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. With its moist texture and warm spices, it’s the perfect treat to enjoy on a crisp afternoon or to share with family during gatherings. This recipe has been a beloved favorite in my home, bringing smiles and sweet memories every time I make it.

What makes this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake so special is not just its delicious flavor, but also how easy it is to whip up. Whether you’re baking for a weeknight treat or a festive get-together, this cake is bound to impress. Plus, the comforting aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly waiting for a slice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: The steps are straightforward, making it a great choice even for beginner bakers.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves pumpkin spice! This cake appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for sharing: It’s cut into generous portions, making it ideal for parties or potlucks.
• Deliciously spiced: The warm spices create a comforting flavor that embodies the spirit of fall.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can bake this cake in advance and store it for later enjoyment!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create your 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 adapt it based on what you have or what flavors you prefer. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Mix in chocolate chips: For a touch of sweetness, fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter.
• Use different spices: Experiment with other spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. This ensures that the cake won’t stick and will come out easily once baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the butter and pumpkin puree until well combined. It’s perfectly fine if there are a few lumps! Then add in the sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Finally, beat in the eggs and vanilla—this creates a rich base for your cake.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients in three parts while alternating with milk. Beat on low speed until no dry flour remains visible. This step is crucial as it ensures that everything is well mixed without overworking the batter.

Step 5: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In another medium bowl, combine all crumb topping ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until small crumbs form. This topping adds delightful texture and sweetness to your cake!

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour half of the pumpkin batter into your prepared dish. Layer with half of your crumb mixture before adding another layer of batter followed by remaining crumbs on top. Bake this beauty for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—your kitchen will smell heavenly as it bakes!

Now that you’ve made this delightful Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake, enjoy each slice knowing you’ve created something truly special!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Baking the perfect Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is all about the details, and these tips will help you achieve a deliciously moist and flavorful treat!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor of your cake. They bring out the warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, making each bite taste like fall.

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter that bakes evenly, ensuring a tender crumb.

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

• Check doneness with a toothpick: Baking times can vary by oven. Start checking your cake around the 45-minute mark using a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.

• Let it cool before slicing: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps set the crumb structure and keeps your pieces from falling apart.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Serving this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake can be as creative as you want! Whether for breakfast or dessert, it’s sure to impress. Here are some ideas to help you present this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy texture that complements the spiced cake beautifully.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft crumb.
• Dusting of powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives your cake an elegant finish that looks beautiful on any table.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the cake with bright flavors and textures.
• Yogurt parfait: Serve with layers of yogurt and granola for a delightful breakfast option that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
• Spiced chai tea: A warm cup of spiced chai tea enhances those cozy fall flavors in your crumb cake, making it perfect for chilly days.
• Vanilla ice cream: For dessert lovers, pairing your slice with vanilla ice cream creates a luscious combination that melts in your mouth!

Enjoy every bite of this delicious Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake! It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring quietly with a warm beverage on a crisp autumn day.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, enjoy it fresh, and store any leftovers for later. Here’s how to keep your cake at its best:

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the cake to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• To reheat individual slices, microwave for 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.
• For the whole cake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees, cover with foil, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

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

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just cook and puree it until smooth. Make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your batter.

What makes this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake so moist?

The combination of pumpkin puree and butter contributes to the cake’s moist texture. The spices also enhance the flavor while keeping it tender.

Can I substitute any ingredients in the Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake recipe?

Absolutely! You can try using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour or swap out butter for a dairy-free alternative if needed.

How can I add more spice to my Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake?

If you love extra spice, consider adding more cinnamon or ginger according to your taste. A pinch of allspice can also elevate the flavor profile!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake fills your home with warmth and happiness! This recipe is not just delicious but also brings the cozy flavors of fall right to your table. Enjoy baking it and sharing it with loved ones, or savoring it all by yourself—it’s that good! Happy baking!