Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is a warm hug wrapped in every slice. It’s moist, bursting with spices, and topped with a crunchy crumb layer that makes each bite irresistible. I love making this cake for family gatherings, cozy weekends, or even just as a sweet pick-me-up during a busy weeknight.

The best part? This recipe is simple enough for anyone to whip up, whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out. Trust me, once you try it, this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake will become a cherished favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have this delicious cake ready in no time!
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe makes enough to serve 20 people, making it ideal for gatherings or potlucks.
• Deliciously Spiced: Each bite is filled with warm spices that evoke the cozy feelings of autumn.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Great for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it over several days; it stays moist and flavorful!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients to create this delightful Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake. You probably already have many of these items in your pantry!

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 experiment with these variations to suit your taste.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: Stir in a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich twist.
• Use Different Spices: Swap out the spices for your favorites—try adding cardamom or allspice!
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those who are avoiding gluten.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Greasing a 9 x 13 inch baking dish will ensure that your cake comes out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This step infuses the dry ingredients with those lovely spices and ensures they are evenly distributed in your batter.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Pumpkin

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the butter and pumpkin puree until they are well combined. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth—this gives your cake character! Then add in the granulated sugar and beat until everything is combined. Next up are the eggs and vanilla; mix them in until just incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the flour mixture into the mixing bowl in three additions while alternating with milk. Mixing slowly helps avoid lumps; stop as soon as no white streaks remain.

Step 5: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, combine all crumb topping ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend in the cold butter until it forms small crumbs. This crumb topping is what makes our cake so special!

Step 6: Layer and Bake

Pour half of your delicious pumpkin batter into the prepared dish. Sprinkle half of those lovely crumbs on top. Add the remaining batter followed by another layer of crumbs on top. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!

Enjoy this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake warm or at room temperature—it’s sure to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Making the perfect Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is all about attention to detail and a sprinkle of love. Here are some pro tips to ensure your cake turns out deliciously every time!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can elevate the flavor profile of your cake significantly. They bring out the warm, cozy aromas that define fall baking.

• Room temperature ingredients: Allow your butter, eggs, and milk to come to room temperature before mixing. This creates a smoother batter and ensures even baking.

• Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense crumb texture instead of the light and fluffy cake we desire.

• Check for doneness: Start checking your cake around the 45-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready!

• Cool before serving: Let your crumb cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps set the crumbs and makes slicing much easier.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is not only delightful on its own but also pairs beautifully with various accompaniments to enhance your experience. Here are some ideas on how to present this delicious treat!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, creamy texture that complements the spiced flavor of the cake.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top can enhance both appearance and taste, making each slice irresistible.

Side Dishes

• Hot Apple Cider: The warm spiciness of apple cider is a classic fall drink that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin flavors, creating an inviting atmosphere.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm cake, making every bite feel indulgent.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with apples, pears, and berries brings brightness and balance to the rich crumb cake.
• Herbal Tea: A cup of soothing herbal tea, such as chamomile or chai, complements the spices in the cake while providing a comforting beverage option.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake will be a hit whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy evening at home! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the cozy flavors of fall any day of the week. Here’s how to store it properly for optimal freshness.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label it with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat slices, microwave them on high for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• You can also warm individual slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you may have about making this delightful recipe.

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

Yes! You can make your own pumpkin puree from fresh pumpkin. Just bake, mash, and strain it before using as a substitute.

What makes this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake so moist?

The combination of pumpkin puree and butter adds moisture and richness, creating a tender crumb that is irresistible.

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

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, your cake is ready!

Can I reduce the sugar in the Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake recipe?

Absolutely! You can experiment with reducing sugar by up to 1/2 cup without significantly affecting texture or flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake brings warmth and joy to your kitchen! With its deliciously spiced flavor and delightful crumb topping, it’s bound to become a favorite treat. Enjoy making this recipe and sharing it with loved ones! Happy baking!