If you’re craving a dessert that hugs you with cozy fall flavors, you’ve got to try this Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Recipe. It’s a heartwarming blend of tender apples and silky pumpkin puree layered beneath a perfectly crumbly, spiced oat topping. Each bite bursts with cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and just the right touch of sweetness, making it the ultimate comfort dessert for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings. The magic here lies in how effortlessly the simple ingredients come together to create a dish that tastes like autumn in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is your first step toward that perfect, soul-soothing Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and textures, ensuring that the dessert is both rich and inviting.
- 3 large apples, sliced: Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith to add a bright contrast to the sweetness.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: Brings creamy moisture and that iconic fall flavor without overpowering the apples.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and sweetness to the topping and filling.
- 1/2 cup rolled oats: Provides a hearty, chewy texture to the crisp topping.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the topping into a golden, crumbly crust.
- 1/4 cup butter, softened: Introduces richness and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb layer.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice: The star seasoning blending cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to spice things up just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Deepens the warm spice flavor shining through the apples and topping.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and heightens all the delicious flavors.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly heated when the crisp goes in. While it warms, slice the apples thinly — this lets them cook evenly and soak up all those autumn spices beautifully in the next step.
Step 2: Layer Apples and Pumpkin Puree
In your baking dish, arrange the apple slices evenly. Then gently spoon the pumpkin puree over the apples, creating a creamy, spiced layer that melds the two flavors together. Sprinkle the cinnamon and pumpkin spice on top for a fragrant, inviting burst of warmth.
Step 3: Create the Crisp Topping
Mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, softened butter, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Use your fingers or a fork to combine everything until it forms crumbly clumps that will bake into a golden, buttery topping. This is what gives the dish that perfect balance of crunchy and soft textures.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread the oat mixture evenly over the layered apples and pumpkin. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is a beautiful golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling with tender, spiced apple goodness.
Step 5: Cool and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, let the crisp rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the filling to thicken slightly. Serve warm for the fullest flavor, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or fluffy whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a delightful crunch or a pretty finish to your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Recipe. For extra richness, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melts beautifully on top, enveloping the crisp in creamy goodness.
Side Dishes
This crisp shines all on its own, but you can balance its sweetness with a cup of strong coffee or a warm chai latte to highlight the spiced flavors. If serving as part of a holiday spread, pair it with a light salad or roasted nuts for textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual portions in ramekins for an elegant touch, or layer your crisp in clear glass parfait cups with dollops of whipped cream between layers for a stunning presentation. The vibrant colors of the pumpkin and apple make for a wonderfully festive centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the crisp taste even better the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze this Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Recipe either before baking or after it has cooled. Just cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before warming it up.
Reheating
To bring that fresh-baked warmth back, reheat your crisp in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. This reheating method helps restore the crispy texture on top while warming the filling through thoroughly without sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Fresh pumpkin can be used, but it requires cooking and pureeing beforehand. Canned pumpkin puree is more convenient and offers consistent texture and flavor, making it ideal for this recipe.
What types of apples work best for this recipe?
Tart and firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape well when baked and complement the sweet pumpkin layers perfectly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, since it calls for all-purpose flour and rolled oats which may contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour substitute.
Can I make this dessert vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a vegan margarine or coconut oil, and choose a vegan brown sugar to keep the recipe plant-based.
How spicy is the pumpkin spice in this Apple Crisp?
The pumpkin spice adds a gentle warmth that enhances the apples without being overpowering. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste, but the balance in this recipe is spot on for a classic fall dessert.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about this Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Recipe, offering simple ingredients woven together into a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for sharing, and embodies all the best flavors of fall in every bite. I can’t wait for you to enjoy making it and sharing it with those you love!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp is a cozy, autumn-inspired dessert featuring tender sliced apples layered with smooth pumpkin puree and warm spices, all topped with a buttery, oat-based crumble. Baked to a golden perfection, it’s perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 3 large apples, sliced
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Crisp Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crisp evenly.
- Assemble Fruit Layer: In a baking dish, layer the sliced apples evenly. Spread the canned pumpkin puree over the apples, then sprinkle the pumpkin spice and cinnamon evenly on top to infuse the flavors.
- Prepare Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, softened butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly incorporated.
- Add Topping: Spread the crumbly oat mixture evenly over the layered apples and pumpkin in the baking dish to create the crisp topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples have softened to tender perfection.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving. For an extra indulgence, top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and nice texture.
- Ensure butter is softened to easily mix into the dry ingredients for a better crumble texture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping enhances texture and flavor.
