Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Nothing evokes the feeling of autumn like the rich, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spice. This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is a perfect blend of cozy fall flavors, with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, wrapped in a buttery crumb topping.

Whether you’re settling into a hectic workweek or enjoying a quiet weekend with a cup of coffee, this cake is the ideal companion. Soft, spiced cake meets a sweet, crunchy topping that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

For the Crumb Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon fine salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon fine salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk or milk, room temperature

For the Vanilla Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

For the Crumb Topping:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch square or 9×13-inch rectangular pan by spraying it with baking spray and setting it aside.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. The combination of spices will fill the air with a warm aroma as you mix.

Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands. You want the butter to blend into the dry ingredients, forming large crumbs. Set this aside, making sure the topping remains cool.

For the Cake:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This dry mixture will provide the foundation of the cake’s rich, spicy flavor.

In another large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar. The pumpkin adds moisture and flavor, making it the perfect base for your cake.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. The eggs will help bind the ingredients together and create a tender crumb.

Stir in the vanilla extract to bring out the warm, familiar flavors that will complement the spices in the cake.

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk (or milk) to the wet ingredients. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently after each addition. This method ensures a light, fluffy cake texture.

Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.

Once the batter is smooth, top it with the crumb mixture, gently pressing the crumbs into the batter for an even finish.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs (not wet).

If you’re using a 9×13-inch pan, check for doneness after 20-25 minutes.

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before adding the icing.

For the Vanilla Icing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake, allowing it to slightly set before serving.

Tips for a Perfect Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, ensure your eggs, buttermilk (or milk), and butter are at room temperature before mixing them together. This helps everything combine evenly and avoids curdling.

Cold Butter for Crumb Topping: The butter in the crumb topping needs to be cold. This is key to creating a texture that’s more like a crumble than a smooth batter.

If you don’t have a pastry cutter, you can use your fingers to blend the butter into the dry ingredients.

Check for Doneness: Always check the cake’s doneness with a toothpick or cake tester. If it comes out with wet batter, give it a few more minutes, but if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s perfect.

Glaze Variations: Feel free to mix up the icing. For a twist, you can add maple syrup or even a pinch of cinnamon for extra fall flavor. If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk.

Add Nuts: For added crunch and flavor, incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping. This will give the cake a nutty, rustic feel that pairs wonderfully with the spices.

Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake can be stored in several ways, depending on how long you’d like to keep it:

At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within 2-3 days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain the moisture and texture.

In the Refrigerator: For longer storage (up to a week), keep the cake in the fridge, ensuring it’s well-covered. The cool temperature will prevent the cake from becoming too soft.

Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Thaw it overnight in the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

As a Breakfast Treat: Serve a warm slice with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy, indulgent breakfast. The spices and pumpkin provide a hearty start to the day.

For Dessert: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated dessert experience. The contrast of the cake’s warmth with the cold creaminess is a perfect balance.

For Fall Gatherings: This cake is ideal for fall-themed parties, holiday dinners, or Thanksgiving. Its festive flavor and beautiful presentation make it a standout treat on any dessert table.

With Fruit Compote: Top each slice with a spoonful of homemade apple or cranberry compote for a tangy, fruit-filled contrast to the sweet, spiced cake.

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is not just a seasonal treat; it’s a celebration of all the warm and cozy things about fall.

The perfect combination of pumpkin, spices, and crumbly goodness makes it a cake you’ll return to year after year.

Whether enjoyed as a breakfast, snack, or dessert, it promises to fill your home with delightful autumn aromas and create lasting memories.