Easy Pumpkin Crisp: Your New Favorite Fall Dessert Recipe

July 25, 2025

As autumn leaves paint the world in shades of gold and red, there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen. This Easy Pumpkin Crisp recipe delivers all the beloved flavors of fall in a simple, utterly satisfying dessert. Imagine a creamy, spiced pumpkin base topped with a golden, buttery, irresistible streusel – it's pure seasonal bliss without any fuss!

Forget complicated pies or lengthy baking projects; this pumpkin crisp comes together quickly, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight treat or a standout addition to your holiday dessert table. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and prepare for smiles all around!

Table of Contents

Why You'll Fall in Love with This Easy Pumpkin Crisp

Our recipe for Easy Pumpkin Crisp is designed for those who adore the taste of pumpkin pie but want a simpler, quicker path to dessert heaven. The magic lies in the delightful contrast: a smooth, custardy pumpkin filling infused with classic autumn spices meets a crunchy, sweet streusel topping. Every spoonful offers a perfect blend of textures and warmth.

It’s a truly versatile dessert too – easy to customize with nuts or oats, and it reheats wonderfully, making it a great option for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Plus, the minimal effort yields maximum reward, filling your home with the most enchanting fall scents.

Gather Your Autumn Essentials: Ingredients for Success

Crafting this delicious dessert requires two main components: a rich, creamy pumpkin filling and a delightful, crumbly streusel topping. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Velvety Pumpkin Filling:

1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (ensure it's pure pumpkin, not pie filling!)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup heavy cream

For the Crispy Streusel Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Perfect Pumpkin Crisp

Ready to bake? Follow these straightforward steps to create a dessert that will become a new fall favorite!

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or a 12-inch cast iron skillet with butter or a non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Pour in the heavy cream and continue whisking until it’s fully incorporated into the pumpkin mixture. Carefully transfer this creamy filling into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, prepare the streusel topping. Combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together with a fork.

Step 5: Add the melted unsalted butter to the dry streusel mixture. Use a fork to mix until coarse, crumbly pieces form. Avoid overmixing to maintain the desired crumbly texture.

Step 6: Evenly distribute the streusel topping over the pumpkin filling in the baking dish, ensuring it covers the entire surface.

Step 7: Place the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The crisp is done when the pumpkin filling is mostly set (it will have a slight jiggle in the center) and the streusel topping is beautifully golden brown. If the topping browns too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.

Step 8: Once baked, remove the pumpkin crisp from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This allows the filling to firm up a bit. Serve warm with your favorite additions.

Tips for an Unforgettable Pumpkin Crisp

Doneness Check: The easiest way to check if your crisp is set is to gently shake the dish. The center should be mostly firm with a slight wobble, indicating a perfectly cooked custard.
Boost the Crunch: For an extra rustic and crunchy streusel, try adding ½ cup of old-fashioned rolled oats to your topping mixture.
Flavor Enhancements: A small pinch of ground cloves or a teaspoon of finely grated orange zest can add intriguing depth to the pumpkin filling. For more about this key ingredient, explore this Wikipedia article on pumpkin puree.
Prevent Over-Browning: If your streusel topping starts to brown too quickly before the filling is set, simply cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
Serving Versatility: While incredible warm, don’t hesitate to enjoy any leftovers cold, straight from the fridge!

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

This Pumpkin Crisp is a star on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate it to a truly extraordinary dessert:

Classic Pairings: A generous scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream or a cloud of freshly whipped cream is a must-have for many.
Sweet Drizzles: Enhance the richness with a warm caramel sauce, a touch of maple syrup, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Nutty Texture: Fold ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into your streusel topping for an added layer of flavor and crunch.
Dairy-Free Delight: For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream in the filling with full-fat coconut milk from a can.
Spice It Up: A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper in the pumpkin filling can add a subtle, intriguing warmth that complements the sweet spices.

If you're looking for more comforting fall recipes, be sure to check out our Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread – Easy & Delicious Recipe for another spiced treat. For a savory pumpkin dish perfect for the season, don't miss our Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups with Crispy Bacon!

Conclusion: Your New Autumn Favorite Awaits!

This Easy Pumpkin Crisp is truly a celebration of fall, embodying everything we love about the season in a single, delightful dish. Its perfect harmony of creamy pumpkin and crisp streusel is guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe offers an approachable and rewarding experience. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and let the comforting flavors and aromas make your home a haven of autumn coziness. Happy baking!

Easy Pumpkin Crisp

Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful fall dessert featuring a creamy, spiced pumpkin filling topped with a buttery, crunchy streusel.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or a 12-inch cast iron skillet with butter or a non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Pour in the heavy cream and continue whisking until it’s fully incorporated into the pumpkin mixture. Carefully transfer this creamy filling into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, prepare the streusel topping. Combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together with a fork.
Step 5: Add the melted unsalted butter to the dry streusel mixture. Use a fork to mix until coarse, crumbly pieces form. Avoid overmixing to maintain the desired crumbly texture.
Step 6: Evenly distribute the streusel topping over the pumpkin filling in the baking dish, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Step 7: Place the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The crisp is done when the pumpkin filling is mostly set (it will have a slight jiggle in the center) and the streusel topping is beautifully golden brown. If the topping browns too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.
Step 8: Once baked, remove the pumpkin crisp from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This allows the filling to firm up a bit. Serve warm with your favorite additions.

Notes

For an extra crunch, add ½ cup of old-fashioned rolled oats to the streusel topping. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the pumpkin mixture for a deeper spice flavor. This crisp is excellent served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg

FAQs

Can I prepare this Easy Pumpkin Crisp ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pumpkin filling and the streusel topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to bake, combine and follow the instructions. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for gatherings!

What's the best way to store leftover pumpkin crisp?

Leftover Pumpkin Crisp should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It's delicious served chilled, or you can warm individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Can I make this pumpkin crisp recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the streusel topping with your preferred gluten-free baking flour blend. Most blends work very well for streusel.

What can I serve with Pumpkin Crisp?

This crisp is fantastic on its own, but it's even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. A sprinkle of chopped pecans on top adds extra crunch.