Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe

Perfect Fall Delight: Homemade Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe

Autumn whispers secrets of warmth through this delectable pumpkin spice crumb cake that dances between comfort and indulgence.

Layers of soft, fragrant goodness promise a delightful escape from ordinary desserts.

Cinnamon and nutmeg swirl together, creating a symphony of seasonal flavors that feel like a cozy embrace.

Crumbly textures promise a delicate balance between moisture and rich spices.

Each slice tells a story of crisp mornings and sweater weather nostalgia.

Simple ingredients merge into something magical, transforming humble pantry staples into an extraordinary treat.

You’ll want to brew some coffee and savor every single crumb.

Helpful Tips to Nail Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

  • Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry and wet ingredients together just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy, avoiding tough or dense texture.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to match your personal taste preferences, creating a more personalized pumpkin spice experience.
  • Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is perfectly baked.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and milk to room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother batter and more even baking results.
  • Storage Hack: Store the crumb cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness, always covering to maintain moisture.

Save and Reheat Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Properly

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring the cake stays moist and fresh.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes until slightly warm and soft.
  • Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce before serving to revive the cake's delightful flavor and appearance.

Serve Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake with These Extras

  • Complement the warm, autumnal flavors of the pumpkin spice crumb cake with a creamy, spiced chai latte that echoes the cake's aromatic spices and provides a comforting beverage pairing.
  • Add a luxurious touch by serving the cake with a light drizzle of rich caramel sauce, which enhances the cake's sweetness and creates a delightful flavor contrast.
  • Top a warm slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delectable temperature and texture contrast that elevates the dessert experience.
  • Prepare a quick maple-infused whipped cream to dollop alongside the cake, adding an extra layer of autumnal sweetness that perfectly complements the pumpkin spice flavors.

Fun Twists on Classic Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and incorporate almond flour to lower overall carbohydrate levels for health-conscious bakers.
  • Nutty Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch and depth of flavor, creating a more textured and nutty dessert experience.

Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake with Cozy Fall Vibes

  • Capture the essence of autumn with this pumpkin-packed crumb cake that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen.
  • Whip up this delightful dessert in under an hour, perfect for busy home bakers who want a delicious treat without complicated steps.
  • Create a crowd-pleasing dessert that appeals to both kids and adults, with its irresistible blend of spices and tender cake texture.
  • Enjoy as a breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert- this cake transitions seamlessly between different meal occasions.

Ingredient Breakdown for Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the cake's foundation.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Spice Blend:
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that create classic pumpkin pie flavor profile.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens the cake and provides moisture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure to the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Gives signature pumpkin taste and contributes to moisture.
  • Milk: Helps create smooth, consistent batter.
Crumb Topping Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates sandy texture for crumb topping.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and caramel-like notes.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Spices that complement pumpkin flavor.
  • Melted Butter: Binds crumb topping and provides rich flavor.
Optional Finishing:
  • Powdered Sugar: Decorative and adds a light sweetness.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Like a Baker

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by either:
  • Coating with butter
  • Dusting with flour
  • Lining with parchment paper

Step 2: Create Crumbly Magic Topping

Blend together in a mixing bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt

Pour melted butter and stir until chunky crumbs form. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Pumpkin Cake Base

Combine dry ingredients in one bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon
  • Ground ginger
  • Nutmeg
  • Cloves
In another large bowl, whisk:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Vegetable oil

Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and pumpkin puree.

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients with milk, alternating until just blended.

Step 4: Build Your Cake

Pour batter into prepared pan.

Spread evenly with spatula.

Sprinkle crumb topping across surface.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide into preheated oven.

Bake 40-45 minutes until:
  • Toothpick comes out clean
  • Topping turns golden brown

Step 6: Cool And Serve

Let cake rest 15 minutes.

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar.

Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

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Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Seasonal warmth fills kitchens with pumpkin spice crumb cake, a delightful autumn treat that combines rich spices and tender crumb. Nostalgic flavors dance through each moist slice, inviting you to savor the comforting essence of fall’s most beloved dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Cake Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed

Dry Cake Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) milk

Crumb Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the workspace by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and readying a 9×9-inch baking vessel with a light grease coating or parchment paper lining.
  2. Craft the crumbly topping by blending flour, brown sugar, aromatic spices, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl.
  3. Introduce melted butter to the dry mixture, stirring until clusters form with a rough, uneven texture. Reserve this topping to the side.
  4. Combine the dry cake ingredients in a separate bowl, whisking flour, leavening agents, salt, and warm spices until thoroughly integrated.
  5. In a larger mixing container, whisk granulated and brown sugars with vegetable oil until smooth and cohesive.
  6. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring complete integration after each addition, then fold in vanilla and pumpkin puree.
  7. Gradually merge dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with milk and mixing gently to maintain a tender crumb structure.
  8. Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for uniform distribution.
  9. Generously scatter the reserved crumb topping across the batter’s surface, creating an even, textured layer.
  10. Slide the pan into the preheated oven, allowing the cake to bake for 40-45 minutes until a inserted testing tool emerges clean and the topping achieves a golden-brown hue.
  11. Remove from the oven and let the cake rest within the pan for a minimum of 15 minutes to stabilize its structure.
  12. Optional: Dust with a delicate veil of powdered sugar before slicing and serving at a comfortable room temperature or slightly warm.

Notes

  • Prevent dry cake by carefully measuring ingredients and not overmixing the batter, which can develop tough gluten and result in a dense texture.
  • Swap vegetable oil with applesauce or Greek yogurt for a healthier version with reduced fat content while maintaining moisture.
  • Customize the spice blend by adjusting cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger quantities to match personal taste preferences or regional flavor profiles.
  • Create a gluten-free alternative by substituting all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the cake remains tender and flavorful.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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