Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Recipe
If autumn had a signature scent, I’m convinced it would be the warm, fragrant aroma of this Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp baking in the oven. This cozy dessert combines tender apples and velvety pumpkin puree, all richly layered with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—then crowned with a buttery oat topping that turns golden and crisp as it bakes. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy fall flavors in one irresistible bite, and I can’t wait to show you how simple it is to bring the magic of Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how unbelievably easy it is, yet each ingredient plays a starring role. The apples lend a juicy freshness, pumpkin adds lovely depth, and that spice blend is the secret to its aromatic charm. Here’s a closer look at the essentials for this Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp:
- Apples: Use about 6 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples (roughly 6 medium). Tart varieties like Granny Smith provide a perfect sweet-tart contrast for the spiced filling.
- Pumpkin Puree: Just 1/2 cup adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a rich color that makes every bite extra special.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/3 cup brightens the apples and helps create that syrupy texture in the filling.
- Brown Sugar: For both the filling (1/4 cup) and the topping (1/2 cup), brown sugar delivers a subtle caramel flavor and gorgeous color.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon infuses that unmistakable autumn warmth into the crisp.
- Ground Nutmeg: Just 1/2 teaspoon for a slight nuttiness that balances the cinnamon perfectly.
- Ground Ginger: 1/4 teaspoon brings a gentle, earthy spice that pops without overpowering.
- Ground Cloves: At 1/4 teaspoon, this adds that deep, nostalgic aroma that rounds out the pumpkin spice blend.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon keeps the apples from browning and adds a touch of tartness for depth.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: A full cup gives the topping its hearty, rustic texture (don’t substitute with quick oats—they just aren’t the same).
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup helps crisp up the topping and holds everything together.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/3 cup, melted, is the magic ingredient that delivers that glorious golden finish on the crisp.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon brings all the flavors into balance and enhances both sweet and spiced notes.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples and Filling
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into uniform pieces—this helps ensure they cook evenly. Toss the apples in a large bowl with pumpkin puree, both sugars, all the warm spices, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. Mixing everything together thoroughly ensures every slice of apple gets coated in that luscious pumpkin-spiced goodness. You’ll notice the scent is already putting you in the fall spirit!
Step 2: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour your apple and pumpkin-spice mixture in, spreading it out in an even layer. This way, every bite has the perfect apple-to-topping ratio. The bright orange hue from the pumpkin makes it look especially inviting even before it bakes.
Step 3: Mix Up the Oat Topping
In a separate bowl, combine your old-fashioned oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Use a fork to mix everything until it forms shaggy, moist clumps—that’s exactly what you want for a crumbly, crisp finish. Avoid over-mixing; those rustic chunks are what make a truly great Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp topping.
Step 4: Bake to Golden-Brown Perfection
Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples, covering as much of the surface as possible so every forkful has that satisfying crunch. Slide the dish into your preheated 350°F oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. It’s done when the topping is deep golden and your whole kitchen smells like a pumpkin-patch dream. Let it cool just slightly, so the filling can set while still being deliciously warm and gooey when served.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp
Garnishes
There’s something magical about serving Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp with a cloud of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of slowly-melting vanilla ice cream. A little dusting of extra cinnamon, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans takes things straight to dessert heaven. Let your toppings reflect your mood and make each bowl as dreamy as you like.
Side Dishes
Since this dessert is a showstopper on its own, keep side dishes simple—try offering coffee, hot apple cider, or a cozy chai latte. For a full fall-themed feast, a light salad with apples and walnuts or a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar makes a lovely, unexpected lead-in. The fresh, tangy bites balance the richness of your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
There are so many fun ways to serve this dish! Spoon it into mini mason jars for a rustic touch at gatherings, or portion into ramekins for individual desserts. For an elegant fall dinner, top with a quenelle of gelato and a leaf-shaped pie crust cookie. Even a family-style scoop straight from the pan, with everyone digging in, feels extra special. Play around and make your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp the star attraction it deserves to be.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp are a delicious little treasure. Transfer cooled crisp to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It keeps wonderfully, and the flavors deepen as they meld together—just be sure to keep the topping from getting soggy by storing it in a shallow container if possible.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble as directed, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time. Baked crisp can be frozen in portions; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven experience, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through—usually about 15 minutes for a small pan or 5 minutes per portion. A few minutes under the broiler refreshes the crisp topping. If you’re in a hurry, a minute in the microwave works well, but the topping will be less crunchy than from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples give the best sweet-tart balance, you can use any firm variety like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix for more complex flavor. Just avoid soft apples, as they can become mushy in the bake.
Is canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin best for this recipe?
Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and consistent, so it’s what I recommend for most bakers. If you have homemade puree, make sure it’s not too watery—it should be thick and smooth for the best Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp texture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour and double-check your oats are certified gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe stays the same, and you’ll get that same chewy, crispy topping everyone loves.
How do I know when the crisp is done baking?
The topping should be deeply golden and crisp to the touch, while the filling should be bubbling around the edges. The apples will be fork-tender—poke a few pieces to check, and don’t be afraid to let it go a few minutes longer for that extra crunch on top.
What can I do if my topping isn’t crispy enough?
Don’t worry—simply return the dish to the oven for 5-10 minutes longer, or pop it under the broiler for a minute or two (watch closely). This helps restore that toasty crunch that makes Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp so satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one dessert I hope you add to your fall baking traditions, it’s this Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with the nostalgic flavors we all crave as the days turn crisp and cool. Bake it soon, share it with someone you love, and watch it disappear—because it truly is autumn in every bite!
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Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this delightful Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp. A perfect blend of tender apples, aromatic spices, and a crunchy oat topping, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 6 medium)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Oat Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples with pumpkin puree, sugars, spices, and lemon juice. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Make the oat topping: Combine oats, flour, sugar, butter, and salt. Sprinkle over the apples.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
