Pumpkin Crisp is the ultimate fall dessert that combines a creamy pumpkin pie filling with a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping. This delightful dish is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or simply enjoying at home. Its warm flavors and enticing aroma will surely make it your new favorite way to savor pumpkin pie!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and spices creates a deliciously rich taste that embodies the essence of fall.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or even on its own for a delightful treat any time of day.
- Perfect for Occasions: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a potluck, or a cozy night in, Pumpkin Crisp fits every occasion beautifully.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: With its satisfying textures and flavors, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Pumpkin Crisp effortlessly, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. These tools help ensure that the baking process goes smoothly and efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 12-inch cast iron skillet or medium casserole dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Fork or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast Iron Skillet: Provides even heat distribution for perfect baking results.
- Whisk: Ensures smooth mixing of the pumpkin filling without lumps.
- Fork or Hand Mixer: Ideal for achieving the crumbly texture of the streusel topping.
Ingredients
This is the original Pumpkin Crisp recipe, an easy fall dessert made with a creamy pumpkin pie filling and a golden cinnamon streusel crumb topping baked on top. Served warm with ice cream, it will be your new favorite way to enjoy pumpkin pie!
For the Pumpkin 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 Streusel 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)
How to Make Pumpkin Crisp
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Butter a 12-inch cast iron skillet or a medium casserole dish. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling
In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until smooth.
3. Pour this mixture into your prepared skillet.
Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping
In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add in the melted butter to create a crumbly texture using either a fork or hand mixer.
3. Evenly spread this crumb topping over the pumpkin filling.
Step 4: Bake
Place your skillet in the preheated oven. Bake until the filling is set and the top is golden brown for about 40 to 45 minutes. If needed, cover lightly with foil if browning too quickly.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow cooling for about 10 minutes so that the pie filling can firm up. Serve warm topped with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat! Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Crisp!
How to Serve Pumpkin Crisp
Pumpkin Crisp is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it plain or with toppings, there are many serving suggestions that enhance its flavor and presentation.
Classic Serving
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a traditional approach.
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top to add sweetness and richness.
Festive Twist
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle cinnamon for a seasonal touch.
- Add crushed pecans or walnuts for extra texture and crunch.
Creative Combinations
- Pair with cinnamon ice cream for a unique flavor experience.
- Serve alongside a cup of hot apple cider to complement the pumpkin flavors.
Breakfast Treat
- Enjoy as a breakfast option by adding yogurt on top, making it a delicious morning treat.
- Serve with fresh fruit slices for a refreshing balance.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Crisp
To achieve the best results with your Pumpkin Crisp, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your dessert game.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh pumpkin puree offers better flavor than canned options. Make your own if possible!
- Check doneness: Ensure the filling is set before removing it from the oven. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
- Cool properly: Letting it cool for at least 10 minutes allows the filling to firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Experiment with spices: Adjust pumpkin pie spice to your taste. Adding nutmeg or ginger can enhance the flavor profile.
- Store correctly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness for several days.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Crisp
Serving Pumpkin Crisp alongside complementary side dishes can make your meal more satisfying. Here are some great options:
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their earthy flavor contrasts nicely with the sweetness of Pumpkin Crisp.
- Maple-Glazed Carrots: The sweetness enhances the dessert’s flavors, while the crunch adds texture.
- Cinnamon Sugar Pecans: These provide a crunchy topping that echoes the crisp topping of your dessert.
- Apple Salad: A refreshing apple salad with nuts and cheese balances the rich pumpkin flavors perfectly.
- Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses that pair well with sweet desserts, such as Brie or sharp cheddar.
- Chai-Spiced Muffins: These muffins complement the spices in Pumpkin Crisp while offering a soft texture contrast.
- Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt adds creaminess and can be served as a light side dish alongside Pumpkin Crisp.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Pumpkin Crisp can be simple, but certain mistakes can ruin your dessert. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the preheating step: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking. If you skip this, your filling may not set properly.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can affect the texture of your filling.
- Overmixing the batter: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of a light and fluffy filling.
- Not letting it cool: Allow your Pumpkin Crisp to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the filling firm up and makes for easier slicing.
- Neglecting to cover during baking: If the topping browns too quickly, cover it with foil. This prevents burning while the filling continues to bake.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Pumpkin Crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will last for about 3-4 days.
Freezing Pumpkin Crisp
- Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Crisp
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering it to warm evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Crisp that might help clarify your recipe journey.
What is Pumpkin Crisp?
Pumpkin Crisp is a delightful fall dessert featuring creamy pumpkin pie filling topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel. It’s a cozy treat perfect for chilly evenings.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! You can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s cooked and blended until smooth for the best results in your Pumpkin Crisp.
How do I customize my Pumpkin Crisp?
You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch or mix in chocolate chips for a sweet twist on this classic dessert.
Can I make Pumpkin Crisp ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just make sure to bake it fresh before serving.
What should I serve with Pumpkin Crisp?
This dessert pairs beautifully with ice cream or whipped cream. Cinnamon ice cream adds a delightful touch!
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Crisp is an easy yet impressive dessert that captures the essence of fall flavors. With its creamy filling and crunchy topping, it’s versatile enough to satisfy various tastes. Feel free to customize it with nuts or ice cream flavors as you prefer—this recipe is bound to become a seasonal favorite!
Pumpkin Crisp
Pumpkin Crisp is the quintessential fall dessert, bringing together a luscious creamy pumpkin pie filling and a delightful crunchy cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for family gatherings, Thanksgiving celebrations, or cozy evenings at home, this dessert exudes warm autumn flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. With its rich taste and charming aroma, Pumpkin Crisp is sure to become your go-to treat for the season. Whether you serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it plain, each bite promises to be a blissful experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately six people
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (for streusel)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for streusel)
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and butter a 12-inch cast iron skillet or medium casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add heavy cream.
- Pour the filling into the prepared dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Spread the streusel evenly over the pumpkin filling.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until set and golden brown. If necessary, cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Allow cooling for about 10 minutes before serving warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
