Warm & Cozy Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe for Fall Mornings

Cozy autumn afternoons feel magical with a delectable pumpkin spice crumb cake that fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg drift through the air, promising comfort in every tender bite.

Baking this delightful treat connects you to cherished memories of fall gatherings.

Layers of rich, moist cake beneath a crispy, buttery crumb topping create a perfect texture contrast.

Seasonal spices dance across your palate, awakening memories of crisp leaves and sweater weather.

Crafting this cake becomes a simple joy that transforms an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe brings pure happiness to your table.

What You Need For Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational base that provides structure to the pumpkin spice cake.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake and balances the sweetness.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: A warm and aromatic spice mixture that gives the cake its signature pumpkin spice flavor.

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake's texture.
• Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Pumpkin Puree: Brings moisture, subtle sweetness, and classic autumn flavor to the cake.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a soft, moist cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall depth of flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour, Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Create a sweet and crunchy streusel-like topping.
• Melted Butter: Helps bind the crumb topping and adds richness.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Extend the warm spice profile to the cake's topping.

Step By Step Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Instructions

Step 1: Create Crumbly Topping

Grab a medium bowl and toss in flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Pour melted butter into the mixture and stir until delightful, chunky crumbs develop. Set this magical topping aside for later.

Step 2: Mix Cake Batter

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves

In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy and light. Drop eggs in one at a time, beating thoroughly after each. Blend in pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and sour cream until silky smooth. Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 3: Layer and Top the Cake

Pour cake batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Shower the crumbly topping across the surface, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Slide pan into preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted. Let cake rest and cool completely in pan before slicing and serving.

Tips To Nail Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Use fresh pumpkin puree for more intense flavor, avoiding watery canned varieties.
• Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to prevent overmixing and maintain cake's soft, tender crumb.
• Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top after baking for enhanced aromatic warmth and visual appeal.
• Cool cake completely before cutting to help crumb topping set and prevent crumbling when slicing.

Variations To Explore For Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

• Autumn Apple Spice Crumb Cake: Replace pumpkin puree with grated apples, add extra cinnamon, and top with chopped walnuts for a seasonal orchard-inspired version.
• Maple Pecan Crumb Cake: Swap brown sugar with maple syrup in crumb topping, incorporate chopped pecans into batter, and drizzle maple glaze after baking.
• Chai Spice Crumb Cake: Blend ground cardamom, ginger, and black pepper into cake batter, use honey instead of sugar, and sprinkle extra chai spice blend on top.
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Crumb Cake: Fold semi-sweet chocolate chips into pumpkin batter, create chocolate crumb topping using cocoa powder, and dust with powdered sugar after cooling.

Serving Ideas For Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

• Savor Warm Spiced Coffee Companion: Rich, freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg perfectly complements the cake's autumnal flavor profile, enhancing the pumpkin and spice notes.
• Elevate with Caramel Drizzle Delight: Top each cake slice with a smooth, buttery caramel sauce to amplify the dessert's sweetness and add a luxurious texture that highlights the cake's warm, comforting essence.
• Pair with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy, high-quality vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake, creating a delightful temperature contrast and adding a smooth, cool element to the warm, spiced cake.

Storage Recommendations For Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep cake at a consistent cool temperature to maintain freshness.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Keep at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days if your kitchen is cool and dry. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 325F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and preserve crumb texture.

FAQs On Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

• What is the texture of the crumb topping?

The crumb topping is made with flour, sugars, and melted butter, creating large, buttery crumbs that add a delightful crunch and sweet layer to the cake.

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

While canned pumpkin puree works best for consistent moisture and texture, you can use homemade pumpkin puree if it’s well-strained and has similar consistency to canned puree.

• Why do I need to add eggs one at a time?

Adding eggs individually helps incorporate them evenly into the batter, ensuring a smoother, more uniform cake texture and preventing lumps.

Why Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Is A Fall Favorite

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a warm, spiced cake that captures the essence of autumn with its rich pumpkin flavor and cozy cinnamon notes.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Baking: Simple steps and basic ingredients make this recipe perfect for novice bakers looking to impress family and friends with minimal kitchen skills.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile and delightful, this crumb cake works brilliantly for breakfast gatherings, potlucks, or as an afternoon treat that everyone will love.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra spices to make the recipe your own, giving you creative freedom to experiment and personalize the delicious dessert.

Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 60-65 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Seasonal warmth radiates through this delightful Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake, blending rich autumn flavors with comforting spices. Moist layers of pumpkin-infused cake topped with buttery crumble promise a delectable experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Craft the aromatic crumb topping by blending flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Drizzle melted butter into the dry mixture, stirring until substantial, rustic crumbs develop. Reserve the topping for later use.
3. Heat the oven to 350F and prepare a 9-inch square baking pan with gentle greasing and light flour dusting.
4. Whisk together dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and warming spices – in a separate bowl.
5. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until pale and voluminous, creating a fluffy base.
6. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition.
7. Blend pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and sour cream into the mixture until smooth and homogeneous.
8. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing minimally to maintain cake’s tender texture.
9. Transfer batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
10. Generously distribute the reserved crumb topping across the cake’s surface.
11. Bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden surface and checking doneness with a clean toothpick.
12. Allow cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving, enabling flavors to settle and structure to stabilize.

Notes

• Crumb topping works best when butter is slightly cooled, not hot, allowing it to form perfect clumpy crumbs.
• Ensure pumpkin puree is room temperature to prevent butter from solidifying during mixing.
• Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to maintain cake’s tender, light texture and prevent overmixing.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 265 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg