Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and perfectly.

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. This will help your cake come out easily once it's baked.

First, spread the pumpkin puree evenly at the bottom of your prepared dish.

Sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the pumpkin, covering it completely. Don’t worry about mixing—the cake will rise and create a beautiful layer on top!

Sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves over the cake mix. These spices will infuse the cake with that unmistakable fall aroma.

Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. The butter will help it bake into a golden, crisp top.

If you're using pecans or walnuts, sprinkle them over the butter. This step adds a nice crunch and flavor contrast to the soft cake.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The cake is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (though the center may remain slightly gooey, which is totally fine!).

Allow the cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors set and makes it easier to cut into squares.