Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. With its warm spices and moist texture, this cake is ideal for cozy gatherings, festive celebrations, or simply as a comforting dessert at home. The crunchy crumb topping adds an irresistible contrast to the soft cake beneath, making it a standout option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Flavorful Delight: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a rich flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 20 servings, this cake is great for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings.
• Fall Favorites: Embrace the season with this comforting cake that highlights the best flavors of autumn.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• 9 x 13 inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Pastry cutter

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort in mixing batter evenly for a light texture.
• Pastry cutter: Helps create the perfect crumb topping by cutting cold butter into flour easily.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining dry and wet ingredients without mess.

Ingredients

This moist Pumpkin Crumb Cake is filled with warm fall spices and covered with a crunchy crumb topping.

For the Cake

• 2 cups flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch cloves
• 1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree
• ½ cup butter (room temperature)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup milk

For the Crumb Topping

• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed (1 stick)
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl:
* Whisk together the following dry ingredients thoroughly:
– Flour
– Baking powder
– Salt
– Cinnamon
– Ginger
– Nutmeg
– Cloves

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of an electric mixer:
Beat together the room temperature butter and pumpkin puree until well combined. It’s fine if it’s not completely smooth.
Add granulated sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until well mixed.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture:
Alternate adding flour mixture with milk in three additions.
Beat on low speed until no dry ingredients remain visible. Set aside.

Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl:
Combine all crumb topping ingredients. Use fingers or a pastry cutter to blend cold butter until small crumbs form.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour half of the pumpkin batter into your prepared dish:
Layer half of the crumb topping over it.
Add remaining pumpkin batter, then top with remaining crumbs.
Bake for about 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Serving your Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake can elevate the experience for you and your guests, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance this delicious treat.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness and a light, airy texture.

Pair with Coffee

• Enjoy a slice alongside a warm cup of coffee or chai tea. The spices in the crumb cake complement the warmth of the beverages beautifully.

Serve Warm

• For an extra cozy touch, serve the cake warm from the oven. This enhances the flavors and makes every bite more comforting.

Add Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the warm cake creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and adds a creamy element.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over individual slices for added crunch and nuttiness, enhancing both flavor and texture.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

To ensure your Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is perfectly moist and flavorful, follow these simple tips.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices provide a stronger flavor profile than older ones. Always check your spice cabinet before baking.
• Don’t overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Check doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done. If it comes out wet, give it more time.
• Let it cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake can create a well-rounded meal or dessert experience. Here are some delicious options.

1. Spiced Apple Compote: This warm apple dish brings out the fall flavors and adds sweetness that complements the cake.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Mini donuts dusted with cinnamon sugar add an extra treat that’s perfect for brunch or dessert.
3. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A drizzle of maple syrup over each slice amplifies sweetness and enhances the pumpkin flavor.
4. Cheese Platter: Serve with creamy cheeses like Brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast to the sweet cake.
5. Caramel Sauce: A rich caramel sauce can be drizzled on top or served on the side for dipping, adding decadent sweetness.
6. Fall Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring pears, apples, and pomegranates provides a light balance to this rich dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake can be easy, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for. Here are a few to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Using cold ingredients – Always use room temperature butter and eggs for a smoother batter. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and a dense cake.
• Overmixing the batter – Mix until just combined to keep the crumb cake light and airy. Overmixing can result in a tough texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Use the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid adding too much flour, which can dry out your cake.
• Skipping the crumb topping – The crumb topping adds flavor and texture. Don’t skip it; it’s essential for that delightful crunch!
• Not checking doneness – Begin checking your cake around 45 minutes. Every oven is different, so use a toothpick to ensure it’s baked through.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place slices on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm each slice for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes! Make sure to cook and puree fresh pumpkin before using it as a substitute.

What if I don’t have all the spices?

You can use a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend as an alternative. It usually contains most of the necessary spices.

How can I make my Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts, or chocolate chips can enhance flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different spices or toppings based on your preference. It’s perfect for fall gatherings or as a cozy dessert at home. Give it a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors!