Name: Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ⅔ cup heavy cream; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

There’s something wonderfully cozy about a Pumpkin Crisp Recipe — it’s like fall wrapped up in a warm, toasty slice. You’ll find this dessert perfect when the air starts to cool, and everyone’s craving that classic pumpkin flavor with a crunchy, buttery topping. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a holiday highlight, this crisp combines creamy pumpkin pie filling with a golden cinnamon streusel that’s downright addictive.

The image shows a warm dessert served in two parts: a white bowl in the front filled with a layer of soft, crumbly, brownish-orange crisp topping with a scoop of smooth, creamy white ice cream on top; behind it, a black cast iron skillet holds more of the same crumbly dessert, with three scoops of white ice cream melting on the surface. The dessert layers contrast the rough texture of the crisp topping and the creamy melting ice cream, set against a dark rustic table with scattered red and orange autumn leaves and a small orange pumpkin adding seasonal color. A golden spoon rests in the skillet, ready to serve. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 — Pumpkin Crisp, pumpkin crisp recipe, fall dessert, pumpkin dessert, apple crisp with pumpkin

Jump to:

In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

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In the Kitchen

This Pumpkin Crisp Recipe hits the perfect balance between a smooth, spiced pumpkin filling and a crispy, buttery topping that’s both simple and irresistibly delicious.

Juicy and Tender Every Time: The heavy cream added to the pumpkin mix keeps the filling silky and rich without drying out.
Golden, Satisfying Finish: The cinnamon streusel crisps up beautifully, adding a toasty texture and warm spice notes.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: No fancy components here — just pantry staples that you probably already have on hand.
Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Easy prep and bake time make it a great go-to whenever pumpkin cravings strike.

Ingredients at a Glance

Pumpkin Crisp Recipe - Recipe Image — Pumpkin Crisp, pumpkin crisp recipe, fall dessert, pumpkin dessert, apple crisp with pumpkin

Choosing quality ingredients ensures your Pumpkin Crisp Recipe shines. Freshly ground pumpkin pie spice makes a noticeable difference, and don’t skip the unsalted butter—it’s key to that perfect streusel texture.

Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for control over spices and sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Keeps the filling sweet but clean-tasting; brown sugar would change the texture.
Eggs: Make sure they’re fresh to help the filling set just right.
Pumpkin pie spice: Fresh is best—grab one with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for authenticity.
Heavy cream: Adds richness that goes beyond milk or half-and-half, keeping the pumpkin silky.
Flour for topping: All-purpose flour creates that crumbly crisp topping you’re aiming for.
Butter, melted: Unsalted butter is key as it lets you control the salt level in the topping.

Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Pumpkin Crisp Recipe

Step 1 — Prepping Your Pumpkin Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 12-inch cast iron skillet or a medium casserole dish—this piece will cradle your crisp perfectly and add a little rustic charm. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, blend in the heavy cream. You’re aiming for a creamy, uniform mixture that will bake up tender and flavorful. I like to do this step thoroughly because it helps the filling set just right, avoiding any curdling or separation.

Step 2 — Crafting the Cinnamon Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and use a fork or your fingers to stir until the mixture turns crumbly with pea-sized clusters. This topping is the highlight — it bakes into a toasty, crunchy crust, contrasting beautifully with the creamy pumpkin below. If you want a lighter texture, feel free to beat with a hand mixer briefly until crumbly. Spread this topping evenly over your pumpkin filling; try not to press it down so it stays nice and crisp.

Step 3 — Baking and Serving Up

Bake your Pumpkin Crisp Recipe in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll notice the filling is set when it doesn’t jiggle much and the streusel topping turns a beautiful golden brown. If the top browns too fast, tent it loosely with foil to avoid burning while the filling finishes baking. Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes to firm up, then serve warm. I especially love it with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence.

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Things to Remember

From my own kitchen adventures, here’s what I’ve learned to nail this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe every time.

Doneness Cue: The filling should feel set with no jiggle in the center before taking it out.
Temperature Trick: Baking at 375°F gives the streusel time to crisp without drying the pumpkin.
Make-Ahead Move: Assemble the crisp a few hours early and refrigerate; bake right before serving.
Common Pitfall: Avoid pressing down the streusel topping—it’ll lose its crunch if compacted.

Ways to Serve It

Finishing Touches

I find that a scoop of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream works wonders, melting slowly over that warm cinnamon streusel. If you’re aiming for a lighter touch, freshly whipped cream with a hint of vanilla complements the pumpkin’s spice without overpowering it, creating that perfect creamy balance we all love in a Pumpkin Crisp Recipe.

Plays Well With

This dessert pairs beautifully with hot beverages like chai latte or spiced cider. For a texture contrast, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top or serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette—trust me, the sweet-savory combo is surprisingly delightful.

Simple Plating Upgrades

For an easy upgrade, dust a little ground cinnamon or powdered sugar on the top just before serving. Adding a fresh sprig of mint or a few thin apple slices gives a pop of color and a fresh note—effortlessly elegant for sharing with guests or family.

Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh

Storing Leftovers

Keep your crusty delight in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You might notice the topping softens a bit as it sits—that’s normal, but lightly reheating in the oven helps restore that crispness.

Freezing Tips

This Pumpkin Crisp Recipe freezes well when wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze it unbaked or baked; if unbaked, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. For baked leftovers, thaw in the fridge and reheat gently to keep textures intact.

Reheating Pumpkin Crisp Recipe Without Drying Out

Reheat slices in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes to warm through without drying. To keep the streusel crisp, avoid covering the top. If you prefer microwave, heat briefly in 20-second bursts, topped with a small damp napkin to add moisture. An air fryer set at 300°F for 5 minutes also works wonders to rejuvenate that golden crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! You’ll need to roast and puree your fresh pumpkin until smooth. Drain any excess moisture for the best texture in your Pumpkin Crisp Recipe.

What’s the difference between this and pumpkin pie?

While pumpkin pie has a crust base, this crisp uses a streusel topping on a creamy pumpkin filling—offering a delightful texture contrast and easier prep without rolling dough.

Can I make this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour in the topping with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking, and ensure your blend doesn’t have any xanthan gum for best crumb texture.

How do I prevent the topping from burning?

If you notice the streusel browning too quickly, tent the dish loosely with foil mid-bake to protect the topping while the filling finishes setting.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Crisp Recipe has become one of those go-to desserts in my kitchen for good reason. It’s both comforting and easy, turning simple pantry staples into a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for cooler days or any time you want cozy flavors with minimal fuss. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—there’s nothing like the scent of warm cinnamon and pumpkin filling the house, inviting everyone to the table.

Full Printable Recipe