Pumpkin pie with crumb topping

Pumpkin Pie with Crumb Topping

Pumpkin pie with crumb topping is a holiday classic, but adding a sweet, crunchy crumb topping takes it to the next level! This Pumpkin Pie with Crumb Topping is the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering. With a buttery crust, smooth pumpkin filling, and a spiced streusel topping, it offers the ultimate combination of textures and flavors.

Whether you’re a pumpkin pie lover or trying it for the first time, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you bake the most delicious homemade pie that will impress your family and guests.

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin pie with crumb topping

1. A Perfect Blend of Textures

Unlike a traditional pumpkin pie with just a custard filling, this version includes a crunchy, buttery crumb topping that adds depth and a delightful contrast to the silky smooth filling.

2. Easy to Make – No Special Skills Required

Even if you’re new to baking, this step-by-step guide will make it simple. We break down every step, from preparing the crust to making the crumb topping, ensuring a foolproof result.

3. Warm & Cozy Fall Flavors

This pie is infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, delivering the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Every bite will remind you of crisp autumn days and festive holiday gatherings.

4. Make-Ahead Friendly

This pie can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it an excellent choice for busy holiday schedules.

5. Customizable to Your Taste

Want to add a twist? You can enhance the flavor by adding pecans, walnuts, or a hint of bourbon to the crumb topping.

Ingredients for Pumpkin pie with crumb topping

Using high-quality ingredients is key to achieving a perfectly balanced pumpkin pie. Below, we break down the three essential components: the crust, the pumpkin filling, and the delicious crumb topping.

Crust (Choose Homemade or Store-Bought)

The crust is the foundation of your pumpkin pie, providing a buttery and flaky base to support the creamy filling. You can use a homemade pie crust or a store-bought crust for convenience.

Ingredients for the Pie Crust: (Pumpkin pie with crumb topping)

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (for a flaky texture)
½ teaspoon salt (enhances flavor)
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (ensures a tender, buttery crust)
3 to 4 tablespoons ice water (helps bind the dough together)

Shortcut Option: (Pumpkin pie with crumb topping)

If you’re short on time, a premade pie crust works just as well. Simply place it in a 9-inch pie dish and move on to the filling.

Filling (Rich and Creamy Pumpkin Goodness)

This silky-smooth pumpkin filling is perfectly spiced and rich in flavor, making every bite warm, comforting, and indulgent.

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Filling: (Pumpkin pie with crumb topping)

1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
¾ cup brown sugar (adds deep, caramelized sweetness)
2 large eggs (binds the ingredients and adds richness)
1 cup evaporated milk (creates a smooth texture)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances flavor)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (a must-have spice for pumpkin pie)
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (adds warmth)
½ teaspoon ground ginger (adds a subtle kick)
¼ teaspoon salt (balances flavors)

💡 Pro Tip: For an extra rich flavor, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream instead of evaporated milk.

Crumb Topping (Sweet & Crunchy Streusel)

The crumb topping is what makes this pumpkin pie stand out. It adds a delicious crunch that perfectly complements the soft pumpkin filling.

Ingredients for the Crumb Topping: (Pumpkin pie with crumb topping)

½ cup all-purpose flour (forms the base of the crumb)
½ cup brown sugar (adds sweetness and caramelized flavor)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (enhances warmth and spice)
¼ teaspoon salt (balances flavors)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (helps create a crumbly texture)
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) (for added crunch)

💡 Pro Tip: If you love an extra crispy topping, toast the nuts before adding them to the crumb mixture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin pie with crumb topping

Follow these easy steps to bake a perfect pumpkin pie with a crispy, buttery crumb topping. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this guide will ensure a flawless pie every time.

Preparing the Crust

Steps to Prepare the Crust:

Make the Dough (if homemade):
- In a bowl, whisk 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Add ½ cup cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water, stirring until the dough comes together.
Roll Out the Dough:
- Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish and press it into the edges.
Blind Bake the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dry beans.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.

💡 Pro Tip: Blind baking prevents a soggy crust by sealing the surface before adding the filling.

Making the Pumpkin Filling (Pumpkin pie with crumb topping)

Steps to Make the Filling:

Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs, then mix in pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract.
Blend Everything Together:
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until smooth.

💡 Pro Tip: Using room-temperature eggs helps create a smoother filling.

Making the Crumb Topping (Pumpkin pie with crumb topping)

Steps to Make the Crumb Topping:

Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Add the Butter:
- Pour in melted butter and stir until crumbly.
- Optional: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

💡 Pro Tip: To make extra crunchy streusel, refrigerate the topping for 10 minutes before baking.

Baking the Pie (Pumpkin pie with crumb topping)

Steps to Bake the Pie:

Pour the Filling into the Crust:
- Make sure the crust is pre-baked before adding the pumpkin mixture.
- Pour the pumpkin filling evenly into the crust.
Bake the Pie:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the pie for 35 minutes.
Add the Crumb Topping:
- Remove the pie from the oven and sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top.
Finish Baking:
- Return the pie to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown.
- Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.

💡 Pro Tip: If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Pumpkin Pie with Crumb Topping!

Tips for the Best Pumpkin pie with crumb topping

1. Use Cold Butter for a Flaky Crust

If making a homemade crust, ensure the butter is cold and cubed before mixing it into the flour. This helps create a flaky, tender crust.

