Gooey Pumpkin Crumble Cake 🎃🍰 – The Ultimate Fall Dessert

A Fall Favorite in Every Bite

When autumn arrives, it brings more than just falling leaves—it brings the irresistible craving for warm, spiced desserts. And few treats capture the spirit of the season like Gooey Pumpkin Crumble Cake.

This dessert is a blend of creamy pumpkin pie filling, buttery crumble topping, and cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s gooey in the middle, crisp on top, and irresistibly comforting. Whether it’s served at Thanksgiving, a fall potluck, or a cozy weekend dinner, this cake never fails to impress.

It’s also ridiculously easy to make—thanks to a box of cake mix and a few pantry staples. In under an hour and a half, you’ll have a golden, gooey masterpiece that makes your whole kitchen smell like fall.

Why Gooey Pumpkin Crumble Cake is a Seasonal Must-Try

Here’s why this dessert deserves a spot on your autumn baking list:

• It’s a Shortcut to Pumpkin Bliss: Using boxed cake mix saves time but doesn’t compromise flavor.
• Perfectly Textured: Gooey center meets crunchy crumble top—it’s dessert harmony.
• Customizable: Add nuts, drizzle caramel, or swirl in cream cheese for a personal twist.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the comforting, nostalgic taste of pumpkin spice.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake it a day before and reheat—it tastes even better the next day.

This cake is proof that you don’t need to spend hours baking from scratch to create a dessert that feels homemade, looks stunning, and tastes unforgettable.

Ingredient Breakdown and Their Roles

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect flavor, texture, and aroma:

Pumpkin Puree (1 can / 15 oz)

The heart of the cake! Pumpkin adds rich moisture, a creamy base, and that iconic earthy sweetness we associate with fall.

Evaporated Milk (1 can / 12 oz)

Makes the filling silky and custard-like. It’s less watery than regular milk, ensuring the cake bakes up gooey—not runny.

Yellow Cake Mix (1 box, divided)

This is the secret to the crumble. Half mixes with the butter to form a crisp, golden topping, while the rest soaks up pumpkin filling for the soft, gooey middle layer.

Butter (½ cup, melted)

Brings richness and helps the crumble achieve that irresistible golden crunch on top.

Spices (1 tsp cinnamon & ½ tsp nutmeg)

These two warm spices are essential for that nostalgic “pumpkin pie” flavor we all love. Feel free to add a pinch of cloves or ginger for extra depth.

Pecans (½ cup, optional)

Add crunch, nuttiness, and texture. You can also use walnuts or skip nuts altogether if preferred.

Every bite of this cake brings the perfect balance of gooey filling, buttery crumble, and cozy spice.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions (with Pro Tips)