Pumpkin Crunch Cake
Pumpkin Crunch Cake is a delicious fall dessert featuring a moist pumpkin-spiced cake base topped with a buttery, crunchy nut topping. Perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations, this easy-to-make cake combines warm autumn flavors and delightful textures that everyone will love.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free cake mix)
For the Cake Batter
- 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin puree (or homemade equivalent)
- 1 (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
For the Crunchy Topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, and pumpkin puree. Beat in the eggs and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Spread the batter evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, making sure the surface is level for even baking.
- Prepare the Crunchy Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the chopped nuts with ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour melted butter over the nut mixture and stir until everything is coated.
- Sprinkle the Topping: Evenly distribute the nut and butter mixture over the cake batter, pressing gently to help it adhere slightly.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Pumpkin Crunch Cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing, so the layers hold together beautifully and the topping stays crisp.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- The cake tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature.
- Toast nuts before mixing for extra flavor and crunch if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: pumpkin cake, fall dessert, crunch topping, pumpkin spice, autumn dessert, easy pumpkin cake