Pumpkin Caramel Crunch Cake
A rich layered pumpkin caramel crunch cake featuring spiced cake, creamy cheesecake, and buttery topping for the perfect fall dessert.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) spice cake mix
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Pumpkin Layer
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Remaining half of the cake mixture
Crunch Topping
- ¾ cup crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer crumbs
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
Finishing
- ½ cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Optional: pinch of sea salt
- 1 cup heavy cream or whipped topping
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Make the Cake Base
- In a bowl, mix the spice cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until crumbly.
- Press half the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Create the Cheesecake Layer
- Beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Spread evenly over the cake base.
4. Add the Pumpkin Layer
- Mix the remaining cake mixture with pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Spoon gently over the cheesecake layer and spread evenly.
5. Prepare the Crunch Topping
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter.
- Sprinkle across the top of the cake.
6. Bake
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the center is set and the edges turn golden.
- A toothpick should come out clean.
7. Cool and Chill
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the layers firm.
- Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and a sprinkle of crumbs before serving.
Notes
- Always use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Ensure proper chilling for neat, defined layers.
- Use homemade caramel for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Slice with a hot knife for cleaner cuts.