.png){kind=small}
Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake
There’s something truly special about the cozy aroma of pumpkin and spices wafting through your kitchen. This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake captures that comforting feeling in every bite. Soft, moist, and perfectly spiced, this cake is topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble that gives it the perfect balance between sweetness and crunch. It’s a wonderful recipe to make for breakfast, brunch, or as a seasonal dessert during the fall months.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
For the Crumb Topping:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
Optional Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup easy.
Step 2: In a bowl, prepare the crumb topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Refrigerate the topping while preparing the cake batter.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This combination of spices gives the cake that delicious pumpkin spice flavor.
Step 4: In another bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree with both sugars, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk until smooth and creamy. Make sure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is mixed — avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and soft.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the top, pressing lightly so it sticks to the batter.
Step 7: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp.
Step 8: Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes before drizzling it with the optional glaze. To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cake.
Serving Ideas
Enjoy this cake slightly warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a pumpkin spice latte. You can also top each slice with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style presentation. For an extra touch of autumn flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the top before serving.
Storage Tips
Store leftover pumpkin spice crumb cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months — just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight and warm it slightly in the microwave before serving.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Results
Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to get the right consistency and flavor. Keep your butter cold when making the crumb topping — this ensures a crumbly texture that holds up while baking. If you want an added crunch, mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping. For a richer flavor, try substituting buttermilk for regular milk in the cake batter. Finally, don’t overbake — remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean to keep it moist and tender.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 320
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is everything you love about fall in one comforting dessert. It’s simple, flavorful, and full of cozy spice aromas that make your kitchen smell incredible. Whether you serve it for brunch or as a sweet ending to dinner, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The soft, pumpkin-rich crumb paired with the crunchy topping creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Once you try it, it will become one of your go-to fall recipes year after year.