Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, look no further than this delightful Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake. The warm spices and pumpkin puree create a moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, enjoying a busy weeknight treat, or simply indulging in a sweet moment alone, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your home.

The best part? This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is super simple to whip up. It fills your kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, making it feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the rich flavors and soft texture of this cake.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for prepping in advance—just bake it the day before your event!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates an irresistible treat that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dessert:

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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these tasty variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter twist, fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Use Different Spices: Experiment with spices like cardamom or allspice to give it your own unique flair.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap out regular flour for gluten-free flour to make this dessert accessible 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 that your lovely cake doesn’t stick when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the butter and pumpkin puree until well mixed. It doesn’t have to be completely smooth; just ensure everything is incorporated. Next, add the sugar and mix until combined. Then beat in the eggs and vanilla for that lovely flavor boost.

Step 4: Mix Dry into Wet

Now it’s time to integrate those dry ingredients! Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet mixture in three parts while alternating with milk. Mixing on low speed until no white streaks remain helps create a beautifully balanced batter.

Step 5: Make the Crumbs

In a medium bowl, combine all crumb topping ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work in the cold butter until small crumbs form—this adds such great texture on top of your cake!

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour half of your pumpkin batter into the prepared dish. Layer with half of the crumb topping before adding the rest of the batter on top. Finish with another layer of crumbs. Bake for about 45-55 minutes—or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

And there you have it! A delicious Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake that’s sure to bring joy to any table. Enjoy every slice!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Baking a cake can be a delightful experience, and with a few simple tips, you can elevate your Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake to perfection!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can significantly enhance the flavor of your cake, making it more aromatic and delicious. If possible, buy whole spices and grind them just before use for the best results.

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature will help them incorporate better into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture. Take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start baking.

• Don’t overmix: When combining the flour mixture and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one.

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so check your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

• Let it cool properly: Allowing your crumb cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack helps maintain its structure and flavor. This also avoids any sogginess on the bottom.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Serving your Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is just as important as baking it! Here are some delightful ways to present this cozy dessert that will surely impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance and sweetness without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream makes a delicious topping that complements the spices beautifully.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling some toasted pecans or walnuts on top adds an extra crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the crumb cake.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The warm spices of apple cider bring out the fall flavors in the crumb cake, creating a comforting pairing.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm cake and enhances its sweetness.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the crumb cake while adding color to your plate.
• Coffee or tea: A hot cup of coffee or spiced tea makes for a perfect beverage pairing. The warmth complements each bite of cake beautifully while enhancing those cozy autumn vibes.

Now that you have these serving suggestions and pro tips at hand, you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is perfect for meal prep or making ahead of time! You can enjoy it fresh and warm or save some for later, making it a versatile treat for any occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, where it can last up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the cake into slices or keep it whole.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place individual slices on a baking sheet and cover with foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave slices for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake!

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

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth before using it in the recipe.

What makes this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake so moist?

The combination of pumpkin puree and butter creates a rich moisture content, ensuring that every bite is tender and flavorful.

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

You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, it’s ready!

Can I substitute other spices in this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake?

Certainly! If you prefer different flavors, you can adjust or replace spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with your favorites, such as allspice or cardamom.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake as much as I do! The warm spices and delightful crumb topping make it a special treat that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Don’t hesitate to share your own variations or experiences with this recipe—I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!