Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe

Cozy Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe for Fall Mornings

Crisp autumn winds carry the warm, inviting aroma of pumpkin spice crumb cake through cozy kitchens everywhere.

Seasonal baking feels like a gentle hug from memories past.

Fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg dance together, creating a delectable symphony of flavors.

Soft, moist cake layers beneath a crumbly streusel topping promise pure comfort in every bite.

Sweet spices whisper stories of harvest mornings and lazy weekend breakfasts.

Baking this treat connects you to cherished traditions and simple joys.

Why Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Is A Cozy Favorite

  • Savor Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a slice of pure autumn bliss with this pumpkin spice crumb cake that brings warm, cozy flavors to your kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Create a delightful dessert that requires minimal baking skills, perfect for both newbie and experienced home bakers looking for a foolproof treat.
  • No-Fuss Family Favorite: Packed with aromatic spices and a delectable crumb topping, this cake appeals to all ages and becomes an instant hit at gatherings, potlucks, or weekend brunches.
  • Versatile Dessert Delight: Enjoy as a morning breakfast companion, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience without complex techniques.

What Goes Into Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides the structure and base for the cake's texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist crumb.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Spices:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Ginger: Delivers the classic pumpkin spice flavor profile and warmth.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture and signature pumpkin flavor to the cake.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains tender and moist.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients.
  • Egg: Acts as a binding agent and provides structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Crumb Topping Ingredients:
  • Flour, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet and crunchy topping.
  • Cinnamon: Adds additional spice to the crumb layer.
  • Melted Butter: Helps bind the crumb topping and adds richness.

How To Make Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Right

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a 9-inch square baking pan and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Blend

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground cloves
  • Ground ginger

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and looking uniform.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Mixture

In a separate bowl, create a smooth mixture of:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Vegetable oil
  • Milk
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until everything is well incorporated and silky smooth.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold and stir just until the batter comes together. Don’t overwork the mixture – a few lumps are totally okay.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Base

Transfer the batter into the greased pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a smooth surface.

Step 6: Craft the Crumbly Topping

In a small bowl, combine:
  • Flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Melted butter

Mix until the ingredients form delightful crumbly clusters.

Step 7: Sprinkle the Topping

Scatter the crumb mixture evenly across the top of the batter, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cake cool completely in the pan. This allows the flavors to settle and makes cutting easier. Slice and serve for a delightful autumn-inspired treat.

Tips For Better Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter mixing and even cake texture.
  • Check cake doneness early to prevent overbaking, which can dry out the pumpkin crumb cake.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture.
  • Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a richer flavor profile and subtle tropical hint.
  • Dust cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence before serving.

Fun Styles Of Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake To Try

  • Autumn Apple Crumb Cake: Swap pumpkin puree with diced apples and add apple pie spice for a seasonal orchard-inspired version.
  • Chocolate Marble Crumb Cake: Divide batter, mix cocoa powder into half, then swirl together before adding crumb topping for rich marbled effect.
  • Tropical Coconut Crumb Cake: Replace milk with coconut milk, add shredded coconut to batter and topping, and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a Caribbean flair.
  • Maple Pecan Crumb Cake: Substitute granulated sugar with maple syrup, mix chopped pecans into crumb topping, and drizzle with maple glaze after baking for nutty sweetness.

Perfect Pairings For Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

  • Craft a Cozy Coffee Companion: Pair this warm pumpkin spice crumb cake with a rich, dark roast coffee that echoes its deep autumnal spices. The robust coffee will beautifully complement the cake's sweet, buttery crumb topping.
  • Enhance with Spiced Chai Latte: Brew a creamy chai latte with extra cinnamon and cardamom to mirror the cake's warm spice profile. The smooth, fragrant tea will dance perfectly with the pumpkin's earthy sweetness.
  • Create a Caramel Whipped Cream Accent: Whip fresh cream with a touch of caramel sauce and dust with cinnamon. This luxurious topping will elevate the cake's texture and add a decadent layer of flavor complexity.

How To Store Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Properly

  • Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Slice the cake, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if your kitchen is cool and dry.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until slightly heated through.

Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Questions Answered

  • Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, use pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that will change the cake’s texture and sweetness.

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

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture.

  • How do I know if the crumb topping is correctly mixed?

The crumb topping should look like coarse, sandy crumbs that can be sprinkled. When you squeeze it, it should hold together slightly but still break apart easily.

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Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Warm autumn moments come alive with homemade Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake, a delightful dessert that whispers comfort and nostalgia. Buttery crumbles and rich spices invite friends and family to gather, savor, and create delicious memories together.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and coating a 9-inch square pan with grease for smooth cake release.
  2. Create a flavor foundation by thoroughly blending all dry ingredients including flour, sugars, spices, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing vessel.
  3. Craft a moist mixture by whisking together pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform.
  4. Gently fold the liquid components into the dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overworking the batter and maintain a tender texture.
  5. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a level surface.
  6. Construct the crumb topping by combining flour, sugars, cinnamon, and melted butter, using fingertips to create a sandy, irregular texture.
  7. Generously scatter the crumb mixture across the cake’s surface, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
  8. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and the top appears golden brown.
  9. Allow the cake to rest and cool completely, which helps set the structure and enhances the integrated flavors before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture throughout the cake.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter, which can lead to a tough, dense cake – stir just until ingredients are combined.
  • Dust the crumb topping with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and elegant presentation.
  • Swap out vegetable oil for applesauce to reduce fat content and add natural sweetness for a healthier version.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 170 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 130 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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