Oh, I just have to tell you about this Apple Pumpkin Crisp Recipe—it’s hands down one of my fall favorites! There’s something about the cozy blend of tart apples and smooth pumpkin puree that instantly feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to wow your holiday guests or just craving a comforting treat on a chilly evening, this crisp is exactly what you need.
What I especially love about this Apple Pumpkin Crisp Recipe is how simple it is to pull together, yet it feels so special. The combo of maple syrup, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spices adds a depth of flavor you don’t always get in everyday crisp recipes. You’ll find that each bite has just the right balance of sweet, spicy, and nutty crunch that keeps you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Fall Flavors: The combination of apple and pumpkin spices brings cozy autumn vibes to every bite.
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep means you’re enjoying this sweet treat without stress.
- Crunchy & Tender Texture: A wonderful contrast between soft apple filling and crisp oat topping.
- Family Favorite: My loved ones go crazy for this recipe every time it comes out of the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I always think the magic of this Apple Pumpkin Crisp Recipe starts with fresh, quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The apples bring freshness and tartness, while the pumpkin puree adds silky richness and depth.
- Apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) for an authentic pumpkin flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and enhances the fall flavor profile.
- Brown Sugar: Gives a caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with spices.
- Vanilla Extract: A subtle touch that warms up the flavors beautifully.
- Lemon Juice: Keeps the apples from browning and adds a nice bright note.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice & Cinnamon: The signature spices that turn this crisp into a seasonal treat.
- Rolled Oats: For that hearty, chewy topping everyone loves.
- White Whole Wheat Flour: Adds nuttiness and structure without overpowering the topping.
- Pecans: Chopped for crunch and a lovely nutty flavor.
- Cold Butter: Key to making the topping wonderfully crumbly and crisp.
Variations
I love to mix things up sometimes with this Apple Pumpkin Crisp Recipe, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Whether you want it a bit healthier or jazzed up for company, a few tweaks can transform this classic.
- Nut-Free Variation: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or simply omit them if there are allergy concerns; it still tastes amazing!
- Spice Twist: Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg for an extra warm kick – I discovered this trick on a chilly evening, and it really lifts the flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of regular butter to keep it plant-based without sacrificing texture.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or granola on top if you want a little something different.
How to Make Apple Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always make sure to spray my baking dish with nonstick spray or lightly butter it—this keeps the crisp from sticking and makes cleanup way easier. A large, shallow dish works best here since you want an even layer of apples topped with that glorious topping.
Step 2: Make the Apple Pumpkin Filling
In a big bowl, toss together your thinly sliced apples, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Mixing it in one bowl means all those delicious flavors get to mingle and blend perfectly. I love to give it a gentle stir—don’t mash the apples; you want to keep their nice bite in the final dish!
Step 3: Prepare the Crisp Topping
Next up, combine your rolled oats, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt in another bowl. Now here’s my favorite part: add the cold, diced butter and use your fingers to work it into the mixture. You want little pea-sized crumbs forming—this crumbly texture is what makes the topping crisp up beautifully in the oven. I found that cold butter really makes the difference in texture, so a quick tip is to keep your butter chilled until the last minute.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the apple pumpkin filling into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly, then sprinkle the oat topping generously across the surface. Pop it into the oven for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on the topping as it browns—it should be golden and crisp, while the filling bubbles up underneath. A good sign that it’s ready is when your kitchen smells like autumn itself, trust me!
Pro Tips for Making Apple Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
- Thinly Slice Apples: Thin slices cook evenly and soften nicely without turning mushy.
- Keep Butter Cold: Cold butter results in a flakier, crumblier topping that bakes to perfection.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice really boost flavor—don’t skip this!
- Watch the Baking Time: Avoid overbaking to keep the apples tender but not mushy, and keep the topping crisp instead of burnt.
How to Serve Apple Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
I usually serve this crisp warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream—both are absolute game changers! Sometimes I sprinkle a tiny pinch of extra cinnamon on top before serving for added warmth and that inviting aroma.
Side Dishes
If you want to make it part of a larger dessert spread, try pairing it with spiced chai or hot apple cider. For a brunch twist, serve alongside cinnamon sugar pancakes or a rich coffee cake for a full-on autumnal feast.
Creative Ways to Present
I once served this Apple Pumpkin Crisp Recipe in individual ramekins for a dinner party, and it was a hit! Everyone loved how personal and pretty it looked. You can also layer it in a clear glass trifle bowl with layers of whipped cream for a stunning visual and delicious texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cover the crisp tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat it, the topping stays surprisingly crunchy with just a quick zap in the oven or toaster oven.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, which is perfect for making ahead of the holidays. I freeze it right after assembling but before baking—just wrap it tightly with foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, bake it a bit longer than usual, straight from frozen.
Reheating
Personally, I reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes to keep that crisp topping intact. Microwaving can work in a pinch but tends to soften the topping, so I save that for last-minute snacks.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Make sure to use plain canned pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugars. This keeps the flavor and sweetness balanced according to the recipe.
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What type of apples work best for this crisp?
I recommend firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady. They hold their shape well and provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the topping.
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Can I make the topping nut-free?
Yes! Just omit the pecans or swap them out for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds to maintain crunch without nuts.
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How do I store leftover Apple Pumpkin Crisp?
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the topping crispy.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pumpkin Crisp Recipe feels like the perfect way to welcome the season right in your own kitchen. It’s simple, comforting, and full of the flavors that remind me why I love autumn so much. I encourage you to give it a try soon—I guarantee it’ll become a recipe your family looks forward to just like mine does. There’s nothing quite like sharing a warm crisp fresh from the oven with a loved one, trust me on this one!
PrintApple Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Pumpkin Crisp combines tender, thinly sliced apples with creamy pumpkin puree and warm spices, all topped with a crunchy oat and pecan crumble. Perfect for autumn or any time you crave a cozy, comforting dessert that balances natural sweetness with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Filling
- 5-6 large apples, peeled and sliced very thin
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Topping
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, diced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and create an easy release for the crisp.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the flavors meld together and the apples are evenly coated.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold diced butter and use your hands to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined.
- Assemble the Crisp: Spread the apple and pumpkin filling evenly in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the oat and pecan topping evenly over the fruit layer for a nice crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Bake until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and tender, adjusting time if you prefer crisper or softer apples.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let the crisp cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the filling or topping.
- Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Make sure the butter is cold when mixing the topping to achieve a crumbly texture.
- This crisp can be refrigerated and reheated; bake a few extra minutes if reheating from cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg