Created on November 24th, 2025 at 03:48 pm
A warm dessert bursting with fall flavors
Pumpkin Crunch Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. With its moist, tender cake layered with a spiced pumpkin filling and topped with a crunchy, buttery crumb, this dish is a comforting choice for any gathering. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafts through the kitchen as it bakes, creating a warm atmosphere that invites everyone to gather around the table. The golden hues of the cake beautifully complement the rich orange of the pumpkin, making it both appetizing and visually pleasing.
This dessert is not just delicious; it’s also practical. It requires simple ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weekdays or special occasions alike. The satisfying combination of flavors and textures—soft cake, creamy filling, and a crunchy topping—ensures it will be a memorable treat for family and friends.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Pumpkin Crunch Cake stands out for its balance of flavor, texture, and ease of preparation. The combination of pumpkin puree and a handful of warm spices creates a rich, inviting flavor that evokes feelings of home and comfort. Its dense, moist cake serves as the perfect base for the creamy pumpkin layer, while the crunchy top adds a delightful contrast. Every bite provides a harmonious blend of softness and crunch.
One of the best features of this recipe is its versatility. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it suitable for any occasion. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy it plain as a comforting afternoon snack. Leftovers can be stored easily and taste just as good the next day, making it a delicious option for meal prep or post-dinner indulgence.
This cake fits seamlessly into your dessert rotation, providing a satisfying end to any meal.
Time Breakdown
This recipe comes together quickly, allowing you to prepare a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Most of the time is hands-off, as the cake bakes in the oven, filling your home with a lovely aroma.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8–10
Ingredients List
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 box (around 18.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Kitchen Tools
This recipe requires only basic kitchen tools, making it accessible to everyone. With just a few essentials, you can create this delightful dessert with ease.
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly. This ensures the cake will release easily after baking, providing a nice presentation for serving.
In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. The warmth of the spices will fill your kitchen with a fragrant aroma.
Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly along the bottom. This will form a rich, moist base for your cake.
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer. Do not stir; the cake mix will create a lovely crumb topping as it bakes. If desired, add the chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix. This will add a beautiful golden color and create a crunchy texture as it bakes.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The combination of textures and aromas will enhance your anticipation.
Allow the Pumpkin Crunch Cake to cool slightly before serving. This helps the flavors to meld and makes it easier to slice. Enjoy it warm, or refrigerate it for later to savor its comforting flavors in a chilled form.
Pro Tips
- Use pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor; avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a bit more cinnamon or a touch of allspice to the pumpkin mixture.
- Let the cake sit for a few hours, or ideally overnight, for the best flavor and texture development.
- This dessert pairs well with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator; it stays delicious for up to 3 days.
A Cozy Autumn Delight
Pumpkin Crunch Cake is a simple yet delightful dessert that brings warmth and cheer to any occasion. Its combination of spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and crunchy topping creates a satisfying experience that is hard to resist. This recipe embodies the essence of fall, inviting you to embrace the season with every moist, flavorful bite.
Remember, this cake reminds us that good desserts can be straightforward, comforting, and satisfying without fuss. Keep it in mind for those busy days or for when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Pumpkin Crunch Cake
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Filling
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree Use pure pumpkin puree for best flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp salt
For the Cake Base and Topping
- 1 box (around 18.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts Optional for extra crunch.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer. Do not stir.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix.
Baking
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Serving
- Allow the Pumpkin Crunch Cake to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Enjoyed this recipe? Leave a review!
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
