The Coziest Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe for Fall Mornings

Autumn’s favorite pumpkin spice crumb cake brings warmth to chilly mornings with its irresistible aroma.

Crisp leaves whisper comfort as you slice into this delectable treat.

Nutmeg and cinnamon dance through a tender cake base, creating a symphony of seasonal flavors.

Soft crumbles blanket each bite, promising pure indulgence without complexity.

Cozy kitchens come alive with this simple yet elegant dessert that feels like a sweet embrace.

Baking this cake connects you to cherished memories and creates new traditions worth savoring.

Let’s turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences with one delightful recipe.

Why Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Warms the Soul

• Savor Seasonal Spice: Capture the essence of autumn with this pumpkin spice crumb cake that brings warm, comforting flavors to your table.
• Impress with Simplicity: Create a bakery-worthy dessert using basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that even novice bakers can master.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Serve this crowd-pleasing cake at gatherings, brunches, or as a delightful afternoon treat that satisfies sweet cravings.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding optional glaze or experimenting with spice levels to match your personal taste preferences.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake that provides structure and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that create the classic pumpkin spice flavor profile.

• Pumpkin Puree: Brings moisture and authentic pumpkin flavor to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Create a sweet and spicy crumb topping.
• Cold Butter: Helps form the classic crumbly texture of the topping.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk: Creates a simple sweet drizzle for finishing the cake.

Baking Instructions for Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9-inch square baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves

• Pumpkin puree
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir until just blended. Don’t overmix – you want a tender cake!

Step 3: Create the Crumbly Topping

• Flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

Slice in cold butter and work it through with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like chunky sand.

Step 4: Build and Bake the Cake

Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping all over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Add a Sweet Finishing Touch

Want to make it extra special? Whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a simple glaze. Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top for a beautiful finish.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy

Let the cake cool in the pan sitting on a wire rack. Cut into squares and serve up this autumn-inspired treat that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven!

Pro Tips for Moist and Flavorful Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use exact measurements for consistent texture and taste, especially for baking powder and spices.
• Avoid Overmixing Batter: Stir ingredients just until combined to prevent a tough, dense cake texture.
• Check Moisture Levels: Ensure pumpkin puree is not watery by using canned or well-drained homemade puree for optimal cake consistency.
• Test Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick at a slight angle near the center to check for moist crumbs, indicating perfect baking.
• Store Smartly: Keep cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Flavor Variations for Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.
• Vegan Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and replace butter with vegan margarine in crumb topping.
• Cream Cheese Swirl Variation: Add dollops of softened cream cheese between cake batter layers before adding crumb topping for extra richness.
• Nutty Pumpkin Cake: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping for added crunch and depth of flavor.

Recommended Pairings for Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

• Brew Cinnamon Coffee: Match the cake's warm spices with a hot cinnamon-infused coffee, creating a cozy flavor harmony that amplifies the cake's autumnal essence.
• Serve Creamy Vanilla Custard: Accompany the cake with a smooth, chilled vanilla custard that provides a silky contrast to the cake's crumbly texture and adds a luxurious cooling element.
• Pair with Spiced Chai Latte: Complement the cake's pumpkin and spice profile with a rich, warming chai latte that echoes the cake's aromatic notes and creates a comforting seasonal experience.

Best Storage Methods for Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place a paper towel on top to absorb moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm slices at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and bring out the spice flavors. Cover with foil to prevent drying.
• Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check every few seconds to avoid overheating and maintain cake's texture.

Frequently Asked Questions on Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

• Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

• Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to touch.

Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 50-60 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible pumpkin spice crumb cake delivers autumn’s warmest embrace with layers of buttery richness and classic seasonal spices. Cozy home bakers will delight in this simple yet elegant dessert that perfectly balances sweet crumble with moist cake.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 350F (175C). Coat a 9-inch square baking pan with grease and flour, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Create the cake foundation by whisking dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) in one bowl. In a separate container, blend wet components (pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract) until smooth.
3. Gently fold wet and dry mixtures together, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing. The batter should look slightly lumpy but well-incorporated.
4. Craft the crumb topping by combining flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Incorporate cold butter using fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture transforms into irregular, coarse fragments.
5. Transfer cake batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly across the surface. Generously distribute crumb topping across the entire cake layer.
6. Slide the pan into preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
7. For an optional finishing touch, whisk powdered sugar and milk into a smooth glaze. Once cake has completely cooled, drizzle glaze artfully across the surface.
8. Allow cake to rest at room temperature for optimal texture, then slice into square portions for serving.

Notes

• Swap pumpkin puree with mashed sweet potato or butternut squash for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Enhance the warmth of spices by toasting ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves briefly in a dry pan before adding to the mix.
• Replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a richer, more complex flavor profile that complements the pumpkin spice notes.

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 244 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg