Indulge in Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake, a moist, spiced cake topped with a buttery crumb topping. Perfect for fall mornings or cozy evenings with coffee.

Introduction

Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is the quintessential autumn dessert, capturing the warm and cozy flavors of the season in every bite. This cake is a perfect blend of moist pumpkin cake and a buttery, spiced crumb topping, making it an ideal treat for fall mornings, afternoon tea, or dessert after dinner. The pumpkin puree not only gives the cake its vibrant color but also keeps it incredibly moist and tender. Paired with the aromatic spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, this cake brings together the classic flavors of pumpkin spice in a way that’s both comforting and indulgent. The crumb topping, with its buttery richness and delightful crunch, adds an extra layer of texture and flavor, making each slice irresistible. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, enjoying it with a cup of coffee, or simply savoring a slice on a crisp autumn day, Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is sure to become a seasonal favorite that you’ll want to bake again and again.

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/4 cup milk
• For the Crumb Topping:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. In another bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix in the pumpkin puree and milk until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
5. Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
6. Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The crumb topping should be golden brown and slightly crisp.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Prepare

Preparing Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is a breeze, making it an ideal recipe for both novice and experienced bakers. The key is to balance the moist, spiced cake with the rich, buttery crumb topping. Start by preparing the crumb topping first, as this will allow it to be ready to sprinkle over the batter once it’s mixed. The cake batter comes together quickly, with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Once baked, the cake develops a delightful contrast between the tender crumb of the cake and the slightly crunchy topping, creating a dessert that’s both satisfying and full of seasonal flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it as a dessert, this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is a comforting treat that’s perfect for any fall occasion.

Preparation Time

• Active Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Servings

This recipe serves about 9-12 people.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use canned pumpkin puree? Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead. Once cooled, cover it tightly and store it at room temperature. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.

Q3: How do I store leftovers? Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it, but let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Q4: Can I freeze this cake? Yes, Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake freezes well. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q5: Can I add nuts or other toppings? Certainly! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a lovely crunch to the crumb topping. You could also drizzle a simple glaze over the top for added sweetness.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is a delicious way to embrace the flavors of fall. Its tender, spiced cake base, combined with a buttery crumb topping, makes it a treat that’s hard to resist. The ease of preparation and the simple ingredients make it a go-to recipe for those cozy autumn days when you want something comforting and flavorful. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, enjoying it with your morning coffee, or sharing it with friends, this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is sure to impress. The rich, warm spices paired with the moist pumpkin cake create a dessert that’s not only delicious but also captures the essence of the season. So, next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and satisfying, give this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake a try—you won’t be disappointed!