Pumpkin Crisp
This pumpkin crisp recipe is a cozy and delicious alternative to traditional pumpkin pie. With a
creamy pumpkin filling and a buttery oat-pecan topping, it has all the flavors of fall in every bite.
It’s easier to make than pie but just as festive — perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any
autumn gathering.
Must-Know Cooking Skills to Level Up your Kitchen Game
To make this recipe even easier, check out these videos to learn how to:
Learn how to slice and dice like a pro in our Knife Skills 101 course!
Culinary Tips for the Best Pumpkin Crisp
● Don’t overmix the topping: Work the butter into the oat mixture until just crumbly —
overmixing can lead to a dense topping.
● Use the right pumpkin: Be sure to use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling,
which already contains sugar and spices.
● Watch the bake time: Tent the crisp with foil if the topping starts browning too quickly
before the filling sets.
● Cool slightly before serving: This helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
● All-Purpose Flour: Sub whole wheat pastry flour or oat flour for extra fiber. Gluten-free
measure for measure flours also work great!
● Brown Sugar: Use coconut sugar, maple sugar, or a mix of granulated and brown
sugar.
● Pecans: Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds — or omit for nut-free.
● Butter: Substitute coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
● Spices: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for extra warmth.
Pumpkin Crisp Variations
● Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Crisp: Sprinkle ½ cup dark chocolate chips into the topping
before baking.
Equipment Recommendations for Baking Crisp
For best results, use the following tools:
● Mixing Bowls – for whisking filling and topping separately
● Whisk – for smooth pumpkin filling
● Pastry Cutter – for working butter into the topping
● 8×8 or 9×9 Baking Dish – the perfect size for even baking
● Measuring Cups & Spoons – accuracy matters in baking
Check out our essential equipment guide to stock your kitchen with ALL the tools you need to
prepare anything and everything!
Health Benefits of Pumpkin Crisp
While pumpkin crisp is still a dessert, using nutrient-dense ingredients like pumpkin, oats, nuts,
and spices makes it a wholesome treat. Plus, desserts can most definitely be part of a healthy
diet!
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A supports eye
health, immunity, and healthy skin. Pumpkin also contains fiber, which helps regulate digestion
and contributes to feelings of fullness.
Oats
Oats provide soluble fiber, which may help lower cholesterol and support heart health.
Pecans
Pecans supply plant-based protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats that may reduce inflammation
and improve brain function.
Spices
Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are rich in antioxidants and add flavor without extra sugar.
Explore our Ingredient Guide for more tips on choosing the freshest, most flavorful picks for your
recipes. Because great ingredients = great food! 🌟🌟
How to Serve Pumpkin Crisp
Serve warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent finish. It’s also delicious
cold or at room temperature topped with Greek yogurt and served with a hot cup of coffee or
tea.
Learn how to build a healthy balanced meal with our Whole Life Plate, meal plan, and book!
Storage Tips
Allow pumpkin crisp to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat
individual portions in the microwave or the oven to revive the crisp topping. For longer storage,
freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Looking for additional healthy Thanksgiving recipes?
Check these out!
Vegetarian Stuffing Base Recipe
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce with Cherries and Ginger
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
Roasted Sweet Potato and Banana Casserole
Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
Share the Love – Leave Us a Review!
Unlike many other recipe blogs, we encourage you to tweak our recipes to suit your taste. Try it
out, leave us a review, and tell us what changes you made! We love hearing how you make it
your own.
FAQ Questions:
How do I know when pumpkin crisp is done baking?
The pumpkin crisp is ready when the topping is golden brown and the pumpkin filling is set. A slight jiggle in the center is okay, but the filling should not appear liquid. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil and continue baking.
Can I make pumpkin crisp ahead of time?
Yes. Pumpkin crisp can be baked a day or two in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Reheat individual servings before serving, or enjoy it chilled.
How should I store leftover pumpkin crisp?
Can pumpkin crisp be frozen?
Yes. After cooling completely, wrap the baking dish tightly or transfer portions to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Pumpkin Crisp
Ingredients
- 15 oz can pumpkin puree
- 1 ½ cups (12 fl oz can) evaporated milk
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish or spray with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth. Pour pumpkin filling into prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and salt.
- Cut butter into ½ inch cubes. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it makes a coarse crumbly mixture. Do not over mix. Gently sprinkle oat mixture on top of pumpkin.
- Bake 50-55 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and pumpkin filling is set. If topping is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil and continue baking until done. Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
This Post Has 2 Comments
This pumpkin crisp turned out amazing! My family loved it, especially the kids. They couldn’t stop asking for more. Thank you, Vahista, for such a delicious and easy recipe!
That makes me so happy!