My fast and easy Pumpkin Pecan Crunch Cake is jam-packed with all the best fall season flavors. You’ll mix up this delicious dessert in 10 minutes using cake mix for a shortcut!
Y’all know how much I adore my vintage recipes. And you also know that I’m not opposed to taking a shortcut in the kitchen now and then, either. So, what could be better than a vintage shortcut recipe!?
Some of the best vintage cake recipes are the dump cake recipes. You know – dump a can of this and a can of that and combine it with a cake mix?
Some of those recipes are so good. Well, this Pumpkin Pecan Crunch Cake is similar except that it’s not dumped, it’s layered.
You mix up a wet layer that goes on the bottom, then sprinkle it with dry cake mix, top it with pecans and butter, and pop it in the oven. An hour later – cake!
If it takes you more than 10 minutes to put this together, you’re doing it wrong ;-)
— This post was originally published on November 8, 2013. It has been updated with new photos and additional information.
Recipe Snapshot
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: Oven
Total Time: 1 Hour, 5 Minutes
Servings: 12
Primary Ingredient(s): Pumpkin puree, yellow cake mix, pecans, eggs, sugar, butter
Skill Level: Easy
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING …
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This is a wonderful recipe which I made for a potluck. People loved it and will make it again and again. So easy.”
— Barbara
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
- So simple! Just layer everything into one pan and bake.
- Who doesn’t like pumpkin! From black walnut pumpkin bread to the classic pumpkin roll, they’re all delicious! Pumpkin, pecans, and spices are some of the best autumnal flavors.
- Great for both kids and adults. All ages enjoy this easy dessert.
Ingredient Notes
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- Pumpkin Puree – You’ll need pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix, for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling has spices and other ingredients that won’t work. Be sure you purchase plain pumpkin puree.
- Whole Milk – I recommend whole milk for the best flavor in the finished cake.
- Cinnamon – Make sure your cinnamon is fresh and fragrant. I typically use Saigon cinnamon for baking.
- Melted Butter – See the notes below for how to melt butter.
- Yellow Cake Mix – Use any brand that you like. Betty Crocker is always dependable.
- Pecans – You’ll need two cups of chopped pecans for the nutty, flavorful topping on the cake. Two cups contain approximately 8 ounces in weight of pecans.
- Heavy Cream – For garnishing individual servings. Make the whipped cream yourself or use purchased whipped cream or whipped topping if you prefer.
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Crunch Cake
Do the Prep Work
- Preheat the oven to 350.
- Grease and flour a 9×13 baking dish or pan. Set the pan aside.
Pro Tip: How to Grease and Flour a Pan
So often, a recipe says, “Grease and flour a pan,” but hardly ever explains how to do that. I’m here to help.
When I need to grease and flour a pan for baking, I start with about a tablespoon of soft butter and, using my fingers, spread it all over the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Depending on the size of the pan, you may need a little more or less butter.
Then lightly sprinkle a tablespoon or two of flour in the bottom of the pan. Now pick up the pan, tilt it back and forth, and turn it around until the flour has stuck all over the butter and coated the inside of the pan.
Last, I always turn my pan upside down over the trash can and gently tap on the bottom to loosen any excess flour. Simple!
Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Place the pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl. Use a spatula or whisk to combine them well.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish.
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Add the Cake Mix, Pecans, and Butter
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the wet ingredients layer.
- Sprinkle the pecans evenly over the top of the cake mix layer.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the pecan layer.
Pro Tip: How to Melt Butter
The easiest way to melt butter is in the microwave. Cut the butter into chunks, about 1 tablespoon each, and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a plate or plastic wrap.
Microwave the butter at 50% power until melted (it’ll take between 30 and 60 seconds for a stick or 1/2 cup of butter). Watch carefully and stop the microwave as soon as the butter has melted. Use oven mitts to remove the bowl.
Alternatively, you can always melt the butter in a small saucepan over very low heat on the stovetop.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the cake is set in the center.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
Pro Tip: How to Test Whether a Cake is Done
To test whether a cake is done, quickly insert and remove a toothpick, wooden skewer, or the tip of a sharp paring knife into the center of the cake. If the tester comes out clean, the cake is done. If it comes out wet, gummy, or with wet crumbs clinging to it, the cake needs to cook some more.
Serve with Whipped Cream
- When ready to serve, whip the cream on high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and beat for one more minute. Top individual servings with whipped cream. Or substitute purchased whipped cream or topping.
