Prepare this simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that contrasts a moist pumpkin layer with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping. This recipe is perfect for fall gatherings and requires minimal effort.
Author:sarahmiller
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:55 min
Total Time:70 min
Yield:12 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup chopped pecans
1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix and the melted butter until crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust layer.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven.
While the crust bakes, prepare the pecan topping. In a separate bowl, mix the chopped pecans with half of the dry cake mix mixture reserved from step 2. Sprinkle this pecan mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.
In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until smooth. This is your creamy filling.
Gently pour the pumpkin filling over the pecan-cake mix layer in the baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining dry cake mix/butter mixture evenly over the top of the pumpkin layer.
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Let the pumpkin crunch cake cool completely before slicing and serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For an extra crunchy topping, toast the pecans lightly before mixing them with the cake mix.
This dessert tastes best after chilling for at least 4 hours, allowing the layers to set firmly.
Serve this treat with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added richness.