A buttery, nutty holiday cake with an irresistible crunchy topping
Christmas Crunch Cake is the kind of dessert that instantly brings warmth and joy to the holiday table. With its rich buttery flavor, soft cake base, and crunchy nut topping, this cake is simple to make yet tastes wonderfully indulgent. It’s perfect for Christmas gatherings, potlucks, or cozy winter evenings when you want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe uses a cake mix for convenience, making it beginner-friendly while still delivering homemade flavor. The melted butter and nuts create a golden, crunchy layer that pairs beautifully with the tender cake underneath. Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra festive touch.
🕒 Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes
Yield: 9–12 servings
🧈 Ingredients
1 box yellow or white cake mix (or homemade equivalent)
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
2 large eggs
¾ cup milk or water (as directed on cake mix)
½ cup brown sugar (for extra crunch and caramel flavor)
Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon or vanilla extract
🍰 Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the cake batter according to the package instructions using eggs and milk or water. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and chopped nuts until well combined.
Sprinkle the buttery nut mixture evenly over the cake batter, gently pressing it down slightly.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden and crunchy.
Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing.
🎁 Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature. This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
