Easy pumpkin crisp is a comforting dessert that warms your heart with its creamy pumpkin filling and crunchy topping. This simple recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall, making it a must-try!
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Why This Easy Pumpkin Crisp is a Fall Favorite
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
This easy pumpkin crisp features a few simple ingredients that blend beautifully. The creamy pumpkin base is enriched with evaporated milk, sugar, and vanilla, creating a luscious filling. Meanwhile, the golden cake mix and crunchy pecans on top offer a delightful texture contrast. Together, they create a dessert that sings with autumn spices like cinnamon.

Perfect for Any Occasion
This dessert is not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a potluck, Thanksgiving dinner, or just a cozy evening at home, easy pumpkin crisp is sure to impress. Plus, it’s kid-approved and a hit with adults, making it a versatile dessert for all gatherings.
Gather Your Pumpkin Crisp Ingredients
The Creamy Pumpkin Base
Your easy pumpkin crisp starts with delicious pumpkin puree. Be sure to use 100% pumpkin puree for the best flavor. Combine it with evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. This mixture creates a creamy, dreamy base that’s full of warmth and comfort.
The Crunchy Topping
Next comes the crunchy topping! A package of yellow cake mix sprinkled evenly over the pumpkin base provides that lovely crisp texture. Topped with chopped pecans and drizzled with melted butter, it transforms the dessert into an irresistible treat that’s perfect alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easy Pumpkin Crisp
Preparing the Pumpkin Filling
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. This creamy filling will be the star of your dish.
Assembling the Crisp Layers
Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish. Next, sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the top. Be generous! Then, add the chopped pecans, giving it a nutty crunch. Finally, drizzle the melted butter over the pecans to ensure they bake beautifully.
Baking and Resting Your Crisp
Bake your easy pumpkin crisp for approximately one hour or until it’s golden brown and bubbly. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.
Tips for the Best Easy Pumpkin Crisp
Choosing the Right Pumpkin Puree
When selecting pumpkin puree, always choose 100% pure pumpkin. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugar and spices, which can alter the flavor of your dish.
Substituting Evaporated Milk
If you don’t have evaporated milk on hand, you can easily make a substitute. Reduce regular milk from 1 ⅔ cups to 1 cup by simmering it in a saucepan until it thickens. This will work perfectly in your recipe.
Making a Homemade Yellow Cake Mix
For those who prefer homemade ingredients, you can create a yellow cake mix using 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This mix will provide a lovely flavor and texture.
Storing Your Pumpkin Crisp for Maximum Crunch
To keep your easy pumpkin crisp fresh, allow it to cool completely before covering it. This prevents the pecans from losing their delightful crunch. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for easy pumpkin crisp?
You will need 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree, 1 cup evaporated milk, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 package yellow cake mix, 1 cup chopped pecans, and 1 cup melted butter.
How do I make easy pumpkin crisp step by step?
To make easy pumpkin crisp, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish. Combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon in a bowl. Pour into the dish, sprinkle with cake mix, top with pecans, drizzle with butter, and bake for 1 hour.
Can I make easy pumpkin crisp ahead of time?
Yes, you can make easy pumpkin crisp ahead of time. Just allow it to cool completely and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
How should I store leftover easy pumpkin crisp?
Store leftover easy pumpkin crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure it cools completely first to maintain the crunch of the pecans.
Related Recipes to Try
- Nutty Golden Cake With A Crunchy Topping
- Peach Cake
- Gulab Jamun Rabdi Box Cake
- Cake
- Pisces Cake
- Yellow Cupcakes
Conclusion
Easy pumpkin crisp is the perfect dessert to celebrate the flavors of fall with family and friends. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to spend more moments enjoying the company. For more delightful recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page at Artemis Recipes.

Easy Pumpkin Crisp: A Delicious Fall Treat
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- large pot
- skillet
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a bowl, combine pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture.
- Top the cake mix layer with chopped pecans.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the pecans.
- Bake for approximately 1 hour or until golden brown.
- Allow the crisp to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
– Evaporated milk can be replaced by reducing 1 ⅔ cups regular milk to 1 cup in a saucepan until simmered and cooled.
– Yellow cake mix can be substituted with a homemade mix (1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt).
– Pumpkin puree can be made at home using an Instant Pot.
– Cool the crisp completely before covering to store