Embrace the flavors of fall and the joy of the holiday season with this exquisite creamy pumpkin casserole recipe. Inspired by the beloved sweet potato casserole, this dish offers a delightful twist, swapping traditional sweet potatoes for rich, smooth canned pumpkin puree. Crowned with a sweet brown sugar and pecan streusel, it’s a show-stopping addition to any festive table, especially for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

This year, elevate your holiday meal with something truly special. We’ve spent months perfecting this pumpkin casserole recipe, ensuring it captures the essence of classic holiday comfort while offering a unique and memorable flavor profile. The secret lies in using readily available canned pumpkin puree, making this dish incredibly easy to prepare without compromising on taste or texture.

Just like its sweet potato counterpart, this pumpkin casserole boasts a mouthwatering brown sugar and pecan streusel topping. This layer isn’t just for sweetness; it provides an irresistible crunch and a buttery richness that perfectly complements the smooth pumpkin base. The base itself is subtly sweet, creating a harmonious balance that leans into delightful “sweet and savory” notes rather than being overly sugary. It’s designed to be a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with your main holiday feast.

One of the best features of this festive side dish is its make-ahead potential. Imagine the ease of assembling it the day before, refrigerating it, and then simply popping it into the oven on the big day. This convenience makes it an invaluable recipe for busy holiday hosts, allowing you more time to enjoy with family and friends. We all appreciate recipes that simplify our lives during the holidays, don’t we?

Why You’ll Adore This Pumpkin Casserole

This pumpkin casserole isn’t just another side dish; it’s a holiday experience waiting to happen. Here’s why it’s destined to become a new family favorite:

• The Epitome of Holiday Comfort: Pumpkin and the holiday season are a match made in culinary heaven. This recipe is your invitation to bake something new, comforting, and utterly delicious. Its blend of sweet and savory notes, coupled with warm spices, truly sings of autumn and festive gatherings. It’s a delightful change from traditional fare, yet still feels deeply rooted in holiday traditions.
• Irresistible Crunchy Pecan Streusel Topping: What’s a casserole without a stellar topping? Our streusel is a game-changer – a buttery, crumbly mixture studded with crispy, toasted pecans and rich brown sugar. This texture contrast is simply divine, adding an exciting dimension to every spoonful. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the creamy pumpkin layer below, creating a truly satisfying bite.
• A Smart Way to Utilize Pumpkin Puree: Whether you’re a savvy shopper who stocked up on canned pumpkin puree during a seasonal sale, or a dedicated home cook with an abundance of homemade puree from fresh pumpkins, this recipe provides a fantastic and flavorful outlet. Instead of letting those cans sit in the pantry, transform them into a holiday masterpiece that everyone will rave about.
• Effortless Make-Ahead Option: The holidays are often a whirlwind of cooking and entertaining. This pumpkin casserole can be fully assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to focus on other preparations on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day. Simply pull it out, bake, and serve – a true blessing for busy hosts!
• Versatile Sweet & Savory Balance: Unlike some overly sweet holiday dishes, this casserole strikes a beautiful balance. The pumpkin base is subtly sweetened, allowing the natural flavor of the pumpkin to shine, while the streusel provides that essential touch of sugary indulgence. This balance makes it a perfect accompaniment to savory roasts and gravies, enhancing your entire meal.

Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Casserole

Crafting the perfect pumpkin casserole begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is important:

• Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of our casserole! It’s crucial to use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling contains added spices and sweeteners, which would alter the carefully balanced flavors of this recipe. Always double-check the label when purchasing to ensure you have pure pumpkin on hand. About two 15oz cans will yield roughly 3 ¾ cups, providing the creamy, earthy base.
• Sugar: We use two types of sugar for optimal flavor depth. Granulated white sugar is incorporated into the pumpkin base, offering a clean sweetness that allows the pumpkin and spices to shine. Brown sugar is reserved for the streusel topping, where its molasses notes contribute a rich, caramel-like flavor and a wonderfully chewy texture. This combination ensures a balanced, complex sweetness throughout the dish.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend of warm spices is essential for that signature autumnal flavor. While you can easily pick up a bottle at the grocery store, especially during the fall season, making your own homemade pumpkin pie spice is simple and yields a fresher, more vibrant taste. We’ll also provide a handy substitution if you don’t have any on hand.
• Heavy Cream (or Milk): For the creamiest, most luxurious texture, heavy cream is our top recommendation. However, whole milk also performs admirably, producing a slightly lighter base. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, canned full-fat coconut milk works beautifully, adding a subtle richness without a strong coconut flavor.
• Eggs: Two large eggs are vital for providing structure and binding the pumpkin layer. They ensure the casserole sets properly, giving it a smooth, sliceable (though still wonderfully soft) consistency after baking.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is always preferred for its robust and authentic flavor, enhancing the overall sweetness and warmth of the casserole. For a more budget-friendly option, a good-quality artificial vanilla extract will also work well.
• Butter: For both the pumpkin base and the streusel topping, we recommend using salted butter. The salt helps to balance the sweetness and elevate the other flavors. If you only have unsalted butter, simply add an extra pinch of salt (about ¼ teaspoon) to each layer to achieve a similar depth of flavor.
• Other Flavor Enhancers: A touch of extra salt (beyond what’s in salted butter) brings out the natural sweetness of the pumpkin, and a little additional cinnamon further amplifies the warm, comforting spice profile.

