Pumpkin Pecan Crisp recipe

A warm serving of pumpkin pecan crisp topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

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This Pumpkin Pecan Crisp recipe is the ultimate fall dessert! Creamy pumpkin filling, crunchy pecans, and a buttery cake mix topping make it irresistible.

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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?

A warm serving of pumpkin pecan crisp topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

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.

A comforting autumn dessert with pumpkin pecan crisp served in a decorative bowl.

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).

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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.

A close-up of a golden-brown pecan crisp layer over a spiced pumpkin filling.

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!

A rustic kitchen scene featuring a dish of freshly baked pumpkin pecan crisp, ready to serve.

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.

A beautifully presented pumpkin pecan crisp garnished with a sprinkle of chopped pecans.

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!

PIN IT NOW!

< Remember it later! >

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Pin it now

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

A comforting autumn dessert with pumpkin pecan crisp served in a decorative bowl.

Pumpkin Pecan Crisp recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes
Indulge, in the essence of autumn, with our Pumpkin Pecan Crisp taking your taste buds on a journey. Experience a blend of textures and flavors; the velvety smoothness of pumpkin the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans and the gentle warmth of cinnamon all embraced by a golden and buttery crust. This delectable dessert not only satisfies your tooth but also weaves a tale of snug sweaters, falling leaves and the undeniable allure of the fall season.
12 Servings

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
 

  1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish measuring 9x13 inches.
  2. In a bowl combine the pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon.
  3. Transfer this mixture to the greased baking dish.
  4. Evenly sprinkle the cake mix, over the layer of pumpkin.
  5. Next scatter the pecans on top of the cake mix.
  6. Drizzle melted butter over everything in the dish.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven, for 1 hour. Until it turns golden brown.
  8. 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

For those on a gluten-free voyage, this Pumpkin Pecan Crisp can effortlessly dance to your tune! Switch the regular yellow cake mix with a trusted gluten-free cake mix. The beauty of this dessert lies in its adaptability. While you're making the swap, also guarantee that your vanilla extract and other ingredients are gluten-free approved. The outcome? A fun treat that's just as indulgent, without the gluten.
Audrey
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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!

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