Easy Pumpkin Streusel Bake
Ingredients
- 15 ounces (can) pure pumpkin puree
- 12 ounces (can) can evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 box spice cake mix or yellow cake mix
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- optional for serving: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Method
Preheat and prep.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Make the pumpkin base.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and creamy. Pour into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Add the streusel topping.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pumpkin layer — don’t stir. Drizzle about half of the melted butter over the top so the mix begins to moisten and form that signature golden crust as it bakes.
Add crunch and sweetness.
- In a small bowl, mix the pecans with the remaining butter and brown sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top.
Bake to perfection.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden and slightly crisp and the center is just set. If the edges brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
Cool and serve.
- Allow to cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours before slicing. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream — and maybe a sprinkle of cinnamon for good measure.
Notes
Helpful Tips
- Cake mix swap: Spice cake adds deeper flavor, but yellow or white mix keeps it classic.
- Nut-free: Use crushed gingersnaps or granola instead of pecans for the same texture.
- Make-ahead magic: Chill overnight — the flavors deepen and the texture firms up beautifully.
- Shortcut hack: Use canned pumpkin pie mix and skip the spices if you’re short on time.
- Next-level finish: Drizzle caramel sauce or maple syrup before serving for a bakery-style touch.