For the Crumb Topping:

This crunchy topping is what truly sets this casserole apart!

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of our crumbly streusel. For those with dietary restrictions, a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour mix can be seamlessly substituted without affecting the texture or flavor.
• Brown Sugar: As mentioned, brown sugar is key for the topping’s rich flavor and moisture. Packed brown sugar will give you the best results.
• Cold Butter: Cold, cubed butter is essential for creating that perfectly crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth streusel texture. It gets cut into the dry ingredients, preventing it from fully incorporating and allowing it to create those lovely pockets of buttery goodness.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans add a fantastic crunch and nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully. If pecans aren’t your preference, walnuts make an excellent alternative, or you can omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.

How to Prepare This Delicious Pumpkin Casserole

This easy holiday casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s a harmonious blend of sweet and savory, infused with the warm, inviting flavors of autumn spices. It’s truly the ideal way to celebrate pumpkin season and enhance your festive gatherings.

Preparing the Creamy Pumpkin Base:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) casserole dish; this ensures easy serving and prevents sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted salted butter, white sugar, heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Stir all these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
3. In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the two large eggs. Once beaten, add them to the pumpkin mixture and stir until they are fully incorporated. The eggs provide structure, helping the casserole set beautifully.
4. Pour the prepared pumpkin filling into your lightly greased casserole dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom, creating a smooth and uniform layer. Set this aside while you prepare the streusel topping.

Crafting the Streusel Topping and Baking Perfection

Making the Crunchy Streusel:

5. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together ½ cup of all-purpose flour and ¾ cup of packed brown sugar. This ensures an even distribution of sweetness and dryness.
6. Now for the butter: slice your cold salted butter into small cubes, or for an even flakier streusel, you can freeze the butter for 15-20 minutes and then grate it using the large holes of a box grater.
7. If using cubed butter, add it to the flour and brown sugar mixture. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or two forks. Work quickly until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. If using grated butter, simply stir it into the flour and sugar mixture until combined.
8. Finally, add 1 cup of coarsely chopped pecans to the streusel mixture. Stir gently to ensure the pecans are evenly coated and distributed within the crumbs.
9. Sprinkle this delicious pecan streusel mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pumpkin layer in the casserole dish. Make sure it covers the pumpkin completely for maximum crunch in every bite.

Baking and Serving Your Casserole:

10. Carefully transfer the casserole dish to your preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pumpkin base is bubbly around the edges, and the streusel topping is beautifully browned and the pecans are fragrant and toasted to perfection.
11. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping and serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the topping to crisp up further and the base to set slightly.
    • Aesthetic Note: This pumpkin casserole is designed for deliciousness, not rigid structure. It won’t hold a perfect slice once scooped, but its incredible flavor and creamy texture will make you forget all about its “bad aesthetic,” as we playfully call it! Embrace its comforting, spoonable nature.

No Pumpkin Pie Spice? No Problem!

Don’t fret if your pantry is missing pumpkin pie spice. It’s incredibly easy to create a fragrant, flavorful substitute using common spices you likely already have. This homemade blend will infuse your pumpkin casserole with all the warmth and aroma of autumn.

• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Combine these spices thoroughly. This mixture will yield slightly more than the 2 teaspoons called for in the recipe (approximately 2 ¼ teaspoons). You can either add the full amount for an extra spice kick or stick to exactly 2 teaspoons – the choice is yours! The slight difference won’t significantly alter the final taste.

Expert Tip: Customize Your Sweetness

This pumpkin casserole recipe was developed with a balanced sweetness in mind, appealing to the average home cook who enjoys a sweet dish that isn’t overwhelmingly sugary. While inspired by the often very sweet sweet potato casserole, our pumpkin base offers a more subtle sweetness.

However, if you’re dreaming of a more decadent, “candied” flavor profile – perhaps something closer to a dessert – you can easily adjust the sugar content. Simply scale up the white sugar in the pumpkin layer to ¾ cup instead of ⅔ cup. This small adjustment will noticeably increase the sweetness, bringing it closer to a dessert-like indulgence that some prefer, especially for a holiday treat.

Feel free to experiment with this to find your family’s ideal level of sweetness. Remember, the streusel topping already provides a good amount of sweetness and textural contrast, so even a subtly sweet base is wonderfully satisfying.

Storing Leftovers & Make-Ahead Tips

Storing Leftovers:

Properly storing your pumpkin casserole ensures you can enjoy its deliciousness for days after your holiday meal. Transfer any leftover casserole to an airtight container. Alternatively, if you’re keeping it in the baking dish, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready for another serving, reheat portions as needed.

Reheating for Optimal Enjoyment:

• The quickest and easiest way to reheat individual portions is in the microwave. However, be aware that this method will soften the crunchy streusel topping.
• If you prefer to maintain that delightful crispness of the topping, opt for reheating leftovers in a toaster oven, conventional oven, or even an air fryer. These methods will help to re-crisp the streusel, providing a more satisfying texture similar to when it was freshly baked. Reheat at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, usually about 10-15 minutes in an oven.

Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time? Absolutely!

This pumpkin and pecan casserole is a fantastic make-ahead option, perfect for simplifying your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner preparations. Follow these tips for the best results:

• Assemble in Advance: Prepare the entire casserole, including the pumpkin base, up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
• Topping Storage for Best Crunch: For the ultimate crispy topping, we recommend preparing the streusel mixture but storing it separately in a small plastic bag or airtight container. Sprinkle it over the pumpkin base just before you’re ready to bake. This prevents the streusel from becoming soggy during refrigeration.
• Preventing Temperature Shock: Adding a cold glass baking dish directly into a hot oven can sometimes lead to temperature shock, risking the dish cracking. To prevent this, you have two excellent options:
  • Room Temperature Warm-Up: Allow the refrigerated casserole dish to sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour before baking. This gradual warming helps to equalize the temperature.
  • Cold Oven Start: Alternatively, you can place the cold casserole dish directly into a cold oven. Then, set the oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and allow it to preheat with the baking dish inside. Start your baking time (35-40 minutes) only once the oven has fully reached the target temperature. This gentle heating method is very effective at preventing temperature shock.

Expert Tips for the Best Pumpkin Casserole

• Don’t Rush the Cool-Down: Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to casseroles! If you dive in with your serving spoon as soon as it comes out of the oven, you’ll find the topping less crisp and the pumpkin base a little too watery. For the absolute best results – a perfectly crisp streusel and a beautifully set, creamy base – allow the casserole to cool at room temperature for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This short rest allows the textures to firm up and flavors to meld beautifully.
• Quality Pumpkin Puree Makes All the Difference: Just as with your finest pumpkin pie, the quality of your pumpkin puree matters significantly. Opt for a brand you trust that offers a smooth consistency and rich, vibrant color. Many home cooks swear by brands like Libby’s for their consistent quality. Using high-quality puree ensures a superior flavor and texture in your casserole. Always remember: pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling!
• The Strategic Use of Two Sugars: It might seem unconventional to use both white sugar for the base and brown sugar for the topping, but this is a deliberate choice that greatly impacts the final flavor. We’ve extensively tested this recipe, and using only brown sugar throughout resulted in a flavor that was too deep and heavy for the pumpkin base. White sugar provides a clean sweetness that allows the natural pumpkin flavor and warm spices to shine, while brown sugar in the streusel delivers that irresistible caramel-like depth and chewiness. This thoughtful combination yields the most balanced and delicious results.
• Achieving the Perfect Streusel Crumb: For the ideal streusel, ensure your butter is very cold. Cutting it into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or forks rather than melting it helps create distinct pockets of butter. These pockets then melt during baking, creating steam that forms a light, crumbly, and exceptionally crispy topping. Grating frozen butter is another excellent technique for this!

Versatile Variations and Simple Substitutions

This pumpkin casserole recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to dietary needs or personal preferences without sacrificing flavor. Explore these variations to make it truly your own:

• Dairy-Free Delight: Easily convert this recipe to be dairy-free. Simply swap the heavy cream for full-fat canned coconut milk (which offers a similar rich consistency without a strong coconut flavor in the final dish). For the butter, use your favorite plant-based butter alternative or spread, ensuring it’s suitable for baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: We’ve tested this recipe with excellent results using a gluten-free flour blend. When substituting, look for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix, such as Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour. This ensures the streusel topping maintains its perfect crumbly texture.
• Nut-Free or Alternative Nuts: If pecans aren’t your preference, feel free to swap them for coarsely chopped walnuts, which offer a similar earthy flavor and crunch. For a completely nut-free casserole, you can simply omit the nuts from the streusel topping. The brown sugar and butter crumbs will still create a delicious, crispy layer.
• Butternut Squash Casserole: Craving a slightly different flavor profile? You can easily transform this into a delectable butternut squash casserole! Simply substitute the pumpkin puree with 3 ¾ cups of cooked and pureed butternut squash. The process remains the same, yielding a rich, comforting dish with a slightly different sweet-savory balance.
• Spiced Up or Down: While the pumpkin pie spice blend provides a classic flavor, you can adjust the spice levels to your liking. For a bolder, spicier casserole, add another ¼ to ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount slightly. You can also emphasize specific spices, like an extra pinch of nutmeg or ginger, to highlight your favorite notes.

Explore More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes

If you’re a pumpkin enthusiast, you’re in for a treat! Discover more ways to incorporate this versatile ingredient into your culinary repertoire:

• Pumpkin No-Bake Cookies: Quick, easy, and satisfying, these cookies are perfect for a fuss-free pumpkin dessert.
• Pumpkin Fluff Dip (and Pumpkin Fluff Pie): A light and airy dessert that’s perfect for dipping or as a creamy pie filling.
• Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats: Start your day with the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie in a healthy, convenient breakfast.
• No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: Indulgent and easy, these bars are a fantastic fall dessert without turning on the oven.