Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, look no further than this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake. The warm spices and moist pumpkin blend beautifully in this cake, making it an absolute delight for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or simply need a sweet treat to brighten your day, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

What makes this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake special is its combination of flavors and textures. You get the rich taste of pumpkin paired with a crunchy crumb topping that’s just irresistible. It’s perfect for sharing with friends over coffee or serving as a delightful ending to your holiday meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip this up in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone will love the delicious flavors – kids and adults alike!
• Perfectly spiced: The warm spices create a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen.
• Make-ahead option: This cake stores well, so you can bake it ahead of time and enjoy it later.
• Versatile servings: With 20 servings, it’s great for gatherings or meal prep throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for this delightful Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry, making it easy for you to get started!

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! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add nuts: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch.
• Mix in chocolate chips: For a sweet twist, sprinkle some dairy-free chocolate chips into the batter.
• Swap the spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices like allspice or cardamom for unique flavors.
• Frost it: Top your cooled cake with a drizzle of icing made from powdered sugar and almond milk for extra sweetness.

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 ensures that your cake won’t stick and will come out beautifully golden brown.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In an electric mixer bowl, beat together the room-temperature butter and pumpkin puree until well combined. It doesn’t need to be completely smooth—some texture adds character! Next, add in granulated sugar and mix until everything is well incorporated. Beat in two eggs and vanilla extract until fully blended.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients in three additions while alternating with milk. Mixing on low speed ensures you won’t have any lumps and creates a silky batter that’s just right for our cake.

Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping

In another medium bowl, combine all crumb topping ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix in the cold butter until small crumbs form. This crumb topping adds such an amazing crunch!

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour half of the pumpkin batter into your prepared dish. Layer with half of the crumb mixture before adding the remaining batter on top. Finish by sprinkling on the rest of those yummy crumbs. Bake in your preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes until you can insert a toothpick into the center and it comes out clean.

Enjoy each slice of this delightful Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake! It’s sure to warm both hearts and homes this season.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these expert tips, you’ll ensure your Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature helps them blend better into the batter, resulting in a fluffier cake texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour. The goal is a smooth batter without lumps.
• Chill the crumb topping: If you have time, chill the crumb mixture for about 15 minutes before adding it to your cake. Chilled crumbs will hold their shape better during baking, leading to a crunchier topping.
• Check for doneness early: Ovens can vary significantly in temperature. Start checking your cake around the 40-minute mark to prevent overbaking and ensure it stays moist.
• Let it cool before serving: Allowing your cake to cool for at least 20 minutes after baking lets the flavors meld together beautifully and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is not only delicious but also versatile in terms of presentation. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a cozy evening at home, here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your dish!

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of light whipped coconut cream adds a delightful creaminess that complements the spices perfectly.
• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top enhances the aroma and provides an extra touch of sweetness.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkling some chopped nuts on top adds texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: This comforting beverage enhances the fall flavors of your crumb cake while providing a nostalgic touch to your dessert experience.
• Vanilla almond milk: A chilled glass of vanilla almond milk offers creamy goodness that balances out the spices in the cake.
• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and pomegranates adds freshness and brightness that complements the rich flavors of the cake.
• Herbal tea: Serving your crumb cake alongside a warm cup of herbal tea creates a soothing atmosphere while enhancing the overall experience with its fragrant notes.

Now that you’re all set with tips on making and serving this delightful Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake, gather your ingredients and let the baking magic begin! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week or save some for later. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for about a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Alternatively, you can freeze the entire cake by wrapping it well.
• It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For individual slices, microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• If reheating the whole cake, cover it with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that may come up while making this delightful Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. You may need to adjust the moisture slightly, as fresh pumpkin can be more watery.

How do I make a gluten-free Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake?

To make a gluten-free version of Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What makes this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake so moist?

The combination of pumpkin puree and butter keeps this cake wonderfully moist while adding rich flavor. It’s a key factor in what makes this recipe special!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake?

Yes! Feel free to fold in your favorite nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for an extra crunch or sweetness.

How should I serve my Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake?

This cake is delicious on its own but can be served with whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream for an indulgent treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this cozy Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a way to embrace the flavors of fall and share warmth with those you love. Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or just a sweet snack during your day, I know you’ll cherish every bite. Enjoy baking, and don’t hesitate to share your experience!