Let’s be real for a second: pie is great, but sometimes you crave all the flavors of fall without the hassle of rolling out a pie crust, right? That’s where Pumpkin Apple Crisp steps in to save the day—and your sanity. This apple crisp dessert combines the best of fall flavors with a buttery, crispy topping that brings all the cozy vibes to your table. And did you know? Every part of the pumpkin is edible, including the skin, leaves, flowers, and stem [1]. While we’re using pumpkin puree for this recipe, you can even experiment with pumpkin blossoms, which are delicious when lightly battered and fried! And the best part? It’s way easier than pie!
Jump to RecipeWhy Pumpkin AND Apples?
You may be asking, “Why mix pumpkin and apples? Isn’t that a bit extra?” Well, friend, let me tell you—it’s extra in the best way possible. Pumpkin brings that creamy, spiced goodness we all crave this time of year, while the apples add a bit of tartness and texture to keep things interesting. It’s like a match made in fall-flavored heaven. Plus, when you combine the two, you get the best of both worlds: the smoothness of pumpkin pie and the sweet, juicy bites of apple crisp. Honestly, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner.
Imagine This: It’s a chilly autumn afternoon. You’ve spent the day picking apples (or, let’s be honest, grabbing them from the grocery store—no judgment here). You’re back home, cozying up in your favorite sweater, and the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg is wafting through the air. In the oven, your Pumpkin Apple Crisp is bubbling away, the topping turning a perfect golden brown. You can’t wait to dig in, but you know that it needs to cool for just a few minutes (or else you’ll burn your mouth—don’t ask me how I know). When you finally take that first bite, it’s warm, sweet, and perfectly spiced. The crunchy topping gives way to the soft, caramelized apples and velvety pumpkin. It’s basically autumn in dessert form.
Why You’ll Love This [Pumpkin] Apple Crisp Recipe:
- It’s Easier than Pie: No rolling pins, no stress. Just mix, sprinkle, bake, and eat. It’s that simple.
- Pumpkin + Apples = Perfection: The creamy pumpkin pairs beautifully with the tart, juicy apples, making this crisp a textural dream.
- Crunchy Topping, Yes Please: The oat topping is everything you want in a crisp—golden, buttery, and slightly nutty. Bonus points if you add pecans or walnuts.
- Minimal Effort, Greatest Fall Vibes: Whether you’re making this for a cozy night in, a potluck, or the upcoming Thanksgiving feast, this crisp will be the showstopper you didn’t know you needed.
Serving Ideas (AKA How to Take It to the Next Level):
- Ice Cream: A big scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting into the warm crisp? Yes, please. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, try it with caramel ice cream.
- Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy, and a little sweet. This is the ultimate topper for your crisp. Go for a homemade whipped cream with a hint of cinnamon, and thank me later.
- Caramel Drizzle: Want to be extra-extra? Drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top of your serving. You’ll feel like you just won the fall dessert lottery.
How to Impress Your Friends with your Apple Crisp (Even If You “Don’t Bake”):
Trust me, this is a dessert that anyone can make—even if you don’t consider yourself a baker. The hardest part? Peeling and slicing the apples. (If you need an excuse to buy a new kitchen gadget, might I suggest a nifty apple peeler? It’s life-changing.) But beyond that, it’s all about mixing things up and letting the oven do the work. You’ll look like a dessert genius with minimal effort. When people ask you for the recipe, just smile and say, “Oh, it’s just a little something I threw together.”
Fall Potluck Hero
Whether you’re bringing this to your next potluck or serving it at a holiday dinner, you’ll be the hero of the dessert table. People will be fighting over the last spoonful, and you can just sit back and bask in the glory of your creation. And don’t be surprised if someone asks you to make it again for Thanksgiving—just be ready to share the recipe (or keep it your little secret, I won’t tell).
So, what are you waiting for? Put on your coziest sweater, grab some apples, and let’s get this crisp in the oven. You deserve a dessert that tastes like a warm autumn day, and this Pumpkin Apple Crisp is exactly that.
Now, excuse me while I go make another batch—I may or may not have eaten the first one straight out of the pan.
Loved this Pumpkin Apple Crisp? 🍏🎃 Well, you’re in luck because my blog is brimming with more cozy, fall-inspired recipes! From warming soups to spiced snacks, there’s something delicious for every autumn craving. Check out my other fall recipes and make your kitchen the coziest place to be this season!
References:
Pumpkin Apple Crisp
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 large apples peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp allspice optional
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon to keep those apples fresh and zesty
For the Crisp Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional, but highly recommended for crunch!
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish (or a deep pie dish if you’re feeling fancy) with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sliced apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice (if using), salt, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until the apples are well-coated in the pumpkin-spiced goodness.
- Pour into the Dish: Spread the apple and pumpkin mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In another bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter (or coconut oil), cinnamon, and nuts (if using). Stir until it forms a crumbly, delicious topping.
