Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

If you’re looking for a comforting dessert that captures the essence of fall, then this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is just what you need! It’s rich, moist, and filled with delightful spices that warm your heart. I love making this cake for family gatherings or cozy weeknight treats—there’s something about the aroma of pumpkin and spices baking in the oven that just makes everything feel right. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser; everyone from kids to grandparents can’t resist a slice (or two!).

This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting friends for coffee, or simply indulging after dinner. Trust me; once you try it, this recipe will become a cherished part of your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family Favorite: The warm flavors and moist texture make it an instant hit with everyone.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it in advance and store it for busy days; it stays delicious!
• Versatile: Great for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack—this crumb cake fits any time of day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! For this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake, you’ll need some simple and wholesome items that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s get started!

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

The beauty of this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake lies in its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Dried Fruit Delight: Mix in some raisins or cranberries for a fruity twist.
• Chocolate Chips: For chocolate lovers, folding in mini chocolate chips can elevate the flavor even more!
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make it suitable for everyone.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

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

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Mixing these dry ingredients well will help distribute all those warm spices throughout the cake.

Step 3: Combine Butter and Pumpkin

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the butter and pumpkin puree until they are well combined. It’s okay if it’s not totally smooth; a little texture adds character! Then add in the sugar and mix until everything is well blended before beating in the eggs and vanilla.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add your flour mixture to the mixing bowl in three additions while alternating with milk. Mixing on low speed helps keep things smooth without overworking the batter—this keeps your cake tender!

Step 5: Prepare the Crumb Topping

To make those delicious crumbs, combine all topping ingredients in a medium bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until small crumbs form. The cold butter creates that delightful crunch when baked!

Step 6: Layer and Bake

Pour half of the pumpkin batter into your prepared dish. Layer with half of the crumbs before adding the rest of the batter on top. Finally, sprinkle over the remaining crumbs. Bake for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—this means it’s perfectly done!

And that’s how you create this delightful Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake! Enjoy every bite as you share it with family and friends—or keep it all to yourself if you prefer!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Baking this delightful Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is a breeze, especially with these handy tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature ensures they blend smoothly into the batter, resulting in a light and fluffy cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing the batter just until combined helps maintain a tender crumb. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which we definitely want to avoid!

• Let it cool before serving: Allowing the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes in the pan before slicing helps it set up properly and makes for cleaner cuts.

• Customize your spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste! Adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the fall flavors and make it even more aromatic.

• Store properly: To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate it for longer shelf life, though this may affect the texture slightly.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Serving this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is all about making it look as inviting as it tastes! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: This dairy-free alternative adds a light sweetness and creamy texture that complements the spiced cake beautifully.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling some pecans or walnuts on top adds a lovely crunch and enhances the rustic feel of the dish.
• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup over each slice amplifies those warm fall flavors while adding an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: A cozy beverage that pairs perfectly with the spiced notes of pumpkin, enhancing the overall autumn experience.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your cake adds a creamy contrast that balances out its richness.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and pomegranates brightens up your plate and adds a pop of color.
• Chai tea: A cup of chai tea brings comforting spices that mirror those in the cake. It’s an ideal pairing for a cozy afternoon treat!

Now that you’ve got all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to share this delicious Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake with family and friends. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance, store it, or even freeze it for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep your delicious creation fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate it to extend freshness for about a week.
• Ensure each slice is well-wrapped if stored separately to prevent dryness.

Freezing

• Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For individual slices, wrap each slice separately for easy thawing.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove the wrapping and place the cake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Alternatively, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds or until warmed through. Enjoy with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you with your Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake journey!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree for the Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake?

Absolutely! Just be sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth before using it in your recipe. This will give you a lovely flavor and texture.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is done baking?

The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready!

Can I make substitutions in the Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake recipe?

Yes! You can use alternative flours like almond or gluten-free flour. For eggs, consider using flaxseed meal mixed with water as a binding agent.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is not just a treat; it’s a warm hug on a plate! Whether you’re enjoying it with family or sharing it with friends, this recipe brings comfort and joy. I hope you enjoy making this delightful dessert as much as I do. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the wonderful aroma of fall!