Pumpkin Crunch Cake Recipe – Easy, Festive & Delicious Holiday Dessert
Introduction
Pumpkin Crunch Cake is the ultimate holiday dessert that captures the cozy flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and spices—all wrapped up in a decadent, crunchy topping. This easy, crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any festive gathering where you want a memorable sweet treat that effortless to make but impressive to serve.
Why Pumpkin Crunch Cake is a Festive Favorite
What makes Pumpkin Crunch Cake stand out is the irresistible contrast between the creamy pumpkin custard base and the buttery, crisp topping of cake mix and pecans. It’s an ideal dessert for those who crave pumpkin pie but want something even simpler with a delightful texture twist. Even better, it feeds a crowd with zero fuss, making it a seasonal go-to for busy hosts.
The Secret to Silky Pumpkin Filling
The luscious base for this cake is a classic blend of pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, and aromatic spices. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for the best flavor. Adding evaporated milk gives the filling a custard-like texture, while cinnamon and nutmeg infuse every bite with the classic pumpkin spice warmth.
Baking Crunchy Topping Perfection
No need to get out the stand mixer—this dessert comes together right in the baking pan. After spreading the smooth pumpkin filling, sprinkle a box of yellow cake mix evenly over the top. Scatter chopped pecans for extra crunch, then drizzle the whole thing with melted butter. As it bakes, the topping transforms into a golden, crispy layer while the base stays rich and creamy.
Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Crunch Cake
Pumpkin Crunch Cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature. For an extra special touch, top each piece with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a light sprinkle of cinnamon before serving can elevate the festive presentation.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 12 generous servings. Each piece typically contains around 350-400 calories, making it a treat to be savored in moderation during the holiday season.
Pumpkin Crunch Cake – Effortless Elegance (Recap)
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or baking for a potluck, this Pumpkin Crunch Cake offers a perfect balance of creamy, spiced pumpkin and buttery crunch. Simple, festive, and indulgent, it’s sure to become a family tradition.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient holiday grocery trips and seamless meal planning.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well-blended.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin filling—do not mix in!
- Evenly scatter chopped pecans over the cake mix, if using.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire top of the cake.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
- Allow to cool before slicing. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.
Weekly Meal Planning
Pumpkin Crunch Cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert for any busy holiday week. Save and schedule this recipe to organize your festive menu and generate a smart shopping list that consolidates ingredients across all your planned dishes.
Planning Benefits:
– Calculates total ingredient quantities for multiple recipes
– Organizes grocery lists by department for quicker shopping
– Prevents duplicate items and forgotten essentials
– Makes prepping for holidays and big events a breeze
Pro tip: If your holiday menu includes several pumpkin or spiced desserts, schedule your recipes together in CookifyAI—overlapping ingredients like eggs, butter, or spices will be tallied for you, saving time and reducing waste.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
