Pumpkin Crunch Cake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this delightful Pumpkin Crunch Cake. This easy-to-make dessert features a rich pumpkin filling topped with a crunchy, buttery streusel, creating the perfect combination of textures. Ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings, this cake will become a cherished family favorite that pairs beautifully with whipped cream or ice cream.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-05T16:27:10.976Z

This Pumpkin Crunch Cake is a seasonal favorite that captures the essence of fall with every bite. The combination of spices and pumpkin creates a nostalgic flavor that will remind you of warm autumn days.

The Essence of Fall in Every Bite

As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, there's an unmistakable craving for seasonal flavors. The Pumpkin Crunch Cake captures the essence of autumn, bringing together the rich flavor of pumpkin and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Each slice is a delightful reminder of cozy gatherings around a fireplace and festive celebrations with family and friends.

Pumpkin itself is packed with nutrients, being high in vitamins A and C, making this dessert not just delicious but also a suitable treat for health-conscious dessert lovers. The combination of pumpkin puree with spices creates a smooth, flavorful filling that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy streusel topping, making each bite a textural delight.

An Easy Recipe for Everyone

This Pumpkin Crunch Cake is designed for bakers of all skill levels. With minimal preparation and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can impress their guests with this stunning dessert. The use of a boxed cake mix simplifies the process without compromising taste, allowing you to focus on enjoying the time spent in the kitchen.

Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving feast or attending a potluck, this cake is sure to be a hit. The ease of preparation means you can whip it up quickly, leaving you time to enjoy the season's festivities. Plus, dressing it up with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the experience even further.

Perfect Pairings and Variations

While this Pumpkin Crunch Cake is delicious on its own, you can enhance its flavor profile with different toppings. Consider adding a sprinkle of caramel sauce drizzled over the warm cake for an indulgent twist. Alternatively, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of spiced whipped cream can complement the pumpkin flavors beautifully.

If you're looking for a way to customize the recipe, consider experimenting with different nuts like walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. You can also add chocolate chips for an unexpected burst of sweetness, creating a new favorite variation of this classic dessert. The possibilities are endless, making it a recipe you can adapt to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Cake

  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 box (about 18 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.

Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix well until smooth.

Layer the Ingredients

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pumpkin layer.

Add Toppings

Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the cake mix, then drizzle melted butter evenly over the top.

Bake the Cake

Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let it cool before serving.

Serve

Serve the cake warm with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.

Tips for Baking Success

Ensure that the pumpkin puree is well-blended with the other ingredients to avoid lumps in your filling. A smooth mixture helps achieve a uniform texture in the finished cake, and gives you that rich pumpkin flavor in every bite. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk to mix the ingredients thoroughly.

When layering the cake mix over the pumpkin mixture, don't just dump it all in one place. Instead, sprinkle it evenly across the top to ensure even baking and a beautifully crunchy topping. This technique helps prevent any dry pockets while baking and guarantees that every bite is filled with flavor.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once baked, allow the Pumpkin Crunch Cake to cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This cake can be served fresh or even a few days later, as the flavors continue to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

While this cake is a delightful dessert warm out of the oven, serving it cold can also be a refreshing option. Pairing it with freshly whipped cream or even a scoop of ice cream will add a creamy contrast that elevates the dessert, making each meal a memorable experience.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Make sure to cook and puree it until smooth before adding it to the recipe.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

Experience the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this delightful Pumpkin Crunch Cake. This easy-to-make dessert features a rich pumpkin filling topped with a crunchy, buttery streusel, creating the perfect combination of textures. Ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings, this cake will become a cherished family favorite that pairs beautifully with whipped cream or ice cream.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time1 hour 5 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: easy

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients for Cake

  1. 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  2. 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  3. 3 large eggs
  4. 1 cup granulated sugar
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  7. 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  8. 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  9. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  10. 1 box (about 18 oz) yellow cake mix
  11. 1 cup chopped pecans
  12. 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix well until smooth.

Step 03

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pumpkin layer.

Step 04

Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the cake mix, then drizzle melted butter evenly over the top.

Step 05

Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let it cool before serving.

Step 06

Serve the cake warm with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 49g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 30g
  • Protein: 5g