2. Pre-Bake the Crust to Prevent Sogginess

Pumpkin pie filling is moist and creamy, which can make the crust soggy. Blind baking the crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling helps it stay crisp.

3. Don’t Overmix the Filling

Overmixing can introduce too much air, causing the pie to crack while baking. Gently whisk the ingredients until just combined for a smooth texture.

4. Keep an Eye on Baking Time

The pie filling should be slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. Overbaking will cause it to crack or dry out.

5. Use a Pie Shield or Foil to Prevent Overbrowning

If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with a pie shield or strips of aluminum foil during baking.

6. Chill Before Slicing for a Clean Cut

Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours at room temperature before slicing. This helps the filling set properly.

Creative Variations to Try (Pumpkin pie with crumb topping)

Want to put a unique twist on your Pumpkin Pie with Crumb Topping? Try these fun variations!

1. Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Crumb Topping

Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for a deep, caramel-like flavor.
Mix ½ cup chopped pecans into the crumb topping for extra crunch.

2. Maple Pumpkin Pie with Oat Crumble

Replace brown sugar in the filling with ½ cup pure maple syrup for a richer taste.
Substitute ½ cup oats for half of the flour in the crumb topping for a delicious oat crumble.

3. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pie

Fold ½ cup mini chocolate chips into the filling for a chocolatey surprise.
Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on the crumb topping before baking.

4. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie

Use a gluten-free pie crust or make a nut-based crust using ground almonds.
Replace all-purpose flour in the crumb topping with gluten-free oat flour.

5. Vegan Pumpkin Pie

Swap eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
Use coconut cream instead of evaporated milk.
Substitute vegan butter in the crumb topping.

6. Spiced Chai Pumpkin Pie

Add ½ teaspoon ground cardamom and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to the filling for a spiced chai twist.

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions for Pumpkin Pie with Crumb Topping

Proper storage is key to keeping your Pumpkin Pie with Crumb Topping fresh and delicious. Whether you’re making it ahead for a holiday gathering or saving leftovers, follow these best practices to maintain its flavor and texture.

Make-Ahead Instructions (Pumpkin pie with crumb topping)

1. Making the Pie Crust Ahead

Refrigerate: Prepare the pie dough up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.
Freeze: Roll out the crust, place it in the pie dish, and freeze it unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

2. Preparing the Pumpkin Filling in Advance

The pumpkin filling can be made 1-2 days in advance.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Give it a quick stir before pouring it into the crust.

3. Making the Crumb Topping Ahead

Prepare the crumb topping and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month.
If frozen, thaw in the fridge before using.

4. Baking the Pie in Advance

Bake the entire pie 1 day ahead and let it cool completely.
Store it loosely covered at room temperature for up to 12 hours or refrigerate for longer storage.

💡 Pro Tip: If making ahead, add the crumb topping halfway through baking to keep it crispy!

Storage Instructions (Pumpkin pie with crumb topping)

1. Storing at Room Temperature (Short-Term Storage)

If serving the same day, keep the pie at room temperature for up to 12 hours.
Cover it lightly with aluminum foil or a clean kitchen towel.

2. Refrigerating Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie must be refrigerated if stored for more than 12 hours because it contains dairy and eggs.
Cover the pie with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
It stays fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

💡 Pro Tip: Place paper towels inside the container to absorb excess moisture and prevent a soggy topping.

Freezing Pumpkin Pie with Crumb Topping

Pumpkin pie with crumb topping

How to Freeze the Whole Pie

Cool completely before freezing.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil for extra protection.
Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How to Freeze Individual Slices

Slice the pie and place pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Freeze until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer slices to a ziplock freezer bag.
Store for up to 2 months.

Thawing & Reheating Frozen Pie

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
For a crispy topping, warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid microwaving the pie to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes

If you love Pumpkin Pie with Crumb Topping, you’ll enjoy these irresistible pumpkin desserts!

1. Classic Pumpkin Pie

A traditional favorite with a smooth, spiced filling and a buttery, flaky crust. 📌 Key Ingredients: Pumpkin purée, eggs, evaporated milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. 💡 Pro Tip: Add a pinch of black pepper for a subtle flavor boost!

2. Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust

A creamy and decadent pumpkin-spiced cheesecake with a crunchy gingersnap cookie crust. 📌 Key Ingredients: Cream cheese, pumpkin purée, gingersnap crumbs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. 💡 Pro Tip: Top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.

3. Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Streusel

Moist, flavorful, and packed with warm fall spices, this pumpkin bread is topped with a delicious cinnamon streusel crumble. 📌 Key Ingredients: Pumpkin purée, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, butter, and sugar. 💡 Pro Tip: Add chocolate chips or chopped pecans for extra texture and flavor!

4. Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

Soft, fluffy muffins bursting with pumpkin spice flavor and a rich cream cheese center. 📌 Key Ingredients: Pumpkin purée, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cream cheese, and vanilla. 💡 Pro Tip: Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds for an extra crunchy topping.

5. No-Bake Pumpkin Pie

A quick and easy alternative to the classic, made with a graham cracker crust and a creamy pumpkin-spiced filling. 📌 Key Ingredients: Pumpkin purée, cream cheese, heavy cream, cinnamon, and vanilla. 💡 Pro Tip: Let it chill overnight for the best texture.

Enjoy baking and indulging in these delicious pumpkin treats! 🎃

Pumpkin pie with crumb topping