The Coziest Pumpkin Crunch Cake Recipe for Fall Gatherings

Crafting a delectable pumpkin crunch cake brings pure autumn magic right to your kitchen.

Warm spices and crispy textures dance together in this irresistible dessert.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a treat that feels like a cozy embrace.

Layers of creamy pumpkin meld with a perfectly crunchy topping that’ll make taste buds sing.

Baking this cake fills your home with incredible aromas that signal comfort is on its way.

Sweet memories and delightful moments await when you slice into this incredible dessert.

Each bite promises a symphony of flavors that celebrate the best of fall’s delicious bounty.

Prepare to become the dessert hero among friends and family with this showstopping recipe.

New Takes On Pumpkin Crunch Cake

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Crunch Cake: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this dessert.
• Vegan Pumpkin Crunch Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut condensed milk, and swap butter for coconut oil to create a plant-based version of the classic recipe.
• Nut-Free Pecan Alternative: Replace pecans with rolled oats or sunflower seeds for a crunchy topping that works for those with nut allergies.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Crunch Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar and reduce the sweetened condensed milk to create a lower-sugar option for health-conscious bakers.

What To Serve With Pumpkin Crunch Cake

• Pair Spicy Chai Tea: The warm, aromatic spices in chai perfectly complement the pumpkin cake's cinnamon and nutmeg notes, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Recommend Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, textured pumpkin crunch cake, balancing temperature and richness.
• Select Caramel Macchiato: The sweet, buttery caramel notes enhance the cake's brown sugar and pecan elements, adding depth and complexity to each bite.
• Serve Bourbon Whipped Cream: A touch of bourbon in the whipped cream adds a sophisticated adult twist, elevating the dessert's flavor profile with a subtle warmth.

How To Store Pumpkin Crunch Cake The Right Way

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping the cake's texture and flavor intact. Ensure complete cooling before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and avoid overheating to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Warm at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent edge burning. Remove foil for the last 2-3 minutes to restore slight crispness to the pecan topping.

Pumpkin Crunch Cake FAQ Section

• What are the key spices used in this pumpkin crunch cake?

The key spices are cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, which provide warm, rich flavors that complement the pumpkin’s natural sweetness and create a classic autumn taste profile.

• How does the crunch topping add texture to the cake?

The crunch topping made with chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter creates a crispy, caramelized layer that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy pumpkin base, giving the cake an exciting textural dimension.

• Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe if I have dietary restrictions?

You can use gluten-free flour for the topping, swap pecans with other nuts like almonds, or use dairy-free alternatives for butter and condensed milk to accommodate various dietary needs while maintaining the cake’s core flavor.

Why Pumpkin Crunch Cake Is A Fall Favorite

• Stress-Free Baking: Create a delectable dessert without complicated techniques or professional skills, perfect for home bakers of all levels.
• Seasonal Sensation: Capture the warmth of autumn with a pumpkin-based treat that celebrates classic fall flavors and comforting spices.
• Texture Triumph: Experience an incredible contrast between the smooth, creamy pumpkin base and the crispy, nutty pecan crunch topping that delights every bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations where everyone craves a delicious, memorable sweet dish.

What You’ll Need For Pumpkin Crunch Cake

• Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, rich ingredient that provides the primary flavor and moist texture of the cake.
• Eggs: They help bind the ingredients together and create a smooth, cohesive mixture.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and contributes to the creamy consistency of the pumpkin layer.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm spices that enhance the classic pumpkin flavor and create a cozy autumn taste.
• Salt: Balances and deepens the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a crispy, golden topping.
• Flour: Helps bind the crunch topping ingredients together.
• Pecans: Adds a nutty crunch and textural contrast to the soft pumpkin base.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the topping.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to complement the pumpkin and spices.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional garnish that adds a sweet, decorative touch.
• Whipped Cream: Optional serving suggestion that provides a light, creamy accompaniment.

Steps To Bake Pumpkin Crunch Cake

Step 1: Prep the Oven And Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your cake slides out like a dream.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Pumpkin Base

• Pumpkin puree
• Eggs
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• Salt

Blend until the mixture looks silky smooth and everything is perfectly combined.

Step 3: Create the Pumpkin Layer

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a gorgeous base layer.

Step 4: Craft the Pecan Crunch Topping

• Melted butter
• Flour
• Chopped pecans
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

Stir until the mixture looks wonderfully crumbly and textured.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Crunchy Topping

Distribute the pecan crunch across the entire pumpkin surface, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the cake into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Step 7: Cool and Rest

Take the cake out of the oven and let it chill at room temperature for about an hour.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch

Drizzle vanilla extract over the cake to elevate its flavor profile.

Step 9: Optional Luxurious Garnish

Dust with powdered sugar and add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Slice up this heavenly pumpkin crunch cake and savor the magical combination of creamy pumpkin and crunchy pecan topping.

Tips To Help You Make Pumpkin Crunch Cake Perfectly

• Grease Wisely: Use cooking spray or butter thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal.
• Mix Smoothly: Whisk pumpkin ingredients until completely blended, avoiding lumps for a silky-smooth texture.
• Crunch Coverage: Distribute pecan topping evenly across the entire cake surface to guarantee a perfect crunch in every bite.
• Bake Precisely: Check doneness with a toothpick test – it should come out clean when the cake is perfectly baked.
• Enhance Flavors: Drizzle vanilla extract and add a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the cake's taste and presentation.

Pumpkin Crunch Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Seasonal comfort meets sweet indulgence in this classic pumpkin crunch cake, blending rich spices with a crunchy pecan topping. Creamy pumpkin layers meld perfectly with buttery streusel, creating a dessert that brings warmth and joy to any autumn gathering.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 4 eggs
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt

Crunch Topping:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
• Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy cake removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until the mixture becomes smooth and uniformly blended.
3. Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a consistent base layer.
4. For the crunch topping, combine melted butter, flour, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl, stirring until the ingredients form a crumbly, textured mixture.
5. Sprinkle the pecan crunch topping generously and evenly across the entire surface of the pumpkin base, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Transfer the cake to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
8. Once cooled, drizzle vanilla extract over the cake for an enhanced flavor profile.
9. Optional: Dust the top with powdered sugar and serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
10. Slice and serve the pumpkin crunch cake at room temperature, enjoying the delightful contrast between the creamy pumpkin base and the crunchy pecan topping.

Notes

• Swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
• Toast pecans before chopping to intensify their nutty flavor and enhance overall cake complexity.
• Reduce sugar content by using half brown sugar and half monk fruit sweetener for a lower-glycemic dessert option.
• Check cake doneness early to prevent over-browning, as ovens vary in temperature and baking performance.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg