Description
Pumpkin Crunch Cake is a comforting and festive fall dessert featuring a creamy pumpkin layer infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, topped with a satisfyingly crunchy crust made from brown sugar, flour, butter, and chopped nuts. This easy-to-make, versatile cake is perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or a cozy autumn treat, offering a delightful balance of creamy and crunchy textures that capture the essence of fall in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pumpkin Layer
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Crunchy Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional; substitute toasted seeds for nut-free)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Pumpkin Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until smooth and creamy, forming the luscious base for your cake.
- Assemble the Crunchy Topping: In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, chopped nuts, and cinnamon. Add cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until coarse, crumbly pieces form that will bake into a crunchy topping.
- Layer and Bake: Grease a baking dish and pour the pumpkin filling evenly into it. Sprinkle the crunchy topping evenly over the pumpkin layer and press lightly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp and the pumpkin layer is set and silky.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Pumpkin Crunch Cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set perfectly, enhancing texture contrast and making it easier to serve.
Notes
- Use freshly ground spices for the best aroma and flavor.
- Keep butter chilled to achieve a crumbly, crunchy topping texture.
- Mix wet ingredients just until combined to keep the pumpkin layer tender.
- Watch oven carefully after 30 minutes to prevent topping from burning.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick near the edges; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Crunch Cake, Pumpkin Dessert, Fall Dessert, Autumn Cake, Spiced Pumpkin Cake, Crunchy Topping Cake