Pumpkin Crunch Cake Recipe: A Perfect Fall Treat

Looking for a dessert that’s rich, comforting, and totally autumn in a bite? This pumpkin crunch cake is the perfect fall treat, with just the right balance of flavors.

I made it last weekend, and it was a hit! The pumpkin flavor shines through, while the crunchy topping adds the best texture. It’s like a pumpkin pie meets cake meets crumble.

Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or when you just want to enjoy a slice of something cozy. And the best part? It’s super easy to make!

Ready to bake the perfect fall dessert? Let’s make this pumpkin crunch cake together—you won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fall Flavors: This Pumpkin Crunch Cake is packed with the cozy flavors of fall. From the rich pumpkin puree to the warm spices, it’s everything you crave when the weather cools down.
• Reader Favorite: People can’t get enough of this cake! It’s been described as “the perfect balance of sweetness and spice” and “the ultimate fall dessert.”
• Easy to Make: With a simple list of ingredients, this cake comes together effortlessly. No need for fancy techniques, just mix, bake, and enjoy!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake actually gets better the next day as the flavors have time to settle, making it perfect for preparing ahead of a busy holiday dinner or a casual gathering.
• Great for Sharing: The recipe makes enough to serve a crowd—perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or autumn parties.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes

Servings:
This recipe yields about 12 servings, making it ideal for a small to medium-sized group. If you’re feeding a larger crowd, feel free to double the recipe!

Difficulty:
Easy. If you’re comfortable mixing a few ingredients and waiting for the oven to do its job, you’re good to go.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar size)
• Mixing bowls for wet and dry ingredients
• Electric mixer or whisk (for mixing)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or spoon for mixing the batter
• Oven mitts (to avoid burns while taking the cake out!)

Ingredients for Pumpkin Crunch Cake

This delightful cake uses simple pantry ingredients, making it easy to prepare no matter what time of year it is. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 (15 ounce) can of pumpkin puree – The base of our cake and the source of that delicious, fall flavor.
• 1 (12 ounce) can of evaporated milk – Adds richness and moisture.
• 1 cup white sugar – To sweeten the pumpkin mixture.
• 3 large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the cake structure.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice – A must-have for that deep, warm fall flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
• 1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix – Forms the crunchy topping and adds sweetness to the cake.
• 1 cup chopped pecans – Provides a nice crunch and extra flavor.
• ½ cup melted butter – Rich, buttery goodness to help the cake bake evenly.
• 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed – For serving and an extra creamy touch.

Variations for Pumpkin Crunch Cake

• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgent treat, sprinkle a cup of chocolate chips into the batter.
• Use Walnuts: Swap out the pecans for walnuts if you prefer their flavor.
• Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Instead of the cake mix, you could sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for a twist on the crunchy layer.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a non-dairy whipped topping and dairy-free butter to make this a dairy-free treat.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This ensures that the cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly golden.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, white sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This mixture will form the flavorful base of your cake. Set it aside for a moment.

3. Add the Cake Mix

Pour the yellow cake mix into the bowl with your wet ingredients. Stir until combined, but don’t overmix—just enough to incorporate everything. The batter will be a little thick, and that’s perfectly fine.

4. Add the Crunchy Topping

Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Pour the melted butter evenly over the batter in the baking dish. Then, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top, ensuring they’re spread out evenly. These will form the crunchy topping during baking.

5. Bake the Cake

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. The cake should be set in the middle and golden brown on top. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!

6. Let the Cake Cool

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 15-20 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut into squares.

This Pumpkin Crunch Cake is perfect for a variety of occasions, and it’s so easy to serve! Here are some ideas:

1. Serve it with Whipped Topping

Once your cake has cooled, top each serving with a generous scoop of thawed whipped topping. The cool, creamy topping pairs perfectly with the warm spices in the cake and adds an extra indulgent touch.

2. Add a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce

For a little extra sweetness, drizzle some caramel sauce over the cake just before serving. The rich caramel complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.

3. Pair with a Hot Drink

This cake is fantastic when paired with a hot beverage. Whether it’s a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or a warm mug of cider, the cake tastes even better when enjoyed with something cozy.

Storing Pumpkin Crunch Cake

• Leftovers: Store any leftover Pumpkin Crunch Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Make-Ahead: You can also make this cake ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge and serve it within 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When adding the cake mix to the wet ingredients, stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Watch the Oven: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. If it starts to get too dark on top, cover it with foil and continue baking.
• Customize the Crunch: Feel free to adjust the amount of pecans based on your preference. You can even use other nuts like walnuts or almonds.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Total Fat	17g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	30mg
Sodium	180mg
Total Carbohydrates	43g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	27g
Protein	3g

Pumpkin Crunch Cake FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
A: Absolutely! While yellow cake mix works perfectly, you can experiment with a spice cake mix for a more robust flavor, or even a butter cake mix for a slightly richer taste.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can! Simply swap the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version. Just make sure to check the ingredients on the gluten-free cake mix for any additional instructions or adjustments.

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. You’ll need about 2 cups of fresh pumpkin to replace the 15-ounce can.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, this cake is great for making ahead! You can store it in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for later. Just let it cool before covering it tightly.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Crunch Cake captures all the flavors of fall in one simple, delicious dessert. It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner, a cozy gathering, or just treating yourself to a seasonal dessert, this cake won’t disappoint. Its balance of creamy pumpkin and crunchy topping is sure to become a new favorite in your fall recipe collection.