Dessert

Cozy Oven Pumpkin Crunch Cake Recipe

Byreem everly November 25, 2025November 25, 2025

Introduction

This Cozy Oven Pumpkin Crunch Cake is a delightful autumn treat that combines a moist pumpkin base with a crunchy topping. Perfect for gathering with family or friends, it offers warm spices and a comforting texture in every bite.

The image shows a thick, square slice of cake with four layers, placed on a white plate. The bottom layer is a light brown crumbly crust. Above it is a thick, smooth orange layer. Then comes a creamy white layer with bits of nuts visible inside. The top layer is a rough, crumbly mixture with pecans sprinkled throughout and dusted with powdered sugar. A small orange-brown leaf is on the plate near the cake. In the background, there is a small white bowl with white whipped cream and blurry orange mini pumpkins. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 cup cake mix (yellow or vanilla)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (for crunch topping)
½ cup powdered sugar (for topping, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended and creamy.
Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet pumpkin mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in chopped pecans if using.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 7: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the batter.
Step 8: Drizzle the melted butter carefully over the cake mix layer, covering as much as possible.
Step 9: Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 10: Remove from the oven and let cool for about 15 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Step 11: Serve warm alone or topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, toast the pecans before folding them into the batter.
Use pumpkin pie spice in place of the individual spices for convenience.
Substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nut flavor.
Try using gluten-free flour and cake mix to make this cake gluten-free.

Storage

Store the pumpkin crunch cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave to bring back the warm, cozy flavors before serving.

How to Serve

A thick square slice of pumpkin dessert sits in the center of a white plate, showing three main layers: a soft, creamy orange pumpkin middle, a dense pale base, and a crumbly, golden-brown top sprinkled with powdered sugar and pieces of pecan. On top of the dessert is a dollop of white whipped cream, slightly peaked. Around the slice on the plate are a few loose pecan halves and bits of crumb. The setting includes small pumpkins and fall leaves blurred in the background, and the plate rests on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be baked a day in advance. Store it covered and reheat slightly before serving for the best taste.

Can I omit the nuts?

Absolutely. The nuts add texture and flavor but are optional. The cake will still be delicious without them.

reem everly