Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe

Oh, I’m so excited to share this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe with you! There’s something about the warm spices and tender crumb that make this cake feel like a big cozy hug, especially when the crisp fall air starts creeping in. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or just a casual afternoon treat with coffee, this cake hits that sweet spot between comfort and celebration.

I’ve made this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe countless times, and each batch brings out all those soul-satisfying flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves—without being overpowering. Plus, the crumb topping gives it this delightful texture contrast that I just can’t get enough of. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy all season long!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe plays a key role to create that perfect fall flavor and texture. You’ll want to use fresh spices and good-quality pumpkin puree to nail the taste.

• Flour: Basic all-purpose flour forms the cake’s structure, ensuring it’s sturdy enough to hold the tender crumb and moist pumpkin.
• Baking powder: This gives the cake a nice lift and lightness without making it too fluffy.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all those delicious flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
• Cinnamon: The star spice here, adding warmth and a cozy aroma you’ll recognize instantly.
• Ginger: Gives a gentle kick, adding depth without dominating the flavor.
• Nutmeg & Cloves: Both add subtle warmth and complexity to the spice blend.
• Pumpkin puree: Moisturizes and flavors with that unmistakable autumn goodness.
• Butter: Room temperature butter creamed with pumpkin creates richness and tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender texture.
• Eggs: Bind the cake ingredients together, giving it structure and moistness.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a lovely sweet fragrance.
• Milk: Adds moisture and lightens the batter for a perfect crumb.
• Light brown sugar: Used in the crumb topping for its molasses notes that perfectly complement the pumpkin.
• Cold butter for crumbs: Cut into the dry topping ingredients for that signature crumbly texture.

Tweak to Your Taste

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe is a solid base, but I love to tweak it depending on the occasion or mood. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—we’re all about enjoying the process as much as the cake!

• Variation: Sometimes I swap out half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat to add a bit of nuttiness and extra fiber. It still turns out wonderfully moist.
• Vegan Adaptation: You can replace butter with vegan margarine and swap eggs for flax eggs—just be mindful the texture will be slightly different but still tasty.
• Extra Spice Kick: If you love a spicier cake, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon and ginger in the crumb topping for a flavor boost.
• Dairy-Free: Use your favorite non-dairy milk like oat or almond milk, and a suitable non-dairy butter alternative.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep for Success

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. I like to use a bit of butter to grease and then lightly flour the pan—that way, the cake comes out cleanly without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Spices and Flour

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Mixing the dry ingredients well now ensures that your spice blend is evenly distributed for uniform flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Pumpkin

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and pumpkin puree until combined. It’s okay if it’s a bit lumpy—overmixing isn’t necessary here. Then add the sugar, beating well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla, making sure everything is integrated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Add the dry flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Beat on low speed just until the white streaks disappear — don’t overmix or you’ll lose that tender texture.

Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture forms small crumbs. The cold butter is key here for that coveted crumbly texture.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour half the pumpkin batter into your prepared pan, then sprinkle half the crumb topping over it. Next, add the remaining batter and finish with the rest of the crumbs on top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before digging in—it’s worth the wait!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love dusting a light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top right before serving—it adds a pretty, delicate touch without overpowering. Sometimes a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream works beautifully too, especially if you want to turn it into an indulgent dessert.

Side Dishes

Pair this crumb cake with a hot spiced latte or chai tea for a warming combo. If it’s brunch, I serve it alongside fresh fruit or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to slice the cake into squares and top each piece with a cinnamon apple compote. Plated on a rustic wooden board with some autumn leaves for decoration really makes it feel festive and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist and delicious for 2-3 days—perfect for grabbing a quick sweet bite throughout the week.

Freezing

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and it tastes fresh as can be.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm gently in the oven at 300°F wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked warmth and makes it feel like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s that cozy, spice-filled treat that instantly feels like a warm gathering no matter the occasion. I hope when you bake it, you’ll find it just as comforting and delicious, making memories over cups of coffee and laughter with friends and family. Give it a go—I’m confident you’ll love how easy and rewarding it is to whip up this little slice of autumn.

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