Pumpkin Pie Crisp

The Pumpkin Pie Crisp takes all the warm, spiced flavors of a classic pumpkin pie and pairs them with a buttery oat crumble topping for a delightful twist on a holiday classic. Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy, pumpkin-spiced filling and sweet, crisp crumble.

This dessert is ideal for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or cozy evenings at home. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and tastes even better with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whether served in casual family style or plated elegantly, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• 1/4 tsp salt

Crisp Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt until smooth.

3. Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

4. In another bowl, combine flour, oats, and brown sugar. Add the cubed butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

5. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the pumpkin filling.

6. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the pumpkin filling is set.

7. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Kcal: 365 kcal | Servings: 10 servings

Pumpkin Pie Crisp – The Cozy Fall Dessert You’ll Keep Coming Back To

When the leaves turn golden and the air gets that crisp, nostalgic chill, there’s one flavor that seems to take over kitchens everywhere: pumpkin. From lattes to muffins, pumpkin is the star of autumn. But if you’re looking for a dessert that combines the creamy, spiced filling of pumpkin pie with the sweet, crumbly comfort of a crisp, you’ve just found your match.

Pumpkin Pie Crisp is a warm, spiced dessert that takes the best elements of traditional pumpkin pie and dresses them up with a golden oat crumble topping. Unlike a pie, there’s no fussing with rolling out a crust, blind baking, or worrying about soggy bottoms. Instead, you whip up a silky pumpkin custard base, top it with buttery oat crumbs, and bake it until the top is crisp and the filling is just set.

This dessert is both rustic and refined. It’s the kind of sweet treat you can serve casually on a Sunday afternoon or bring out with pride as the grand finale to your Thanksgiving feast.

The Inspiration Behind Pumpkin Pie Crisp

Pumpkin pie has been around for centuries, tracing its roots to early American settlers who adapted pumpkin into sweet puddings baked in crusts. Crisps, on the other hand, are a more modern invention, emerging in the early 20th century as an easier, faster alternative to pies, especially during wartime when pie crust ingredients were harder to come by.

Pumpkin Pie Crisp marries the two traditions: you get the nostalgic holiday flavor of pumpkin pie, but with the simplicity and textural contrast of a fruit crisp. The oat topping brings a heartiness that complements the creamy filling, making each spoonful layered and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

• Effortless Preparation: No rolling pins, no pie dough, no chilling crusts.

• Perfect for a Crowd: A 9×13-inch dish can easily feed a group, and it’s just as good the next day.

• Texture Heaven: Creamy, spiced custard topped with a buttery, crunchy oat crumble.

• Adaptable: Can be made gluten-free, dairy-free, or even vegan with simple swaps.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after the flavors mingle overnight.

A Flavor Profile Worth Savoring

What makes Pumpkin Pie Crisp irresistible is the interplay of flavors and textures:

• Creamy Pumpkin Base: Smooth pumpkin purée infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, the very essence of fall.

• Buttery Oat Topping: A golden, slightly chewy crumb layer that provides contrast in every bite.

• Balanced Sweetness: Sweet enough to feel indulgent, but not overpowering, allowing the natural pumpkin flavor to shine.

• Spice Harmony: The spice blend is carefully balanced so no single note dominates, creating a cozy, nostalgic aroma.

Ingredient Insights

While the ingredient list is straightforward, the magic is in how each component contributes:

• Pumpkin Purée: Use pure canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling (which contains added sugar and spices). If using fresh pumpkin purée, make sure it’s well-drained to prevent excess moisture.

• Heavy Cream: Provides richness and a velvety texture. Half-and-half or evaporated milk can work in a pinch.

• Eggs: Help set the custard, giving it structure while keeping it soft.

• Sugar: A blend of granulated sugar in the filling and brown sugar in the topping creates depth of flavor.

• Spices: Cinnamon for warmth, ginger for zing, cloves for a deep, aromatic note.

• Rolled Oats: The base of the crisp topping, adding chewiness and rustic texture.

• Butter: Cold, cubed butter ensures the topping bakes into clumps of crumbly goodness.

Serving Suggestions

While Pumpkin Pie Crisp is outstanding on its own, here are ways to make it extra special:

• A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: Melts over the warm crisp, creating a dreamy combination.

• Freshly Whipped Cream: Light and airy, with a hint of vanilla.

• Drizzle of Salted Caramel: Adds a touch of indulgence and enhances the warm spice notes.

• Candied Pecans: For extra crunch and nutty sweetness.

• Dusting of Cinnamon Sugar: Just before serving for a bakery-style finish.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This dessert holds up beautifully if you prepare it a day in advance. In fact, the flavors deepen overnight:

• Make Ahead: Assemble the pumpkin filling and topping separately, store in the fridge, and combine just before baking.

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15 minutes to revive the crisp topping.

• Freezing: Bake, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat before serving.

Variations to Try

The beauty of Pumpkin Pie Crisp is that it’s easy to customize:

1. Pecan Pumpkin Pie Crisp: Add chopped pecans to the topping for nutty crunch.

2. Gluten-Free Version: Use certified gluten-free oats and swap flour for almond flour.

3. Maple-Sweetened: Replace some of the sugar with pure maple syrup for richer flavor.

4. Gingerbread Twist: Add ground allspice and molasses to the filling for a holiday kick.

5. Vegan-Friendly: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, flax eggs instead of eggs, and vegan butter for the topping.

Pairing Pumpkin Pie Crisp with Beverages

• Coffee: A medium roast with notes of cinnamon or caramel pairs beautifully.

• Chai Latte: The spiced tea mirrors the dessert’s flavor profile.

• Mulled Cider: Warm apple cider infused with spices complements the pumpkin perfectly.

• Dessert Wine: A glass of sweet Riesling or Moscato makes for a luxurious pairing.

Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

• Don’t Overbake: The filling should be just set in the center; overbaking will make it dry.

• Use Cold Butter: This helps create those irresistible, chunky crumbs in the topping.

• Even Topping Layer: Spread the oat mixture evenly so every bite gets the perfect topping-to-filling ratio.

• Let It Rest: Allow at least 15 minutes for the crisp to cool slightly; the filling will firm up and be easier to serve.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Pie Crisp is more than just a dessert, it’s a celebration of autumn flavors and the joy of gathering. It offers the nostalgic taste of pumpkin pie with a modern, easygoing twist that fits into any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, attending a potluck, or simply craving something cozy to enjoy on a chilly evening, this dessert delivers every time.

With its creamy pumpkin custard, crunchy oat topping, and warm spices, it’s a dish that invites second helpings and creates lasting memories. Once you make it, it’s bound to become a yearly tradition, one that bridges the gap between old-fashioned holiday pies and contemporary comfort baking.