Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with the wonderful aroma of fall, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is a delightful blend of moist pumpkin goodness and warm spices, all topped with a crunchy crumb layer. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Just imagine serving this cake warm from the oven with a cup of coffee or tea—pure bliss!

What makes this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake so special is not just its irresistible flavor but also how easy it is to whip up. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe will have you feeling like a pro in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make: With easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be enjoying your cake in no time.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a comforting taste that’s perfect for any season.
• Perfect for sharing: This recipe yields 20 servings, making it great for parties or potlucks!
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or breakfast treat; it fits any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delightful masterpiece!

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 and put your own spin on it.

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
• Incorporate chocolate chips: Sprinkle some chocolate chips into the batter for an extra sweet surprise.
• Use different spices: Experiment with pumpkin pie spice or cardamom for unique flavors.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy this cake without worry.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. This ensures that your cake will bake evenly and won’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Mix 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: Prepare the Batter

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the butter and pumpkin puree until well combined—don’t worry if it isn’t perfectly smooth! Then add in the granulated sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Beat in the eggs and vanilla next. This step creates a rich base full of flavor!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to your mixing bowl in three additions, alternating with milk each time. This method helps keep your batter smooth while ensuring everything mixes together well without overworking it.

Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping

To create those irresistible crumbs, combine all topping ingredients in a medium bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until small crumbs form. This adds that delightful texture on top!

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour half of your pumpkin batter into the prepared dish. Layer half of the crumbs on top before adding the remaining batter. Finish by topping with the rest of the crumbs. Bake for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean!

And there you have it—your very own Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Making the perfect Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is all about attention to detail and a few helpful tricks. Here are some pro tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can significantly enhance the flavor of your crumb cake. They bring out the rich, warm notes that complement the pumpkin beautifully.

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter that incorporates air for a light and fluffy texture.

• Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no flour remains visible. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than the desired light crumb.

• Chill the crumb topping: After preparing your crumb mixture, let it chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes before adding it to the cake. This keeps it from melting into the batter while baking, giving you that irresistible crunch.

• Test for doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

This delightful Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving! Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat, here are some ideas to elevate your serving game.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a beautiful finishing touch and enhances sweetness without overwhelming flavors.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream. It’s rich and creamy, providing a lovely contrast to the spiced cake.
• Cinnamon stick: Placing a cinnamon stick alongside each slice offers both an aesthetic appeal and hints at the warm spices inside.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: The cozy flavors of warm apple cider make an excellent pairing with this spiced cake. It enhances those autumn vibes!
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and balances out the spiced flavors perfectly—especially if served warm.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings brightness to your plate and complements the richness of the cake without competing with its flavors.
• Herbal tea: Offering a cup of herbal tea alongside is perfect for those who enjoy sipping something warm while indulging in their dessert. Look for chai or cinnamon blends for extra harmony with the spices.

With these serving suggestions and tips in mind, your Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake will surely be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness throughout the week or share it with friends and family. Making it ahead of time ensures that you always have a sweet treat on hand!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• If you notice any moisture buildup, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess humidity.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label and date your packages!

Reheating

• To reheat, thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight.
• Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave — heat each slice for 20-30 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious cake.

Can I make Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).

How can I enhance the flavor of my Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake?

To elevate the flavors, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for added texture and richness.

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

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth before using it in your recipe.

What makes this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake so moist?

The combination of pumpkin puree and butter contributes to its moist texture, while the crumb topping adds a delightful crunch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking and sharing this delightful Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake with your loved ones! It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or simply indulging yourself on a chilly day. Enjoy every bite of this spiced goodness, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite additions. Happy baking!