JENNIFER ALEXANDER RUPLE

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, pumpkin spice takes center stage on October 1, National Pumpkin Spice Day. Synonymous with fall, the beloved flavor, finds its way into baked goods, lattes, and even candles, filling homes and cafes with its warm and comforting aroma. To celebrate the occasion, take advantage of sweater weather and try a new dessert such as Pumpkin Spice Crumble, and better yet – make your own spice mixture. From cozy gatherings to festive treats, pumpkin spice is a delicious way to welcome the changing season.

Pumpkin Spice Crumble

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup flour
½ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
¾ cup pecans, chopped
¼ cup rolled oats

Filling
15 ounces pumpkin puree
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon salt
⅔ cup half and half
Vanilla ice cream or whipped topping for serving

Heat oven to 375 F. Coat a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with baking spray.

To a mixing bowl, add butter, flour, brown sugar, salt, spice, nuts and oats. Mix until ingredients are well incorporated and mixture is crumbly. Set aside.

In another bowl, whisk together puree, sugar, eggs, vanilla, spice and salt until smooth. Whisk in the half and half. Pour mixture into prepared pan and top with crumble mixture.

Bake 40-45 minutes or until topping is lightly browned and center is not jiggly.

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Mix together cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves and nutmeg. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste. Some prefer more cinnamon for sweetness, while others add extra ginger for spice.