When Thanksgiving rolls around, everyone talks about the turkey and the mashed potatoes, but let’s be honest—the dessert table is where the real magic happens. While pumpkin pie is a classic, sometimes you want something a little different, something with a bit more texture and flair. That’s where this Simple Pumpkin Crumble will be your new favorite Thanksgiving recipe. It has all the warm, spiced flavor of pumpkin pie but with a buttery, crunchy oat topping that is absolutely delightful. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels both familiar and excitingly new.
This recipe is designed to be incredibly straightforward, making it one of the best Simple Thanksgiving Desserts you can find. It’s essentially a pumpkin pie filling without the crust, topped with a generous layer of crumble. It’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels and comes together with minimal fuss, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday with your loved ones. Get ready to add a new staple to your holiday menu!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this pumpkin crumble is incredibly easy to make. You’re basically mixing a simple filling, pouring it into a pan, and then mixing a simple crumble to sprinkle on top. There’s no dough to chill or roll out, which is a huge win during the busy holiday season. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for last-minute Thanksgiving Desserts that don’t skimp on flavor.
The texture is what really makes this dish stand out. You get the smooth, creamy pumpkin filling, rich with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, contrasted with a buttery, crunchy oat and pecan topping. Every bite is a perfect mix of soft and crisp. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and it’s just as delicious served cold from the fridge the next day. It’s one of those Thanksgiving Baking Recipes that keeps on giving.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delicious pumpkin crumble. The ingredients are simple pantry staples, especially around the holidays.
For the Filling:
- ▢ 2 cups pumpkin puree (one 15 oz. can)
- ▢ 1/2 c. packed brown sugar (use up to 1/3 cup more for added sweetness if you prefer)
- ▢ 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ▢ 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- ▢ 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
- ▢ 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
- ▢ 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ▢ 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz.)
- ▢ 1/4 tsp. sea salt
For the Topping:
- ▢ 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
- ▢ 3/4 c. quick oats
- ▢ 1/2 cup butter, melted
- ▢ 1/2 cup brown sugar
- ▢ 1-2 tsp. cinnamon
- ▢ 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ▢ 1/2 c. chopped pecans (optional, but highly recommended!)
- ▢ A dash of sea salt
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to create the most amazing pumpkin crumble your family has ever tasted.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and grease it lightly. A 9×9 pan will also work, just keep in mind that your pumpkin layer will be a bit thinner, which might slightly reduce the baking time.
Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Filling
In a large bowl, combine all the filling ingredients: the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, beaten eggs, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, vanilla extract, evaporated milk, and sea salt. Stir everything together with a whisk or a spatula until it’s smooth and well-combined. Pour this creamy mixture into your prepared baking pan.
Step 3: Begin Baking the Filling
Place the pan with the filling into the preheated oven. You’re going to give it a head start and bake it by itself for about 20 minutes. This helps the filling set just enough so the crumble topping can sit nicely on top instead of sinking to the bottom.
Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping
While the filling is in the oven, it’s time to make that wonderful crumble topping. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, quick oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, optional pecans, and a dash of sea salt. Now, for the butter. Start by adding about half of the melted butter and mixing it in. You want the texture to be moist but still crumbly. Slowly add more butter until you reach that perfect consistency. You might not need all of it, so go slow!
Step 5: Add the Topping and Finish Baking
After 20 minutes, carefully take the pan out of the oven. The filling should be slightly set around the edges. Now, evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the pumpkin filling. Here’s a pro tip: use your fingers to gently crumble and distribute the topping evenly across the surface. This helps keep it light and prevents it from sinking. Avoid dumping it all in one spot. Pop the pan back into the oven and bake for another 25-35 minutes. It’s ready when the topping is a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the pumpkin filling comes out clean. This is one of those Dessert Recipes For Thanksgiving that makes your whole house smell amazing!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once it’s done baking, let the crumble cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set up completely. It’s fantastic served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous spoonful of whipped cream. Enjoy!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of this fantastic pumpkin crumble, storing them is easy. Once the crumble has cooled completely to room temperature, cover the baking pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer slices to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can eat it cold straight from the fridge (it’s surprisingly good!), or you can warm it up. To reheat a single serving, just pop it in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds. If you want to reheat a larger portion, place it in an oven-safe dish and warm it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. The topping should crisp up nicely again.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A dessert that’s bound to become a new holiday tradition. This Simple Pumpkin Crumble will be your new favorite Thanksgiving recipe because it delivers all the cozy, spiced flavors of the season with a delightful textural twist. It’s easier than pie but just as impressive, making it a perfect addition to your list of Thanksgiving Baking Recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a surefire way to bring smiles to the faces of your family and friends this Thanksgiving.
FAQ
Can I Make This Pumpkin Crumble Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance. Just prepare the filling and the topping, but store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, pour the filling into your greased pan, sprinkle the topping over it, and bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with cold ingredients.
Can I Use Homemade Pumpkin Puree?
Yes, you can definitely use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned. Just make sure it has a similar consistency to canned puree. If your homemade puree is a bit watery, you may want to strain it through a cheesecloth or let it sit in a fine-mesh sieve for a bit to remove excess moisture. This will ensure your filling sets up properly.
Is It Possible To Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
For sure! To make this pumpkin crumble gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Also, make sure to use certified gluten-free quick oats. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always a good idea to double-check labels, especially on spices and extracts.
