This Pumpkin Autumn Crunch Delight is a cozy treat perfect for fall! With creamy pumpkin filling and a crunchy topping, it’s like a warm hug in a dessert.
You know it’s autumn when the smell of pumpkin spice fills the air! I love serving this with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top—so good! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the recipe! Canned pumpkin is convenient, but if you prefer, you can use fresh pumpkin. Make sure to puree it until smooth.
Cream Cheese: It gives a rich and creamy texture. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese. If you’re dairy-free, opt for vegan cream cheese, which works well in this dessert.
Whipped Topping: I use whipped topping for ease, but homemade whipped cream is a great alternative. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form, and it adds a fresh touch!
Oats: Old-fashioned oats give a nice chewy texture in the topping. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free oats.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts provide crunch. If you have nut allergies, just leave them out or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
How Do I Get The Crunchy Topping Just Right?
The crunchy topping is essential for texture in this dessert! Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch:
- Mix the dry ingredients: Make sure your oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon are well combined before adding butter.
- Incorporate the butter: Pour melted butter over the dry mix and stir with a fork or your hands until you see crumbs form. Avoid over-mixing.
- Sprinkle evenly: Spread the topping evenly over the pumpkin mixture, ensuring some areas are more crumbly for variation in texture.
- Watch the bake time: Keep an eye on it in the oven; you want a golden brown top—this means it’s crunchy!
Now you’re all set to make a delicious Pumpkin Autumn Crunch Delight that’s sure to impress family and friends! Enjoy! 🎃
Pumpkin Autumn Crunch Delight
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Layer:
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed (such as Cool Whip)
For the Crunch Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For Drizzling (optional):
- Caramel sauce or melted chocolate
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes of baking time. After it cools, be sure to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. So, total time including chilling is about 2 hours. It’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your 9×9-inch baking dish ready for the creamy pumpkin goodness!
2. Make the Pumpkin Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. Then, add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix it all together until everything is fully combined and looks smooth and creamy.
3. Fold in the Whipped Topping:
Gently fold in half of the whipped topping into the pumpkin mixture. This will make it light and fluffy. Make sure not to overmix—just until combined.
4. Spread the Pumpkin Mixture:
Now, spread the pumpkin filling evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Try to get it nice and even so every bite is delicious!
5. Prepare the Crunch Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, chopped nuts (if using), cinnamon, and salt. Mix these together. Then, pour the melted butter over this mixture and stir it in until you have a crumbly texture. Your crunchy topping is ready!
6. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the crunch topping evenly over the pumpkin layer in the baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
7. Cool and Chill:
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Then, spread the remaining whipped topping over the baked dessert. If you like, drizzle some caramel sauce or melted chocolate on top to make it extra special!
8. Let It Set:
Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps all the flavors meld together and makes it even more delicious.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, scoop it onto plates and enjoy! You can add a bit more whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an extra cozy touch.
Enjoy your Pumpkin Autumn Crunch Delight, a perfect blend of creamy pumpkin spice goodness and crunchy fall textures! 🎃
Can I Substitute Fresh Pumpkin for Canned Pumpkin Puree?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin until it’s very smooth. You’ll need about 2 cups of cooked pumpkin to equal a 15 oz can.
What If I Don’t Have Whipped Topping?
No worries! You can make your own by whipping 1 cup of heavy cream with a couple of tablespoons of sugar until soft peaks form. It’s a delicious and fresh alternative!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving if it seems a little settled!
Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free all-purpose flour and oats to make a crunchy topping that’s safe for those with gluten sensitivities. The rest of the ingredients are already gluten-free!
