Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, the craving for all things pumpkin spice intensifies. This Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake is the perfect way to satisfy that seasonal sweet tooth. Combining the rich, comforting flavors of pumpkin with a buttery crumble topping, this cake is a true autumn delight.
Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a cozy family gathering or baking one to share with friends, this recipe is sure to become a new fall favorite. The moist, spiced pumpkin cake is the perfect base for the irresistible crumble topping, creating a delightful contrast of textures in every bite.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake is the epitome of seasonal baking bliss. The combination of warm spices, velvety pumpkin, and the crisp crumble topping makes for an unbeatable flavor profile that will have your guests swooning. What’s more, this recipe is incredibly accessible, using mainly pantry staples, and can be easily made ahead of time, making it the perfect stress-free dessert option for any autumn celebration.
The key to this cake’s success lies in the contrasting textures – the moist, dense pumpkin cake is elevated by the buttery, crunchy crumble topping, creating a delightful experience in every bite. Whether you serve it warm from the oven or let it cool to room temperature, this Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake ❓
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake ❓
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Crumble Topping:
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
The beauty of this Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of warm spices, rich pumpkin, and a buttery crumble topping creates the cozy, autumnal flavor profile that has made pumpkin-based desserts perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set this dry ingredient mixture aside.
• Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until combined.
• Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no dry pockets remain. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
• Step 5: In a small bowl, prepare the crumble topping by mixing together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, softened unsalted butter, and ground cinnamon until a coarse, crumbly mixture forms. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the top of the pumpkin cake batter.
• Step 6: Bake the Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
• Total time: 50-55 minutes
Compared to traditional pumpkin cakes or pies which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake saves you approximately 10-15 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar seasonal flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 9 servings):
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 328mg
These Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cakes provide approximately 18% of your daily carbohydrate requirements and 28% of your daily fat needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace 1/4 cup of the all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup of almond flour or coconut flour.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute in place of the regular butter.
• Added protein: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Mix in 1/2 cup of grated carrots or finely chopped spinach to the pumpkin puree for added nutrients.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a hot cup of spiced apple cider or pumpkin spice latte for a cozy autumn pairing.
• Complement the cake with a fresh autumn salad featuring mixed greens, sliced apples, and toasted pecans.
• For a brunch or dessert spread, serve the Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake alongside a platter of mini muffins, homemade granola, and seasonal fresh fruit.
• Create an elegant dessert platter by cutting the cake into bite-sized squares and arranging them with cinnamon-sugar dusted pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Overbaking the cake: Keep a close eye on the cake during the baking process to prevent it from drying out. The crumble topping can easily burn if the cake is baked for too long.
• Skipping the crumble topping: Don’t be tempted to skip the crumble topping – it’s what gives this cake its signature texture and autumnal flavor profile.
• Forgetting to grease the pan: Make sure to thoroughly grease the baking pan before adding the cake batter to prevent sticking and ensure easy release.
• Not allowing the cake to cool completely: Resist the urge to slice into the cake right away. Letting it cool completely will ensure the perfect texture and prevent the cake from falling apart.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cakes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the cake batter and crumble topping as directed, then spread the batter into the prepared pan and top with the crumble. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked and cooled cake to chill completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore the crumble topping texture.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual slices in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and the crumble topping is crisp.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake in advance?
Absolutely! This cake actually gets better with a little time. You can prepare the batter and crumble topping up to 3 days in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply assemble the cake and bake as directed. You can also bake the cake in advance and freeze it for up to 2 months. Just reheat individual slices in the oven before serving.
Can I substitute the pumpkin puree?
While pumpkin puree is the star ingredient in this recipe, you can substitute it with an equal amount of mashed sweet potato or butternut squash puree. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but still deliciously autumnal.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this cake dairy-free by using coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute in place of the regular butter. For the crumble topping, swap the butter for a vegan butter or coconut oil as well. Be sure to check that your other ingredients, like the pumpkin puree, are also dairy-free.
Why did my crumble topping turn out too dry or too wet?
The key to a perfect crumble topping is achieving the right balance of flour, sugar, and butter. If your topping is too dry, try adding a tablespoon or two more of softened butter. If it’s too wet and clumpy, mix in an extra tablespoon or two of flour until you reach the desired crumbly texture.
Can I add any mix-ins or variations to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake is highly versatile. Try folding in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or pepitas to the cake batter. You can also swirl in a cream cheese filling or drizzle the baked cake with a salted caramel sauce for an extra indulgent twist.
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cakes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy dessert for a family gathering or bringing them to a potluck, they’re sure to impress with their moist, spiced pumpkin cake and irresistible crumble topping. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cakes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the baking process. So embrace the season and treat yourself and your loved ones to the comforting warmth of this autumnal delight.
