If you’re craving a cozy, warmly spiced treat that feels just like autumn in every bite, this Pumpkin Crumb Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a moist, tender pumpkin-infused cake crowned with a buttery, sweet crumb topping that adds the perfect crunch. It’s an absolute delight to bake and even more wonderful to share with friends and family, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. Whether you’re new to baking pumpkin desserts or a seasoned pro, this recipe combines simplicity and rich flavor in a way that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this Pumpkin Crumb Cake Recipe is straightforward, yet thoughtfully chosen to build a perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. Each ingredient plays its part—a blend of spices for warmth, pumpkin puree for moistness and natural sweetness, and a crumb topping made from simple pantry staples for that golden finish.
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake, offering structure and softness when combined with the right leaveners.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: A gentle lift to make sure your cake stays light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the batter rise perfectly alongside the baking powder.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweet and spiced notes, enhancing every flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: The quintessential spice that brings warmth and depth to pumpkin dishes.
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a touch of cozy nuttiness and aroma.
- ½ teaspoon ginger: Offers a subtle zinginess that rounds out the spice profile.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake with a clean, crisp finish.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich, caramel undertone.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, preventing dryness.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and supports the cake’s texture.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that infuses the cake with beautiful color and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and ties all flavors harmoniously.
- ¼ cup milk: Helps thin the batter slightly, making it perfectly pourable and tender.
- For the crumb topping: Flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter combine to form a crisp, buttery topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake below.
- Optional glaze: Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract create a sweet drizzle that adds a glossy finishing touch.
How to Make Pumpkin Crumb Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the moment it goes in. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up. A well-prepared pan is critical for maintaining the cake’s delicate crumb and sides.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix together your flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the crumb topping base. Then, stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbly clusters. This topping is going to add irresistible texture and a deep buttery sweetness, so don’t skip this important step. Set it aside to get ready to crown your cake.
Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Cake Batter
Whisk your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—in a large bowl until combined. In another bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. This method ensures your cake stays tender without overmixing.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Pour your pumpkin batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the surface. This dual texture of soft cake and crunchy topping creates a delightful contrast with every bite.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake and test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. This baking step transforms your batter and crumbs into a warm, golden masterpiece.
Step 6: Cool & Add Glaze
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool fully. If you want to add a touch more sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a simple glaze and drizzle it over the cooled cake. This glaze adds a lovely shiny finish and an extra hint of vanilla.
Step 7: Slice & Serve!
Cut your cake into squares and serve it with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. Each slice offers moist pumpkin cake offset by the crumbly topping, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
How to Serve Pumpkin Crumb Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts can elevate your Pumpkin Crumb Cake Recipe presentation wonderfully. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla yogurt complements the spices beautifully, adding creaminess and a delicate contrast in textures.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs especially well with warm beverages like chai tea, cinnamon-spiced lattes, or classic black coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a smooth cream cheese frosting to turn this humble cake into a true celebration dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider layering the cake cubes and fresh fruit or spiced whipped cream in a trifle bowl for an impressive dessert display. Or cut into mini squares and serve on a platter as finger food at a cozy fall gathering. Presentation is all about making this beloved Pumpkin Crumb Cake Recipe feel as special as the occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it sealed ensures that the crumb topping stays crisp, and the cake remains luscious and moist.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The flavors hold beautifully in the freezer, making this recipe perfect for prepping ahead.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. Reheating revives the soft texture and brings back that comforting aroma that makes the Pumpkin Crumb Cake Recipe so inviting.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree because pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sweeteners, which can throw off the flavor balance and sweetness of the crumb cake.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
No worries! Cinnamon is the most important, but if you’re missing nutmeg or ginger, just double the cinnamon slightly. The cake will still taste delicious and cozy.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
Yes, melted butter works fine but keep in mind the texture will be a bit different—more buttery and slightly denser, but still very tasty.
Is this cake gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just be sure it’s a blend formulated for baking to maintain the right texture.
Can I make this cake in a larger or smaller pan?
Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time accordingly. A larger pan will make a thinner cake, so check for doneness earlier. A smaller pan will need additional baking time.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Crumb Cake Recipe is a true fall classic that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen and your heart. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again, whether it’s for holiday gatherings or simple everyday moments that deserve a little something sweet. I promise once you try it, it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection, just like it is in mine. So grab your mixing bowls and get ready to enjoy a bit of pumpkin magic!
