Irresistible Pumpkin Crunch Cake Recipe for Fall Delights

Name: Pumpkin Crunch Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 large eggs; 1 cup all-purpose flour; Whipped cream for serving

Published: September 24, 2025

by Amelia

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This delightful Pumpkin Crunch Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect even for novice bakers
Its rich flavor profile balances sweet and spiced notes beautifully
The golden crust topped with whipped cream looks stunning on any table
Versatile enough for Thanksgiving or an everyday dessert, this cake will always impress

When I first made this Pumpkin Crunch Cake for my family gathering last fall, you could hear the fork clinks as everyone dove in for seconds—no one could resist its charm! mini pumpkin churros recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Canned Pumpkin Puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin puree—not the spiced pie filling—for better control over flavor.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener is essential; adjust based on your sweetness preference.
Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar adds depth and moisture to the cake.
Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon gives a warm aroma that makes this dessert feel like home.
Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds an earthy undertone—don’t skip this little gem!
Pecans or Walnuts: Chopped nuts provide added texture and crunch; use your favorite type.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness in your cake.
Eggs: Eggs act as binders; they add richness and structure to your cake.
Whipped Cream: A dollop on top elevates this dessert to new heights—because who doesn’t love whipped cream?

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Pumpkin Crunch Cake Recipe

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter for easy removal later.

Mix Your Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well until everything is blended evenly.

Add Wet Ingredients: Add canned pumpkin puree and eggs to the dry mix. Blend using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy—like a cozy fall day wrapped in a blanket.

Pour Into Baking Dish: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly so every corner gets that delicious pumpkin goodness.

Create Topping Mixture: In another bowl, mix together softened butter with brown sugar, flour, and chopped nuts until crumbly—this will be your crunchy topping!

Add Topping and Bake!: Sprinkle the topping mixture generously over the cake batter. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Let’s face it: life is too short not to indulge in some Pumpkin Crunch Cake! The tantalizing aroma wafting from your kitchen will have everyone gathered around before you know it. Enjoy every bite with friends or family—or keep it all for yourself (no judgment here!).

This delightful dessert combines ease with impressive results—a true crowd-pleaser if there ever was one! So grab those ingredients and let’s make magic happen together!

You Must Know

Pumpkin Crunch Cake is a delightful blend of pumpkin and spice, making it perfect for fall
The crunchy topping adds texture, while the creamy filling surprises with every bite
Experimenting with spices can elevate the flavors beyond your wildest expectations

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix the pumpkin and spices while preparing the crumble topping. This sequence saves time and ensures that everything bakes evenly.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping out pecans for walnuts in the topping for a different crunch. You can also add chocolate chips or raisins to the batter for a delightful surprise.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfect Pumpkin Crunch Cake, ensure your pumpkin is pure and not pie filling
Whisk eggs thoroughly for a smoother texture
Let it cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling

This cake brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone fought over the last slice.