Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

There’s nothing quite like the cozy feeling of autumn, and this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is the perfect way to capture that warmth in a dessert. With the rich flavors of pumpkin and the warming spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this cake is the ultimate treat for fall. The moist, tender cake base is topped with a buttery, crumbly topping that adds an irresistible crunch and sweetness. It’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will make it a hit at any gathering or as a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving or simply enjoying the season, this cake will quickly become a favorite.

What makes this cake even more special is how easy it is to make. The ingredients are simple, and the preparation comes together quickly, giving you a delicious homemade dessert in less than an hour. The hint of pumpkin is subtle yet comforting, and the spice blend adds just the right amount of warmth without being overpowering. This recipe brings the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it a treat everyone will love. Whether you serve it as a breakfast item, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Fall

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake captures all the flavors and aromas of autumn, from the pumpkin puree to the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. It’s the ideal dessert for crisp fall days.

2. Easy to Make

With a straightforward recipe and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious cake ready in under an hour. It’s perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.

3. Moist and Flavorful

The combination of pumpkin puree, milk, and vegetable oil ensures the cake remains moist and tender, while the blend of spices adds depth and complexity to every bite.

4. Crispy Crumb Topping

The crumb topping made with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon adds a delightful crunch, giving this cake the perfect balance between a soft cake base and a crispy topping.

5. Versatile and Customizable

This recipe can be enjoyed on its own or adapted with various ingredients such as nuts or chocolate chips. It’s great for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert after a meal.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Ground ginger
• Pumpkin puree
• Vegetable oil
• Milk
• Large egg
• Vanilla extract

Crumb Topping:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter (melted)

Variations

• Add-ins: Consider adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for extra crunch.
• Chocolate chips: If you prefer a chocolatey twist, stir in some chocolate chips into the cake batter before baking.
• Glazed topping: For a sweeter finish, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake.
• Dairy-free: Substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk and use a dairy-free butter for the crumb topping.
• Spices: Adjust the spices based on your preferences. You can add a bit more cinnamon or ginger for a spicier kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Pour Batter Into Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

Step 6: Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and mix until a crumbly texture forms.

Step 7: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan before slicing and serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure to measure your flour correctly to avoid a dense cake. Use a spoon to scoop the flour into the measuring cup, then level it off with a knife.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as it can result in a tough cake.
• Let the cake cool before cutting to allow the crumb topping to set and prevent it from crumbling too much.
• For a smoother batter, ensure that your wet ingredients are fully combined before mixing them into the dry ingredients.

How to Serve

Serve this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake on its own or alongside a warm beverage like coffee, tea, or a pumpkin spice latte. It also pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. You can even serve it for breakfast with a hot cup of coffee.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm it gently in the oven.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm the entire cake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe.

2. Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.

3. Can I add nuts to the cake?

Absolutely! You can add chopped walnuts, pecans, or any other nuts of your choice to the batter.

4. How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made ahead and stored for a few days or frozen for longer storage.

6. Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour is recommended, but you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, though the texture may change slightly.

7. Can I use a different pan size?

If you use a different pan size, the baking time may vary. Check the cake for doneness as it nears the 30-minute mark.

8. How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

9. Can I add more spices?

Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. You can add more cinnamon or ginger for a stronger flavor.

10. How can I make the crumb topping extra crunchy?

For a crunchier topping, try adding rolled oats or chopped nuts to the crumb topping mixture.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is the perfect combination of spiced pumpkin flavor and a crunchy, buttery topping. Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering or just enjoying the season with a homemade treat, this cake will surely be a hit. With its simple ingredients, easy steps, and delicious flavor, it’s a must-try recipe that will fill your kitchen with warmth and the sweet scents of autumn. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as leftovers for a few days—it’s sure to become a fall favorite!

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