
• Vanilla bean ice cream: Nothing pairs better with warm desserts than vanilla bean ice cream! Its creamy texture melts into the warm filling, creating an irresistible combination.
• Spiced apple cider: Serve hot spiced apple cider alongside your dessert for a comforting and festive drink option that warms both body and soul during those chilly fall evenings.
• Autumn salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, sliced apples, pecans, and a light vinaigrette adds brightness to your meal and keeps things balanced!

With these serving ideas and tips in mind, you’re all set to wow your guests (or just yourself) with this delightful Pumpkin Crisp! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Crisp not only makes for a delightful dessert but also shines as a meal prep star! You can whip it up in advance, making it perfect for gatherings or simply to enjoy throughout the week. Here are some simple guidelines on how to store and reheat this delicious treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the Pumpkin Crisp to cool completely before storing.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, ensure the Pumpkin Crisp is completely cooled.
• Cut into portions and wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this wonderful Pumpkin Crisp recipe!

Can I make Pumpkin Crisp ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare your Pumpkin Crisp ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it properly!

What is the best way to enjoy Pumpkin Crisp?

The best way to enjoy Pumpkin Crisp is warm, topped with your favorite ice cream or whipped cream. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Can I substitute any ingredients in the Pumpkin Crisp recipe?

Yes! You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option. Additionally, feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste!

How long does leftover Pumpkin Crisp last?

Leftover Pumpkin Crisp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Pumpkin Crisp as much as I do! It’s a comforting dessert that captures all the cozy flavors of fall and is perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring all by yourself. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe out—it just might become your new favorite way to celebrate autumn! Happy baking!