If you’re looking to embrace the cozy flavors of fall with minimal fuss, this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe is about to become your new go-to dessert. Imagine silky pumpkin pie filling topped with a buttery, golden crisp—each bite delivers a warm hug of autumn spices and just the right crunch. Whether you want a comforting weeknight treat or something crowd-pleasing for the holidays, this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe never disappoints. The simple ingredients come together quickly, making it both approachable and irresistibly delicious. If you love the flavors of pumpkin pie but crave an easy twist, you’re in the right place.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Pumpkin Crisp Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and irresistible aroma. You’ll find most ingredients are pantry staples, and every element layers together to deliver the perfect balance of creamy pumpkin and crunchy topping.
- Pumpkin Puree: The heart of this dessert—smooth, earthy, and brilliantly hued for that deep orange glow in every bite.
- Evaporated Milk: Adds a silky richness that makes the pumpkin layer luxuriously creamy and oh-so-satisfying.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the filling together and giving it a classic, custardy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling just right, balancing pumpkin’s earthiness without overpowering it.
- Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon is all you need to round out the spices with a hint of mellow warmth.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Delivers all the quintessential fall flavors—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in every spoonful.
- Salt: Just a touch enhances the other flavors, making the sweetness and spices pop.
- Yellow Cake Mix: The secret to an easy, crisp topping—just sprinkle and go for golden, buttery crunch.
- Unsalted Butter, Melted: Drizzled over the cake mix, it creates that crave-worthy, crispy top layer.
- Chopped Pecans (Optional): For a toasty, nutty crunch that’s a lovely contrast to the creamy filling.
- Whipped Cream (Optional): Serve each slice with a generous dollop for that classic, dreamy finish.
How to Make Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this simple step ensures a mess-free release and those beautiful, clean slices when serving. A good, even coat makes all the difference for crisp edges.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Pumpkin Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk until everything is perfectly smooth and evenly mixed. Take a moment to appreciate the spicy, sweet aroma swirling up from the bowl—it’s pure autumn magic!
Step 3: Pour and Layer
Pour your velvety pumpkin mixture straight into the prepared baking dish and gently spread it into an even layer. This silky base will become your custardy, fragrant foundation.
Step 4: Create the Crisp Topping
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer, using your hands or a spoon to create a nice, even blanket on top. Drizzle the melted butter slowly and evenly across the surface, ensuring you coat as much of the cake mix as possible—this is key for that signature, golden crisp.
Step 5: Add Pecans and Bake
If you’re a fan of a nutty crunch, scatter chopped pecans across the top before baking. Slide the dish onto the center rack of the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is deeply golden and the pumpkin layer just barely jiggles in the center.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow your Pumpkin Crisp Recipe to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step is worth the wait—the filling sets to perfection, and the crisp topping stays delightfully crunchy. Serve slices warm or chilled, with whipped cream if you like.
How to Serve Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up your Pumpkin Crisp Recipe with a swirl of freshly whipped cream, a light dusting of cinnamon, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you like it extra decadent. A few extra toasted pecans scattered over the top make it look as dreamy as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with a mug of spiced chai tea, a glass of milk, or a piping hot coffee. For holiday gatherings, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or creamy vanilla yogurt to add a refreshing contrast to the rich, pumpkiny flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking the Pumpkin Crisp Recipe in individual ramekins for single servings—perfect for dinner parties or holiday buffets. Fancy up the presentation with a drizzle of caramel sauce or candied ginger on top. If you’re making it for brunch, consider layering it parfait-style in glasses with Greek yogurt and granola for a surprising treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Pumpkin Crisp Recipe has cooled to room temperature, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. Enjoy leftovers within four days for the best flavor and crisp topping. Just remember—the pecans and topping stay crunchiest the first day, but the flavor only gets deeper as it sits!
Freezing
Good news: this dessert can be frozen! Cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole dish securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, simply pop a slice (or the whole pan) into a 325°F oven until heated through—about 15 minutes for a slice, or 25 minutes for a larger portion. You can also use the microwave for a quicker fix, but the oven brings back that signature crisp topping.
FAQs
Can I make Pumpkin Crisp Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the yellow cake mix for your favorite gluten-free yellow or spice cake mix. The results are every bit as delicious with that same crave-worthy crunch.
What’s the difference between pumpkin crisp and pumpkin pie?
Pumpkin pie has a classic pastry crust, while Pumpkin Crisp Recipe skips the fuss and delivers creamy pumpkin filling with a buttery, crunchy, cake-based topping. It’s quicker, easier, and just as satisfying!
Do I have to use pecans in the topping?
No worries if you’d rather skip the nuts—this recipe is just as delicious without them. Or try using chopped walnuts or even a handful of oats for a fun, chewy twist.
Can I prepare Pumpkin Crisp Recipe in advance?
Yes! Assemble the whole dish up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate before baking. When you’re ready for dessert, bake it straight from the fridge with a few extra minutes added to the bake time.
Is it best served hot or cold?
The beauty of Pumpkin Crisp Recipe is its versatility—you can enjoy it warm, with the filling gooey and the topping crisp, or chilled for a firmer, almost cheesecake-like bite. Either way, whipped cream is highly encouraged!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a comforting, no-fuss dessert to celebrate autumn flavors, this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe deserves a spot in your recipe box. It’s endlessly welcoming, easy to share, and always the first dessert to disappear at the table. Give it a try and let each sweet, spiced forkful bring a little more coziness to your day!
Print
Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this easy and delicious Pumpkin Crisp recipe. Creamy pumpkin filling topped with a buttery cake mix and crunchy pecans, this dessert is the perfect treat for the season.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Serving:
- Whipped cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix pumpkin filling: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth.
- Layer and bake: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top. Drizzle melted butter on top, and add pecans if desired. Bake for 50-55 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool and serve: Allow the crisp to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or chilled, topped with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, try using spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
