There’s something magical about autumn, isn’t there? The crunch of leaves underfoot, the smell of woodsmoke in the air… and the irresistible craving for pumpkin everything! For years, I’d been intimidated by pumpkin pie. All that pastry-making seemed like
a complicated circus. Then, a few years back, my grandma shared a secret: why fuss with crust when a delightful crisp can capture all the warm, spiced goodness? This easy pumpkin pie crisp became a yearly tradition. It’s now yours to enjoy too!Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Forget the stress of a flaky pie crust. This Pumpkin Pie Crisp is all about easy comfort and maximum flavor. Here’s why you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again:
- Seriously Simple: Honestly, it’s practically foolproof. Minimal ingredients, easy steps.
- Speedy Dessert: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The warm, spiced pumpkin filling topped with a buttery, crunchy oat crumble? It’s pure happiness on a plate.
- Customizable: Add your favorite nuts, spices, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a personalized treat.
- No-Pie-Skills Required: You don’t need to be a pastry chef to create a dessert that tastes like one.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s get down to business. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious crisp. Don’t worry, you likely have most of these in your pantry already!
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 (15-ounce) can Pumpkin Puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
- ¾ cup Packed Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon Ground Cloves
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup Milk (any kind – dairy or non-dairy works great)
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
For the Oat Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- ¾ cup Rolled Oats (old-fashioned oats)
- ¾ cup Packed Brown Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) Cold Unsalted Butter, cut into cubes
- ½ cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional, but highly recommended!)
Let’s Get Baking! – Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to whip up some autumnal magic? Here’s how to make this easy pumpkin pie crisp.
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. A 9-inch pie dish also works well!
Make the Pumpkin Filling: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Stir in the milk and cornstarch. Mix until smooth and there are no lumps.
Pour into Dish: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Prepare the Oat Crumble: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix – you want to see little bits of butter!
Add Nuts (Optional): If using, stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
Sprinkle the Topping: Sprinkle the oat crumble topping evenly over the pumpkin filling.
Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the crisp cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly.
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
Want to take your Pumpkin Pie Crisp to the next level? Here are a few ideas:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a more complex flavor profile.
- Nutty Goodness: Toasted pecans or walnuts add extra crunch and flavor. You can also use chopped almonds.
- Maple Magic: Substitute 1/4 cup of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup.
- Add Some Fruit: A handful of dried cranberries or raisins will add a delightful chewiness.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Ensure your butter is a dairy-free alternative.
- Serving Suggestions: This crisp is amazing served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. A drizzle of caramel sauce is also a welcome addition! If you are feeling adventurous, try a salted caramel.
Storage: Leftover crisp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on 8 servings. Note: This is an estimate and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
- Calories: 380-420
- Fat: 18-22g
- Saturated Fat: 10-13g
- Carbohydrates: 52-58g
- Fiber: 4-6g
- Sugar: 30-35g
- Protein: 4-5g
Your New Favorite Fall Dessert Awaits!
There you have it! A ridiculously easy pumpkin pie crisp that’s bursting with warm, cozy flavors. Don’t let complicated recipes intimidate you. This one is proof that showing off some baking love doesn’t need to be stressful. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen (and your hearts) with the delicious aroma of autumn. I’m betting this will become a family favorite! Go ahead, give it a try – you won’t regret it. Happy Baking!