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With smooth pumpkin flavors, crunchy pecans, and a dollop of whipped cream, this pumpkin crunch cake is a must-make during the fall season.

Pumpkin Crunch Cake topped with whipped cream served on a white plate.

The Perfect Holiday Dessert

Our pumpkin crunch cake recipe is one of those pumpkin desserts that we crave ALL FALL long! It’s so full of flavor and spice that it’s hard not to crave once the weather cools down.

This recipe is a twist on our famous Pumpkin Dump Cake and has a buttery pecan crunch that is to die for.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, this dessert is sure to impress and add variety.

WHY WE LOVE IT:

  • Easy to make. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this easy cake recipe is perfect for busy schedules.
  • Fall flavors. The warm spices and rich pumpkin taste capture the essence of fall in every bite.
  • Delightful. Serve warm with a scoop of Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream or chilled for a refreshing treat.
Pumpkin puree in a glass bowl.

Ingredients

  • 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree When making this pumpkin cake be sure to use canned pumpkin puree and NOT canned pumpkin pie filling
  • 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice – store-bought or homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice.
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix The box of cake mix should be about 15-16 ounces. Make sure to only use the cake mix powder in the recipe. You will not be using the ingredients that are typically listed on the back of the box. 
  • 1 cup chopped pecans If you’re not a fan of pecans try using walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for the crunchy topping. If you can’t have nuts try adding chopped toffee or use a streusel topping instead.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping Drizzle Caramel Sauce over the top of the cake for even more decadence. 

How to Make Pumpkin Crunch Cake

  1. PREP. Grease a 9 x 13 pan and pour in the batter. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF.
  2. MIX. In a large mixing bowl combine the 1 can pumpkin puree, 1 can evaporated milk, 4 eggs, 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice, and ยฝ teaspoon salt. Mix everything well. Don’t worry that the pumpkin batter is runny. That’s normal.
  3. LAYER. Sprinkle the box of yellow cake mix on top of the pumpkin mixture. Gently pat the cake mix down completely covering the batter. Spread the 1 cup chopped pecans evenly over the top of the cake mix layer, then drizzle everything with 1 cup melted butter.
  4. BAKE. Bake for 60-80 minutes. After an hour, check the cake every 5 minutes to see if it’s cooked through and set. Take it out of the oven and allow the cake to stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  5. ENJOY! Serve your pumpkin crunch cake with dollops of Whipped Cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. A scoop of Homemade Vanilla ice Cream would also be a wonderful option
Close up of pumpkin crunch dump cake layers in a glass baking dish.

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5 from 306 votes

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

By: Lil’ Luna
With smooth pumpkin flavors, crunchy pecans, and a dollop of whipped cream, this pumpkin crunch cake is a must-make during the fall season.
Servings: 18
Prep: 12 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 12 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
  • 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, frozen

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350ยฐF.
  • In a large mixing bowl combine pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, pumpkin spice, and salt. Mix well (the batter will be runny).
  • Grease a 9×13 baking dish and pour in the batter.ย Sprinkle the yellow cake mix on top of the batter. Gently pat the cake mix down completely covering the batter.
  • Spread the chopped pecans evenly over the cake mix layer, then drizzle it with melted butter.
  • Bake for 60-80 minutes or until done. Allow the cake to stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Top each slice with whipped cream or ice cream.ย 

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 292kcal, Carbohydrates: 36g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 64mg, Sodium: 289mg, Potassium: 53mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 24g, Vitamin A: 380IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 74mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Do I Refrigerate Pumpkin Crunch Cake?

Once the crunchy pumpkin cake has cooled it can keep on the counter for a couple more hours. If you are not serving it immediately, it can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later.

Can I Use a Different Flavor Cake Mix?

You can use a spice cake mix, just reduce the amount of added spice to help keep the flavor balanced. You can also use white cake mix.

Can you make this ahead of time?

Keep this pumpkin crunch recipe in the fridge overnight or until you’re ready to bake it.

How to store Pumpkin Crunch Cake?

Store any leftover pumpkin crunch dump cake in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

How to Freeze?

Freeze this cake after it has cooled completely. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and again with foil. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and serve chilled or reheat it in the oven.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and Iโ€™m the mom of SIX stinkinโ€™ cute kids and the wife to my smokinโ€™ hot hubby, Lo. My momโ€™s maiden name is Luna, and Iโ€™m one of the many crafty โ€œLilโ€™ Lunasโ€ in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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5 from 306 votes (268 ratings without comment)

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69 Comments

  1. Debi says:

    For the Pumpkin Crunch Cake, can I substitute coconut milk or regular milk For the condensed milk?

  2. MaryAnn Suda says:

    5 stars
    Can I make this into bars instead of cake by using a 15 x10โ€ pan and cook for less time? What temperature?

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      You could try. I haven’t made this one in a 15×10 before, but I’d probably keep the temp the same. I’d watch the baking time though and definitely shorten it, since the layers would be much thinner. You’ll have to let us know how it turns out if you make it into bars.

  3. Ellie Grove says:

    5 stars
    I love the pumpkin combination with the crunch on top! It was super easy to make and baked up perfectly!

  4. Sha says:

    5 stars
    Served this with hot milk for our snack and it’s great! Decadent and delightful ๐Ÿ˜

  5. Mel says:

    5 stars
    This cake was perfection. And the crunch was my favorite. Cannot wait to make this again.

  6. Shannon says:

    Can you use sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk?

  7. Bobbie says:

    5 stars
    Can you make this ahead & Freeze it?

  8. Lorene says:

    5 stars
    Fantastic. I made it twice since getting the recipe. Bringing one to Thanksgiving dinner today. Nice change to traditional pumpkin pie.

  9. Cathy Zabel says:

    How can you tell this is done? 20 minute window given with no clues of what done looks like.

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      In the text of the post, we do mention “After an hour, check the cake every 5 minutes to see if itโ€™s cooked through and set. Take it out of the oven and allow the cake to stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.” Hopefully that helps!