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Pumpkin Crunch Cake Recipe

4.4 from 280 reviews

Pumpkin Crunch Cake is a delectably moist dessert combining spiced pumpkin filling with a buttery, crunchy cake topping. This nostalgic treat features layers of creamy pumpkin puree mixed with warm spices, topped with a golden cake mix crust and pecans, then baked to perfection for a delightful texture contrast. Ideal for fall gatherings, it’s often served chilled or at room temperature with ice cream or whipped cream.

Ingredients

Scale

Pumpkin Mixture

  • 15 ounces pumpkin puree
  • 12 ounces evaporated milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Topping

  • 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix (1 box)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Mix Pumpkin Filling: In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and evenly blended.
  3. Pour Pumpkin Mixture: Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out smoothly.
  4. Add Cake Mix and Pecans: Gently sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer without mixing. Then, evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans on top.
  5. Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix and pecans. This will help create the crunchy topping once baked.
  6. Bake Covered and Uncovered: Bake the dish uncovered for 25 minutes. Afterward, cover the pan with foil and continue baking for another 25 minutes to ensure the pumpkin sets and the topping doesn’t brown too quickly.
  7. Cool: Remove from the oven and carefully uncover (watch out for hot steam). Let the cake cool completely to room temperature. Cooling allows the dessert to firm up for easier slicing.
  8. Serve: Cut the pumpkin crunch cake into squares and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Notes

  • Ensure the mixer has fully dissolved the sugar for the best texture.
  • Use fresh pumpkin pie spice or homemade blend for optimal flavor.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to avoid breaking.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • This dessert can also be served chilled or at room temperature.

Keywords: Pumpkin Crunch Cake, pumpkin dessert, fall dessert, pumpkin pie spice cake, layered pumpkin cake, Thanksgiving dessert