Pumpkin Crunch Cake 🎃🍰🥧 Creamy Pumpkin Base With a Buttery, Crunchy Topping

This pumpkin crunch cake is a cross between pumpkin pie and cake, with a silky pumpkin filling baked under a crisp, buttery pecan topping.

It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering.

Ingredients (Serves 12–16)

For the pumpkin layer

• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of cloves (optional)

For the topping

• 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15–16 oz)
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

For serving (optional)

• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce drizzle

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the pumpkin base

In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until smooth. Pour into prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Add the topping

Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cake mix. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top, covering as much of the dry mix as possible.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.

Step 5: Cool and serve

Cool slightly before serving warm, or chill and serve cold. Top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle if desired.

Flavor Variations

• Use spice cake mix instead of yellow cake for extra spice
• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds
• Add a layer of toffee bits with the nuts for extra crunch
• Drizzle with maple glaze instead of caramel for a seasonal twist

Pro Tips

• Pour melted butter slowly and evenly to help the topping bake uniformly
• Let the cake rest at least 20 minutes before slicing so the layers set
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• This dessert tastes great both warm and chilled — try it both ways

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Crunch Cake is creamy on the bottom, crunchy on top, and completely irresistible. It’s a low-effort, high-reward dessert that always impresses at fall gatherings.

Layer it. Bake it. Savor the crunch. 🎃🍰🥧

🎃 All-Purpose Pumpkin Recipes 🎃

Fall in love with pumpkin all over again! From cozy pies and muffins to cheesecakes, cookies, and savory twists, this collection covers every craving. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want a taste of autumn, you’ll find the perfect recipe here.

Explore All Pumpkin Recipes → – Savory and sweet ways to enjoy pumpkin in every meal.

• 🥄 Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix – Homemade spice blend for all your pumpkin treats.
• 🌰 Pumpkin Seeds Recipe – Crunchy, roasted snack with endless seasoning options.
• 🥥 Pumpkin Soup with Coconut Milk – Creamy, lightly sweetened fall soup.
• 🥞 Pumpkin Pancakes – Fluffy and warmly spiced breakfast favorite.
• 🍝 Pumpkin Pasta Sauce – Savory-sweet sauce perfect for fall pasta dishes.
• 🧁 Pumpkin Muffins – Soft, moist muffins for a cozy snack.
• 🌶️ Pumpkin Chili – Hearty, savory chili with a pumpkin twist.
• 🥙 Pumpkin Hummus – Creamy dip with seasonal flavor.
• 🍞 Pumpkin Bread – Classic, moist pumpkin loaf.

🥧 Classic Pumpkin Pies

See All Classic Pumpkin Pies → – Timeless pies for Thanksgiving and beyond.

• 🥧 Traditional Pumpkin Pie – The holiday classic.
• 🥛 Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie – All the flavor, no dairy.
• 🍁 Maple Pumpkin Pie – Sweetened with pure maple syrup.
• 🥟 Mini Pumpkin Pies – Perfect for parties and portion control.
• 🌾 Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie – Delicious and celiac-friendly.
• 🍫 Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Pie – Rich chocolate meets creamy pumpkin.
• ❄️ No-Bake Pumpkin Pie – Easy, oven-free dessert.

🍨 Creative Pumpkin Pies

See All Creative Pumpkin Pies → – Unique flavor twists on the classic.

• 🍰 Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie – Creamy cheesecake meets pumpkin pie.
• 🔥 Brûléed Pumpkin Pie – Caramelized sugar topping for extra flair.
• 🍫 Chocolate Ganache Pumpkin Pie – Decadent and rich.
• 🥥 Coconut Pumpkin Pie – Tropical, creamy twist.
• 🍮 No-Bake Pumpkin Mousse Pie – Light, fluffy, and no oven needed.
• 🌰 Pecan Streusel Pumpkin Pie – Sweet and crunchy topping.
• 🍦 Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie – Cold, creamy holiday treat.
• 🥜 Peanut Butter Pumpkin Pie – Nutty, sweet fusion.

🍮 Pumpkin Puddings & Custards

See All Pudding & Custard Recipes → – Creamy, smooth pumpkin desserts.

