This Pumpkin Pecan Crisp recipe is the ultimate fall dessert! Creamy pumpkin filling, crunchy pecans, and a buttery cake mix topping make it irresistible.
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
You ever have one of those lazy Sundays where you just need something warm and comforting to bake? That’s how this recipe came to be in my kitchen.
It was one of those perfect fall afternoons—you know, the kind where the air smells like leaves and chimney smoke, and you suddenly have the overwhelming urge to bake something pumpkin-related. I thought about making a pumpkin pie, but then reality set in—I didn’t have the patience for a crust that day. I wanted something easy, buttery, and comforting, but still packed with that warm, spiced pumpkin flavor.
And that’s when it hit me: Pumpkin Pecan Crisp.
It’s basically pumpkin pie meets pecan crumble, but without all the effort. Just mix, sprinkle, and bake—no rolling, chilling, or stressing over pie crusts. And let’s talk about that buttery pecan topping for a second. It crisps up beautifully in the oven, creating the perfect contrast to the smooth, custardy pumpkin filling underneath.
I made it once, and now it’s a non-negotiable fall tradition in my house. If you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert that screams fall vibes, you’re in the right place.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Pecan Crisp Recipe?
- No pie crust required. Because sometimes, we just don’t have time for that.
- Crispy, buttery pecan topping. The crunchy topping totally steals the show.
- Tastes like pumpkin pie, but easier. Seriously, you’ll be obsessed.
- Comes together in minutes. If you can mix and sprinkle, you can make this.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving or cozy fall nights. Because what’s fall without pumpkin?
Ingredient Notes:
This recipe is incredibly forgiving, but here are a few things to know:
- Pumpkin Purée – Make sure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Evaporated Milk – This gives the filling its classic silky texture. Don’t swap it with sweetened condensed milk—they’re not the same!
- Yellow Cake Mix – The magic ingredient. It creates a buttery, crisp topping with zero effort.
- Pecans – The crunch factor! Not a pecan fan? Use walnuts, or swap them for granola for a nut-free version.
- Melted Butter – This is what makes the topping crisp up beautifully. Don’t skimp!
- Vanilla & Cinnamon – Because warm fall spices make everything better.
How To Make Pumpkin Pecan Crisp?
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
First things first, set your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. The last thing you want is for this sticky, gooey goodness to get stuck to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth. It should be silky, lightly sweet, and smell like fall in a bowl.
Step 3: Layer It Up
Pour the pumpkin mixture into the greased baking dish. Next, sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top. No mixing needed—just let it sit there like a cozy blanket over the pumpkin.
Step 4: Add the Crunch Factor
Scatter the chopped pecans all over the cake mix, then drizzle the melted butter evenly across the entire dish. This step is where the magic happens—it’s what makes the topping golden, buttery, and slightly crispy.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Gorgeous
Pop it in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the pumpkin layer is set. Your kitchen will smell ridiculous (in the best way).
Want To Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let it cool for at least 10 minutes (if you can wait). Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storage Options:
If you somehow don’t eat the whole pan in one sitting (no judgment either way), here’s what to do:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 30-45 seconds.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to mix things up? Try these easy swaps:
- Use a Spice Cake Mix – Adds even more warm, fall flavors.
- Make It Nut-Free – Skip the pecans and swap for granola or oats for crunch.
- Add Chocolate Chips – Because pumpkin + chocolate is criminally underrated.
- Try a Maple Drizzle – Swap vanilla for maple extract and drizzle with warm maple syrup.
- Make It Gluten-Free – Use a gluten-free cake mix, and you’re all set!
What to Serve with Pumpkin Pecan Crisp?
This dessert is incredible on its own, but if you want to take it over the top, try:
- Vanilla Ice Cream – The warm crisp + cold ice cream? Perfection.
- Whipped Cream – Adds that light, fluffy contrast to the rich crisp.
- Salted Caramel Sauce – Because, honestly, caramel makes everything better.
- Chai Tea or Coffee – The warm spices in chai pair beautifully with pumpkin.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything the night before and bake it fresh. Just keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just purée it until smooth and drain any excess moisture so the filling isn’t too watery.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yep! Cook on low for 3-4 hours or until set. It won’t be as crispy, but it’ll still be deliciously gooey.
If you love easy, cozy fall desserts, this Pumpkin Pecan Crisp recipe is a must-try. It’s buttery, crispy, warm, and packed with pumpkin spice goodness—and it comes together in minutes.
So what are you waiting for? Make it, grab a spoon, and enjoy the taste of fall!
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Pumpkin Pecan Crisp recipe
Ingredients
- 1 15- oz can pumpkin
- 1 c evaporated milk
- 1 c sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 1 c chopped pecans
- 1 c butter melted
Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish measuring 9x13 inches.
- In a bowl combine the pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon.
- Transfer this mixture to the greased baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle the cake mix, over the layer of pumpkin.
- Next scatter the pecans on top of the cake mix.
- Drizzle melted butter over everything in the dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven, for 1 hour. Until it turns golden brown.
- Once done baking let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. If you'd like you can enjoy it with some ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!