Pumpkin Crisp without Cake Mix

Try pumpkin crisp this season for a warm treat that has ALL the Fall flavors you love. Topped with some ice cream this quick and easy dessert will make you want another scoop. (affiliate links present)

Homemade Pumpkin Crisp Recipe

Yes we have a lot of pumpkin dessert recipes here on Zopago blog. It is probably my favorite flavor next to adding fresh apples to almost anything.

Our Instant Pot apple crisp got me started on this whole thing. There are two layers to this. The inside is creamy kind of like a pumpkin pie, with an oat crispy layer on the top.

Ingredients

• Eggs and sugar will be creamed together with the room temperature butter
• Pumpkin canned or make homemade pressure cooker pumpkin puree
• Vanilla extract
• Quick oats, not Old Fashioned
• All purpose flour is the base of the oat topping
• Brown sugar is a deeper sweetness than white sugar
• Baking powder and baking soda
• Pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon for Fall flavors
• Whipped topping like Cool Whip is great when served on top

What is crisp topping made of?

Crisp topping, also known as crumble topping, is made of a few simple ingredients that, when combined, create a crunchy, sweet topping for baked fruits and desserts. Typically you combine flour, oats, sugar, butter and spices like cinnamon and/or nutmeg.

The top layer will be mixed separately and then spread on the bottom layer. Bake until you reach a golden brown and let it rest so it can firm up a bit before serving.

If you are an uber fan of pumpkin like I am, you just can’t get enough. The bottom layer is kinda’ like pumpkin pie filling without the pie crust (which I could care less about anyway).

How to Make Pumpkin Crisp Without Cake Mix

Time needed: 40 minutes

Pumpkin Crisp

1. Prepare Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a bowl combine ingredients for the crisp layer EXCEPT the butter. Add butter and use pastry cutter or your hands to incorporate into the mixture well.
2. Layer Spray inside of baking dish and spread half of crisp layer on to bottom of dish, evenly distributed. In a large bowl mix pumpkin ingredients EXCEPT whipped topping (cold but not frozen).
3. Topping Once everything is incorporated, gently fold in the topping. Pour pumpkin mixture on top of thin layer of crisp. Then sprinkle on remaining crisp on the very top of your baking dish.
4. Bake Now bake for 40-45 minutes until top is golden brown.
5. Rest Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before scooping out so it can firm up.

What is the secret to crunchy crumble?

Cold butter is essential for a crunchy crumble. When the cold butter melts in the oven, it creates small pockets in the topping that add to the crisp texture. Adding rolled oats and chopped nuts (like almonds, pecans, or walnuts) adds texture and crunch. Brown sugar is preferred for crumble because it adds a caramel-like flavor and a bit more moisture.

Variations

1. Whipped cream on the top when done
2. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
3. Chopped nuts could be sprinkled on top before baking

Other Pumpkin Desserts You’ll Love

Yes traditional pumpkin pie is great but there is SO much more beyond that you should try.

• You can make pumpkin cookies with cake mix another night.
• Set oven to 350 degrees and make a batch of pumpkin zucchini muffins.
• Pumpkin Pudding Cake is a fave every season.

You could add a bit of puree to our Instant Pot rice pudding recipe for a twist. Mixed in with the evaporated milk it would add another layer of flavor you’d love.