Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is a delightful treat that wraps you in warm spices and sweet pumpkin goodness. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick pick-me-up or for family gatherings where everyone gathers around the dessert table. Trust me, this cake will become one of your go-to recipes!

The best part? It’s super easy to make, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is simply heavenly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this cake in no time.
• Family Favorite: The delightful flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike. Everyone will be coming back for seconds!
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe makes 20 servings, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or just treating your neighbors.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can bake it in advance, and it tastes just as good (if not better) the next day!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting dessert that screams fall!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create our delicious Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake. These are pantry staples that are easy to find!

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 quite flexible! Feel free to customize it to suit your taste preferences.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Twist: Mix in some chocolate chips or chunks for a deliciously rich addition.
• Fruit Fusion: Swap out half of the pumpkin puree with applesauce or mashed bananas for a fruity twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Preheating ensures even baking and helps achieve that lovely golden top.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This step combines all those warm spices evenly throughout the cake mix—trust me; this is where the magic starts!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Pumpkin

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the room temperature butter and pumpkin puree until well combined. It doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth; just ensure everything is mixed nicely. Then add the granulated sugar and continue beating until everything is well incorporated. Follow by adding eggs and vanilla extract—that sweet aroma is going to make your mouth water!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Gradually add your flour mixture into the mixing bowl in three additions while alternating with milk. Beat on low speed until no dry bits remain. This helps create a moist texture throughout your crumb cake.

Step 5: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, combine all crumb topping ingredients—cold cubed butter, light brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until small crumbs form. This step creates that crunchy topping we all love!

Step 6: Layer and Bake

Pour half of the pumpkin batter into your prepared dish. Sprinkle half of the crumb topping over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top followed by the remaining crumbs. Bake for about 45-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it—your kitchen will smell divine!

And there you have it—a deliciously moist Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake ready to be enjoyed! Whether served warm or at room temperature, this cake is bound to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Making a delicious Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is easy with just a few helpful tips!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter, eggs, and milk to come to room temperature ensures better mixing and a fluffier texture in the cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps maintain the cake’s tenderness. Overmixing can lead to a denser crumb.

• Check for doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This prevents overbaking and ensures moistness.

• Cool before slicing: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps set the crumb and makes slicing easier.

• Store properly for freshness: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for a week. This keeps the cake moist and flavorful.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

This delightful Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake not only looks irresistible but also tastes heavenly! Here are some ideas on how to present it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a sweet touch and enhances visual appeal.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.
• Fresh whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream can elevate each slice, adding creaminess that complements the spices.

Side Dishes

• Apple cider: Serve alongside warm apple cider for a cozy drink that pairs perfectly with the flavors of fall.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creamy sweetness that balances the spiced cake beautifully.
• Fruit salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can provide a bright contrast to the richness of the cake.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing your crumb cake with a steaming cup of coffee or spiced chai enhances its comforting qualities, making it perfect for gatherings or quiet moments alike.

Now you have everything you need to create and serve this scrumptious Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake! Enjoy every bite as you celebrate those warm fall flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re planning for a busy week or want to enjoy this delicious treat over several days, it stores beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the cake into individual portions for easy thawing.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen pieces in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.
• For a crispy topping, reheat slices in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about the Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just cook it until soft, blend it until smooth, and measure out the same amount as specified in the recipe.

What makes this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake so moist?

The combination of pumpkin puree and butter keeps this cake incredibly moist while adding rich flavors that enhance the seasonal spices.

How can I customize my Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake?

Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, or mix in chocolate chips for a delicious twist!

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can easily substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake more inclusive.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake as much as I do! It’s not just a treat; it’s a cozy reminder of fall’s warmth and comfort. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying it all by yourself, I know this recipe will bring smiles all around. Happy baking!