• 🍮 Pumpkin Pudding – Simple and silky.
• 🍞 Pumpkin Bread Pudding – Cozy, custardy comfort food.
• 🥤 Pumpkin Pie Smoothie – Drinkable pie in a glass.
• 🍨 Pumpkin Mousse – Light and airy.
• 🍮 Pumpkin Custard – Creamy baked goodness.
• 🥧 Pumpkin Pie Dip – Perfect for fruit or cookies.
• 🌱 Pumpkin Chia Pudding – Healthy and satisfying.
• 🔥 Pumpkin Crème Brûlée – Fancy caramelized dessert.

🍞 Pumpkin Breads, Cupcakes & Scones

See All Bread, Cupcake & Scone Recipes → – Bakery-worthy fall treats.

• 🍞 Pumpkin Bread – Moist and spiced.
• 🍫 Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread – Sweet chocolate in every bite.
• 🧁 Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting – Classic fall cupcakes.
• 🥄 Pumpkin Spice Muffins – Warmly spiced and fluffy.
• 🍥 Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bread – Creamy ribbon through moist bread.
• 🍯 Pumpkin Streusel Muffins – Crunchy topping perfection.
• 🍪 Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze – Bakery-style treat.
• 🍩 Glazed Pumpkin Donuts – Soft baked donuts with glaze.

🍰 Pumpkin Cheesecakes

See All Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipes → – Creamy cheesecake with pumpkin spice magic.

• 🍰 Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie – Hybrid of cheesecake and classic pie.
• ❄️ No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake – Creamy and oven-free.
• 🍮 Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake – Beautiful marbled presentation.
• 🧁 Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites – Bite-sized indulgence.
• 🍫 Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – Creamy cheesecake in bar form.
• 🍪 Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies – Cookie and cheesecake fusion.
• 🌰 Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake – Nutty crunch with creamy filling.
• 🍫 Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake – Deep chocolate meets pumpkin spice.

🍪 Pumpkin Cookies

See All Pumpkin Cookie Recipes → – Soft, chewy, and perfect for fall.

• 🍪 Classic Soft Pumpkin Cookies – Fluffy and spiced.
• 🍫 Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic combo of sweet and spice.
• 🌰 Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies – Deeply flavored and chewy.
• 🍥 Pumpkin Cream Cheese Sandwich Cookies – Creamy filling between soft cookies.
• 🌾 Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies – Hearty and wholesome.
• 🍯 Frosted Pumpkin Cookies – Sweet icing on top.
• 🌀 Pumpkin Snickerdoodles – Cinnamon-sugar perfection.
• 🍪 Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies – Cookies with cheesecake swirls.
• 🍬 Pumpkin Sugar Cookies – Soft and sweet cut-out style.

📏 Pumpkin Bars

See All Pumpkin Bar Recipes → – Shareable pumpkin squares for any gathering.

• 📏 Pumpkin Bars – Classic pumpkin dessert bars.
• 🥧 Pumpkin Pie Bars – All the pie flavor, easier to serve.
• 🍥 Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bars – Tangy cream cheese layer.
• 🍫 Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – Cheesecake and pumpkin bar fusion.

🧁 Pumpkin Muffin

See All Pumpkin Muffin Recipes → – Soft, warm, and full of spice.

• 🧁 Pumpkin Muffins – Classic, moist muffins.
• 🍯 Pumpkin Streusel Muffins – Sweet, crunchy topping.
• 🍫 Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins – Chocolate in every bite.
• 🍥 Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins – Creamy surprise inside.
• 🥄 Pumpkin Spice Muffins – Boldly spiced and fluffy.

🍰 Pumpkin Cakes

See All Pumpkin Cake Recipes → – From simple loaves to layered showstoppers.

• 🍰 Pumpkin Cake – Simple and spiced.
• 🥄 Pumpkin Spice Cake – Extra spice for extra flavor.
• 🌀 Pumpkin Roll Cake – Rolled with cream cheese filling.
• 🎂 Pumpkin Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Impressive centerpiece dessert.
• 🍩 Pumpkin Bundt Cake – Pretty and perfect for glazing.
• ☕ Pumpkin Coffee Cake – Crumb topping for brunch vibes.
• 🍯 Pumpkin Crunch Cake – Sweet, buttery topping with crunch.