Rustic Pumpkin Pie Crisp Recipe

Irresistible Pumpkin Pie Crisp Recipe: Golden Buttery Crust Joy

Fall’s golden embrace arrives with this pumpkin pie crisp that weaves comfort into every single bite.

Layers of velvety pumpkin meld perfectly with a crisp, golden topping that crackles with each spoonful.

The rich, warm spices dance across your palate, creating a dessert that feels like a sweet memory.

buttery crumbles blanket a silky smooth pumpkin filling, promising pure autumn indulgence.

Simplicity meets elegance in this classic recipe that transforms humble ingredients into a show-stopping dessert.

Grab your baking dish and let the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg fill your kitchen with warmth.

You’ll want to savor every decadent morsel of this irresistible seasonal treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients in Pumpkin Pie Crisp with a Buttery Crust

For Buttery Crust:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundational base that provides structure and crispness to the crust.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers and rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture; choose high-quality unsalted butter.
  • Cold Water: Binds ingredients together without developing gluten.
For Creamy Pumpkin Filling:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Delivers smooth, earthy autumn flavor; opt for 100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide balanced sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Ginger: Warm spices that create classic pumpkin pie aroma and taste.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent and create custard-like consistency.
  • Evaporated Milk: Adds richness and silky texture without making filling too heavy.
For Crispy Topping:
  • Flour, Oats: Create crunchy, textured layer with complementary bite.
  • Brown Sugar: Offers caramel-like sweetness and helps topping brown.
  • Cinnamon: Reinforces warm spice profile.
  • Melted Butter: Helps bind ingredients and adds rich flavor.

Equipment Essentials for Pumpkin Pie Crisp with a Buttery Crust

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients and mixing dough.
  • Fork: Essential for cutting butter into flour and pricking the crust.
  • Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough smoothly and evenly.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for creating the perfect pie crisp base.
  • Whisk: Great for blending pumpkin filling ingredients until silky smooth.
  • Medium bowl: Used for mixing the crisp topping ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Spatula: Helpful for spreading and evening out mixtures.

How to Build Pumpkin Pie Crisp with a Buttery Crust

  • Crust Foundation

Gather flour, sugar, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Slice cold butter into tiny pieces and blend until the mixture looks like sandy crumbs. Gently add chilly water, mixing until the dough barely holds together. Shape into a smooth disk, wrap snugly, and chill in the refrigerator.

  • Dough Preparation

Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly powdered surface to fit a rectangular baking dish. Carefully transfer and press into the pan’s bottom. Create small holes across the surface using a fork. Bake until edges turn a soft golden color.

  • Pumpkin Magic

Whisk pumpkin puree with sugars and warm spices until silky smooth. Pour this luxurious mixture over the pre-baked crust, creating a rich, creamy layer.

  • Crispy Crown

Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Drizzle melted butter and stir until the topping becomes delightfully crumbly.

  • Baking Finale

Scatter the crispy topping evenly across the pumpkin layer. Slide into a warm oven and bake until the surface turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling sets perfectly.

  • Serving Delight

Let the pie crisp rest briefly before serving. Optional: Crown with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of cool vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Flavorful Add-Ons for Pumpkin Pie Crisp with a Buttery Crust

  • Swap rolled oats with chopped pecans or sliced almonds for a nutty twist on the crisp topping, adding extra texture and rich flavor.
  • Prepare the crust and filling up to two days in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to save time on baking day and enhance flavor development.
  • Experiment with additional warm spices like cardamom or allspice to create a more complex and personalized pumpkin pie crisp that reflects your taste preferences.
  • Convert the recipe to gluten-free by using alternative flour blends for the crust and topping, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dessert without compromise.
  • Drizzle warm caramel sauce or sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds over the finished dessert for an elevated presentation that celebrates autumn flavors.

Presenting Pumpkin Pie Crisp with a Buttery Crust Nicely

  • Garnish with Creamy Goodness: Crown each slice with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream to enhance the dessert's richness and add a cool, luxurious contrast.
  • Sprinkle Seasonal Delights: Dust the top with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or crushed pecans for extra texture and a festive autumn touch that complements the warm pumpkin flavors.
  • Create Elegant Plating: Serve the pie crisp on a rustic ceramic plate with a small mint leaf or a cinnamon stick for an elegant presentation that makes the dessert look even more inviting and professional.
  • Pair with Warm Beverages: Complement the dessert with a hot cup of spiced chai tea, rich coffee, or warm apple cider to elevate the cozy, comforting experience of enjoying this delectable pumpkin treat.

Planning Ahead for Pumpkin Pie Crisp with a Buttery Crust

  • Store Smartly: Transfer any leftover Pumpkin Pie Crisp into airtight containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Refrigerate Quickly: Cool the dessert completely at room temperature, then store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring optimal taste and texture.
  • Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months, perfect for unexpected dessert cravings.
  • Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen Pumpkin Pie Crisp in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to restore its crispy topping and creamy filling.
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Rustic Pumpkin Pie Crisp Recipe

Rustic Pumpkin Pie Crisp Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

This classic pumpkin pie crisp delivers nostalgic autumn comfort with delicate spices and a crunchy streusel topping. Rich layers of pumpkin custard nestled in a flaky homemade crust will delight seasonal dessert enthusiasts when gathered around festive tables.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (12 oz / 340 g) evaporated milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (combined from ½ cup + ¼ cup + ¼ cup)
  • 1 cup brown sugar (combined from ½ cup + ½ cup)
  • ½ cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1 ½ tsps ground cinnamon (combined from 1 tsp + ½ tsp)
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 12 tbsps cold water (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Dough Preparation: Blend flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring uniform distribution of dry ingredients.
  2. Butter Integration: Cut cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, with small butter pieces evenly dispersed.
  3. Dough Formation: Add ice-cold water gradually, mixing until the dough coheres without overworking, then shape into a compact disk and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. Crust Creation: Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing into bottom and sides, then fork-puncture to prevent air bubbles and pre-bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until pale golden.
  5. Filling Composition: Whisk pumpkin puree with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger in a large bowl, then blend in eggs and evaporated milk until silky smooth.
  6. Topping Construction: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then drizzle with melted butter and mix to create a crumbly texture.
  7. Assembly and Baking: Pour pumpkin filling over pre-baked crust, generously sprinkle crisp topping across the surface, and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and filling is set with a slight wobble.
  8. Serving Finale: Cool for 15-20 minutes, then serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch.

Notes

  • Chill Dough Strategically: Cold butter and quick mixing prevent gluten development, ensuring an ultra-flaky, tender crust that melts in your mouth.
  • Dock Crust Carefully: Piercing the pie base with a fork prevents unsightly air bubbles and promotes even baking, creating a perfectly smooth foundation.
  • Monitor Baking Closely: Watch the crisp topping during the final 10-15 minutes to avoid over-browning, which can result in a burnt, bitter taste.
  • Cooling is Crucial: Allowing the pie crisp to rest helps the filling set properly, transforming its texture from runny to perfectly sliceable and wonderfully creamy.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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