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Pumpkin Crunch Recipe

This pumpkin crunch recipe layers creamy pumpkin filling with a crisp cake mix topping for a crowd‑pleasing fall dessert. Quick, indulgent, and unforgettable!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 245 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Pumpkin Layer:
  • 1 can 15 oz pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Crunchy Topping:
  • 1 box 15.25 oz butter‑flavor yellow cake mix (dry)
  • ½ cup 1 stick butter, melted
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch

Instructions
 

  • Preheat and Prepare Pan (5 minutes)
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
  • Make Pumpkin Layer (5 minutes)
  • In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  • Pour into Dish (1 minute)
  • Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish—smooth surface with a spatula.
  • Add Crunch Topping (2 minutes)
  • Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pumpkin layer. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix—don’t stir. Optionally scatter chopped nuts on top for extra crunch.
  • Bake (50 minutes)
  • Bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crunchy and the pumpkin layer is set (it should jiggle only slightly).
  • Cool Completely (1 hour)
  • Remove from oven and let cool on a rack for at least 1 hour—this helps the topping crisp up and the filling to stabilize.
  • Chill (Minimum 2 hours)
  • Refrigerate the pumpkin crunch uncovered or lightly covered. Chill at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, for best texture.

Notes

  • Don’t cover while cooling—moisture ruins the crisp topping.
  • Let it chill fully—slicing too soon leads to runny layers.
  • Use canned pumpkin, not drinking pumpkin spice—flavor concentrators differ.
  • Sprinkle topping dry, don’t stir—blending ruins the contrast in texture.
  • To re-crisp edges before serving, run a kitchen torch or place briefly under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes (watch it closely!).
Keyword pumpkin crunch, creamy pumpkin dessert, fall baking, pumpkin dessert, cake mix topping, easy Thanksgiving dessert