Description
A cozy fall dessert that combines creamy pumpkin, gooey caramel, and a buttery oat crumble topping. Perfect for chilly evenings and autumn gatherings!
Ingredients:
2 cups pumpkin puree
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
(5 minutes)
In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, caramel sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth.
(5 minutes)
In another bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, and melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
(5 minutes)
Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly in a baking dish. Top with the crumble mixture.
(2 minutes)
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and slightly crisp.
(30 minutes)
Let cool slightly before serving warm with extra caramel drizzle or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
(5 minutes)
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 | Calories: ~320 per serving
#PumpkinDelight #CaramelLovers #AutumnDesserts #CozyBakes
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect Pumpkin Caramel Crumble. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the pumpkin puree, caramel sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Ensure no streaks remain for a uniformly spiced filling. In a separate bowl, make the crumble by mixing the rolled oats and flour. Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and use a fork to mix until you achieve a coarse, crumbly texture with some larger clumps.
Transfer the smooth pumpkin mixture to the prepared dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the oat crumble topping evenly over the entire surface, pressing down gently. Place the dish in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The dessert is ready when the filling is bubbly at the edges and the crumble topping is a deep, golden brown. Allow it to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving; this lets the filling set for cleaner slices.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is best served warm. For an indulgent finish, drizzle each portion with extra warm caramel sauce. A scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream provides a wonderful contrast to the warm, spiced pumpkin. For a festive touch, garnish with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon.
How-to Summary
Create this autumn dessert by mixing pumpkin with caramel and spices for the filling, and combining oats, flour, and butter for a crumble topping. Layer the filling and topping in a dish and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of puree?
Yes, but ensure it’s cooked, pureed, and drained of excess liquid to match the consistency of canned puree.
How should I store leftovers?
Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in the oven at 300°F until warm.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
My crumble topping isn’t getting crispy. Why?
This often happens if the butter was too soft or the topping was over-mixed. Ensure your butter is just melted, not hot, and mix until just combined.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using pumpkin pie filling instead of puree: Pie filling contains added sugars and spices, which will throw off the flavor and sweetness of this recipe.
- Over-mixing the crumble topping: This can lead to a dense, paste-like layer instead of a light, crumbly texture. Mix just until the butter is incorporated.
- Not letting it cool before serving: Serving immediately from the oven will result in a soupy consistency. The 10-15 minute cooling period is crucial for setting.
- Underseasoning the pumpkin layer: Taste your pumpkin mixture before baking. If it seems bland, add a pinch more cinnamon or salt to enhance the flavors.
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Caramel Crumble is the quintessential treat to celebrate autumn’s flavors. Its harmonious blend of spiced pumpkin, rich caramel, and buttery oat topping is surprisingly simple to achieve. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a consistently delicious dessert that’s sure to become a seasonal staple. Perfect for weeknight treats or holiday gatherings, it’s a cozy, comforting bake that truly captures the spirit of fall.