More Recipes You’ll Like
Glazed Pumpkin Pound Cake
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies
Cinnamon Pumpkin Seed Brittle
Easy Pumpkin Spice Cruffins
Questions About Pumpkin Pecan Crunch Cake
Absolutely! The cake is actually best made at least a day before you plan to serve it. I like to serve it at room temperature, but you can also rewarm individual servings in the microwave if you like.
After the cake is completely cool, you should store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
You can always just leave out the nuts, but walnuts can be substituted for the pecans. You can also use roughly crumbled cookies, such as graham crackers or Biscoff, as a substitute for the nuts.
Have a question or thought to share?
If you have a question about the recipe or if you’ve made it and want to share how it turned out, I would truly enjoy hearing from you. Just scroll down to leave a comment or add your star rating.
Thank you for stopping by. It means a lot to have you here.
Recipe
Pumpkin Pecan Crunch Cake
Ingredients
- 15 ounces canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 yellow cake mix (recommended brand: Betty Crocker)
- 2 cups pecans chopped
- 1 cup butter melted
For the whipped cream topping:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350.
- Grease and flour a 9×13 baking dish or pan. Set the pan aside.
- Place the pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl. Use a spatula or whisk to combine them well.15 ounces canned pumpkin puree, ½ cup whole milk, 3 eggs, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pour the wet ingredients mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix over the wet ingredients layer.1 yellow cake mix
- Sprinkle pecans over the dry cake mix.2 cups pecans
- Pour melted butter evenly over the pecan layer.1 cup butter
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the cake is set in center.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- When ready to serve, whip the cream on high speed of an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and beat 1 more minute. Top individual servings with whipped cream. (Alternately, top with purchased whipped cream or whipped topping.)½ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons sugar
Notes
- After the cake is completely cool, you should store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
- This cake is best made at least a day before you plan to serve it. I like to serve it at room temperature, but you can also rewarm individual servings in the microwave if you like.
- For those with nut allergies, you can always leave out the nuts or substitute roughly crumbled cookies such as graham crackers or Biscoff as a replacement for the nuts.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
Can I use a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix?
I have not tested this recipe with spice cake mix so I can’t say how it would turn out. It would certainly taste different.
I have a Spice cake mix, will it work with this recipe?
I haven’t tested that, but I think it should work. I’d leave out the cinnamon, though.
I am making this for Thanksgiving! And dressing…. and cranberry sauce. And maybe other stuff….
Miss P
Could you switch out pumpkin for sweet potatoes
I haven’t tried that, but I would think you could.
This is a wonderful recipe which I made for a potluck. People loved it and will make it again and again. So easy. Thank you.
My beautiful girlfriend brought home the wonderful aroma of Pecan Pumpkin Cake… via a scented candle… this in turn lead me to Google the recipe; I stumbled upon your website/recipes and now can’t wait to bake this delight. It sounds incredible and I know it will fill our home and bellies with the autumn essence we love.
I saw this on Facebook and had to run (okay, click) over to see how you made this. Yummo.
I’ve looked at alot of recipes today, but this one is one that is really speaking to me. Looks delish!
Thanks, Brenda. It’s such an easy recipe for such a big reward :-)
THis looks divine!
Thanks, Shaina! Hope you’ll try it.
I have read many recipes for dump cakes, and they always sound delicious! Pumpkin and pecans together would make for a perfect cake:-) Yum, Hugs, Terra
It really is a fantastic combination, Terra! Thanks for stopping by!
All I know is this. I want some. BAD!!
Shall I ship one out to you? :-)
Lana, I’m totally using your recipes for the holidays this year and already making my grocery list! Thank you so much for Lana’s Cooking. I’m enjoying reading each recipe!
I hope you find all the recipes you need to make your holidays special, Janet! You might also be interested in my new cookbook — link at the top of every page.
Don’t use many boxed items but this one sounds so good and easy that I plan to do it for our Senior Center’s next potluck. Why is it that as we grow older we love our sweets even more?
I don’t know, Stella, but it does seem that we crave the sweets more and more, doesn’t it? I have to make something, have a little taste, and send the rest to work with my hubby or I’ll be too tempted to over indulge! Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Your Cake recipe sounds so good!!! =)
Thanks for sharing !
You’re welcome, Melissa! Thank you so much for reading.