Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert to warm up those chilly fall evenings, you’ve come to the right place! This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is a true delight, filled with the comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and all things autumn. Each bite is moist and tender, topped with a crunchy crumb that adds just the right amount of texture. It’s perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights when you want something special without too much fuss.

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up! You don’t need any fancy equipment—just your trusty mixing bowl and a whisk. Whether you’re serving it for dessert after dinner or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Spiced: The warm spices create an inviting aroma and flavor that captures the essence of fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this cake is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good crumb cake! It’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it ahead of time, and enjoy it throughout the week as a delightful treat.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual get-togethers to holiday feasts, this cake fits right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that these ingredients are not only simple but also wholesome. Each one contributes to the heartwarming flavor of this pumpkin spice crumb cake.

For the Cake

• 2 cups flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch cloves
• 1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree
• ½ cup butter (room temperature)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup milk

For the Crumb Topping

• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed (1 stick)
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Variations

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to add your own twist to make it even more special.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Include chocolate chips: Stir in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
• Try different spices: Experiment with cardamom or allspice for an extra layer of warmth.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with your favorite gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. This step is crucial as it ensures that your cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine Butter and Pumpkin

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the butter and pumpkin puree until they are well mixed. It’s perfectly fine if it’s not completely smooth. Next, add the sugar and mix until combined before beating in the eggs and vanilla. This creates a rich base full of flavor!

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients Alternately with Milk

Gradually add the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture in three additions while alternating with milk. Mix on low speed until no white streaks remain. This gentle blending helps keep your cake light and fluffy.

Step 5: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, combine all crumb topping ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut in the cold butter until small crumbs form. These crumbs will give your cake that delicious crunch we all love!

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour half of the pumpkin batter into your prepared dish. Layer half of the crumbs on top followed by the remaining batter. Finish with another layer of crumbs on top. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!

Enjoy every bite of this delicious Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake—it’s sure to become a cherished recipe you share with friends and family!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Every great recipe comes with a few insider secrets to make it even more delightful. Here are some pro tips to ensure your Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can amplify the flavors in your crumb cake, making it taste even more aromatic and delicious.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and improves the final texture of the cake.
• Do not overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix just until no dry flour remains. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a fluffy one.
• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature. Start checking your cake for doneness at 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• Let it cool: Allow the cake to cool for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps set the structure and makes for cleaner slices!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Serving your Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake can be as fun as baking it! Here are some creative ways to present this delightful treat.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy texture and complements the spices beautifully.
• Chopped nuts: Consider sprinkling some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar brings an extra touch of sweetness and enhances that warm spice aroma.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: The seasonal flavors of apple cider pair wonderfully with pumpkin, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for fall gatherings.
• Creamy vanilla ice cream: Serving slices of crumb cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast between warm and cold.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a bright, juicy balance to the rich crumb cake, making it an ideal side.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of herbal tea, such as chai or chamomile, complements the spices in your crumb cake while offering a soothing finish to your meal.

Enjoy every bite of your Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake, whether it’s at dessert time or as a delicious afternoon snack!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re making it for a gathering or just to enjoy throughout the week, it’s easy to store and keeps its delicious flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftover pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, transfer slices to the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
• For a crispy topping, reheat slices in a toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg). This will keep your cake moist and delicious.

How do I store Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for two days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. It also freezes well for up to three months!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth. It will add a lovely freshness to your Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake.

What spices can I add to my Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake?

Feel free to experiment! Adding nutmeg, cardamom, or even some allspice can enhance the warm flavors of your cake. Tailor it to your taste!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in baking this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake as I do! It’s truly special with its cozy flavors and crumbly topping, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. Enjoy making it and sharing with loved ones—there’s nothing quite like homemade goodness. Happy baking!