Pumpkin Crisp: The Coziest Easy Pumpkin Dessert

Posted on July 11, 2025 ·

by Bellie

Pumpkin Crisp

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When autumn arrives, it brings with it the irresistible aroma of warm spices, baked pumpkins, and cozy evenings — and nothing captures that feeling better than a homemade Pumpkin Crisp. This comforting dessert combines creamy pumpkin pie filling with a buttery, crunchy crisp topping that’s perfect for chilly nights and festive gatherings.

If you’re looking for easy pumpkin desserts that rival a classic pie but are even simpler to make, this Pumpkin Crisp is the answer. It’s one of those pumpkin recipes dessert lovers return to every fall because it’s foolproof, fast to assemble, and downright delicious. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just craving something sweet while sipping a homemade pumpkin cream cold brew, this recipe will satisfy.

Why Pumpkin Crisp is the Perfect Pumpkin Dessert

There are so many reasons to love Pumpkin Crisp. First, it’s a breeze to make, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The creamy pumpkin pie filling base comes together in minutes, and the crisp topping requires no more than a quick stir.

Compared to a traditional pumpkin pie, this dish offers all the same flavors of warm spices, sweet pumpkin, and buttery crust — but with less effort and more texture. This is a dessert that’s equally at home on your Thanksgiving table or as a midweek treat when you want to eat dessert just because.

Pumpkin Recipes Dessert Lovers Will Adore

Pumpkin lovers know that fall is the perfect excuse to try as many pumpkin recipes as possible. This Pumpkin Crisp is a wonderful addition to your rotation, alongside favorites like pumpkin baked oatmeal and sweet pumpkin bread.

It’s also perfect for fans of pumpkin spice latte flavors — warming, lightly spiced, and just sweet enough. If you’re inspired by blogs like How Sweet Eats, this kind of simple yet indulgent dessert is exactly what you’ll want to bake all season long.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Crisp with Pumpkin Pie Filling

To make this easy and cozy Pumpkin Crisp, you’ll need:

  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch

These ingredients come together in under 10 minutes, making this one of the easiest pumpkin recipes dessert fans can whip up.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for Easy Pumpkin Recipes

For this Pumpkin Crisp, you don’t need any fancy equipment. Gather these kitchen staples:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula

These tools are also handy when baking other fall treats like our homemade donuts with pumpkin glaze or banana oatmeal breakfast cookies.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Pumpkin Crisp at Home

Making Pumpkin Crisp is simple enough even for beginner bakers. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and all the spices until smooth. Pour the mixture into your prepared dish.

Next, sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin filling. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, making sure it’s as evenly distributed as possible. Sprinkle nuts on top if using. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving warm, with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

For another easy seasonal dessert, try pairing this crisp with our maple rice krispie treats on a dessert buffet.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Crisp Every Time

Use canned pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling for better control of sweetness and spice. Don’t overbake — you want the center creamy and the topping crisp. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving so the filling can set slightly. Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping gives a lovely crunch that complements the creamy filling perfectly.

Variations: Pumpkin Spice Latte Inspired and More Pumpkin Recipes

This Pumpkin Crisp can be adapted to suit your taste. Sprinkle a pinch of espresso powder into the filling for a subtle pumpkin spice latte vibe. Use spice cake mix instead of yellow cake for extra flavor. Swap in gluten-free cake mix if needed. You can also bake individual portions in ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

If you love creative twists on classics, explore our pumpkin baked oatmeal for breakfast or sweet pumpkin bread as a snack — perfect ways to enjoy more pumpkin recipes throughout the season.

Serving Ideas: How Sweet Eats When You Eat Dessert

There’s no wrong way to eat dessert, but Pumpkin Crisp shines when served slightly warm, topped with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair. For a full fall spread, serve alongside mugs of cherry iced tea or our refreshing watermelon chamomile tea cooler.

Hosting brunch? Offer small portions of Pumpkin Crisp alongside homemade donuts with pumpkin glaze and maple rice krispie treats for a stunning display.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Pumpkin Crisp

If you have leftovers of this Pumpkin Crisp, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to crisp up the topping again before serving. It also tastes delicious cold if you prefer a more custardy texture.

FAQ: Pumpkin Recipes Dessert Questions Answered

Can I make Pumpkin Crisp ahead of time? Yes — assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Can I freeze it? You can bake, cool completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven. What’s the best way to serve it? Warm, with whipped cream or ice cream, though it’s still delicious at room temperature.

Final Thoughts: Easy Pumpkin Crisp Everyone Will Love

This Pumpkin Crisp is everything you love about pumpkin pie — creamy filling, warm spices, and rich flavor — but with a buttery crisp topping that makes it irresistible. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, a casual fall dinner, or just because you’re craving an easy pumpkin dessert, this recipe delivers.

If you love baking seasonal treats and exploring more pumpkin recipes, don’t forget to try our pumpkin baked oatmeal, sweet pumpkin bread, and homemade donuts with pumpkin glaze. Share this recipe with friends and subscribe to our blog for more pumpkin dessert inspiration all year round.

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Pumpkin Crisp: The Coziest Easy Pumpkin Dessert


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  • Author: Bellie
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Pumpkin Crisp is a cozy fall dessert with creamy spiced pumpkin filling and a buttery, crisp topping. Easier than pie yet full of seasonal flavor, perfect for Thanksgiving or weeknight baking.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until smooth.
  3. Pour pumpkin mixture into prepared baking dish.
  4. Evenly sprinkle dry yellow cake mix over the pumpkin filling.
  5. Drizzle melted butter evenly on top. Sprinkle with nuts if using.
  6. Bake 50–55 minutes, until topping is golden brown and crisp.
  7. Cool 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

Notes

  • Use pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix) for best flavor.
  • Don’t overbake — the filling should stay creamy while the top is crisp.
  • Let cool slightly before slicing so it holds together better.
  • Add a pinch of espresso powder to the filling for a subtle pumpkin spice latte note.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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