The Perfect Pumpkin Crumb Cake Recipe for Fall Mornings

Pumpkin crumb cake revamps ordinary baking into a delightful autumn experience that captures seasonal warmth and comfort.

Seasonal bakers adore this sweet treat for its incredible texture and aromatic essence.

Each slice promises a delectable combination of soft, spiced layers beneath a crunchy, golden topping.

Warm spices dance through the moist cake, creating a sensory celebration of fall’s most beloved flavors.

Delicate crumbs scattered across the surface offer a tantalizing contrast to the tender cake underneath.

Homemade desserts rarely feel as indulgent and satisfying as this nostalgic classic that invites cozy moments and shared memories.

Tips to Keep Your Crumb Topping Crisp and Fluffy Inside

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for ingredients to ensure the right texture and consistent results every time.
• Blend Gently: Mix wet ingredients on low speed to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake dense and tough.
• Check Moisture: Insert a toothpick at an angle to verify doneness, looking for dry crumbs without wet batter streaks.
• Control Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the nutty crumb mixture evenly across the surface for balanced flavor and crunchy texture.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool entirely before glazing to prevent runny, thin icing and preserve the cake's structure.

How to Store and Reheat While Keeping Moisture In

• Refrigeration: Store the pumpkin crumb cake in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Carefully place the cake inside the container, ensuring no external odors can penetrate. Refrigerate for up to 5 days to preserve its delectable texture and flavor.
• Counter Storage: Keep the cake at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days if you prefer a softer, more tender crumb. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources that might compromise the cake's quality or cause faster spoilage.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore the cake's soft, moist texture. Alternatively, use an oven preheated to 325°F, placing the slice on a baking sheet and warming for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Perfect Pairings for a Slice of Pumpkin Crumb Cake

• Brew a Warm Companion: Pair this pumpkin crumb cake with a steaming mug of chai tea or pumpkin spice latte. The spicy, creamy notes will beautifully complement the cake's warm cinnamon and nutty undertones.
• Create a Cool Contrast: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The cold, smooth texture provides a delightful contrast to the cake's rich, crumbly warmth.
• Enhance with Complementary Sips: Match the dessert with a glass of apple cider or a crisp white dessert wine like Moscato. These beverages will highlight the cake's autumnal spices and nutty crumb topping.
• Add a Nutty Sidekick: Garnish with candied pecans or sprinkle toasted almond slivers on top. These extra nuts will amplify the existing nutty elements and add a delightful crunch to each bite.

Fun Additions That Give This Cake a New Spin

• Autumn Spice Swap: Replace pumpkin puree with mashed sweet potato and add extra nutmeg for a deeper seasonal flavor profile.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Substitute almonds with pecans and drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cake instead of traditional glaze for a rich, indulgent touch.
• Chocolate Harvest Remix: Mix mini dark chocolate chips into the batter and sprinkle cocoa powder over the crumb topping for a decadent chocolate undertone.
• Maple Walnut Edition: Swap granulated sugar with maple syrup in the batter and incorporate chopped walnuts into the crumb topping for an earthy, woodland-inspired experience.

Why Pumpkin Crumb Cake Is Your Fall Favorite

• Create Cozy Fall Flavor Explosion: Packed with warm pumpkin and cinnamon spices, this crumb cake delivers an instant autumn comfort that wraps you in delightful seasonal nostalgia.
• Enjoy Bakery-Level Texture Magic: The perfectly balanced layers of moist cake, sweet filling, and crunchy nutty crumb topping create an irresistible combination of soft and crispy textures in every single bite.
• Master Simple Seasonal Baking: With straightforward steps and basic ingredients, this recipe allows even novice bakers to craft a professional-looking dessert that impresses friends and family without requiring advanced culinary skills.
• Quick Weekend Treat Solution: Ready in under an hour and storing beautifully for several days, this pumpkin crumb cake serves as an effortless make-ahead dessert perfect for lazy weekend mornings or unexpected guest gatherings.

The Ingredients That Make This Cake So Cozy

• Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture and signature autumn flavor with rich, smooth texture.
• Oil: Creates a tender, moist cake with lighter crumb and soft consistency.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to cakes structure and richness.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization and moisture retention.
• Flour: Provides essential structure and framework for the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps cake rise and creates light, airy texture.

• Cinnamon: Brings warm, classic autumn spice and depth to the cake.
• Spices: Add complex, complementary flavor notes to pumpkin dessert.

• Nuts: Provide crunch, texture, and rich, toasted flavor to cake topping.
• Brown Sugar: Offers deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create crispy crumb topping.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind crumb topping ingredients.
• Confectioners Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze for finishing the cake.
• Milk: Helps achieve desired glaze consistency.
• Cream: Adjusts glaze texture if needed.

How to Bake Pumpkin Cake with a Crunchy Crumb Top

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab an 8-inch square baking dish and coat it with butter or line with parchment paper for hassle-free cake removal.

Step 2: Create Nutty Crumb Topping

• Sugar
• Flour
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Add nuts and melted butter. Mix until the mixture looks crumbly and well combined.

Step 3: Make Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a separate small bowl, blend brown sugar with cinnamon.

Step 4: Mix Wet Cake Ingredients

• Oil
• Eggs
• Regular sugar
• Pumpkin puree
• Spices
• Baking powder

Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in flour by hand, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 6: Layer First Batter Section

Transfer half the batter (about 13½ ounces) into the prepared pan. Spread evenly across the bottom.

Step 7: Add Cinnamon Sugar Layer

Distribute the cinnamon sugar mixture over the first batter layer.

Step 8: Add Remaining Batter

Top with the remaining batter, spreading smoothly from edge to edge.

Step 9: Sprinkle Nutty Crumb Topping

Generously crumble the nutty topping over the entire cake surface for balanced flavor.

Step 10: Bake the Cake

Bake for 45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with only dry crumbs.

Step 11: Cool and Prepare Glaze

Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack. Whisk confectioners’ sugar with milk to create a smooth glaze. Add cream if too thick.

Step 12: Slice and Serve

Remove cake from pan using parchment paper or cut directly in the dish. Drizzle glaze over the top.

Step 13: Store Cake

Keep leftovers in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place for 4-5 days.

Pumpkin Crumb Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Moist pumpkin crumb cake brings autumn’s warmth to your kitchen with rich spices and buttery crumble. Creamy pumpkin layer nestles between golden streusel, promising comfort in each delightful bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin purée (canned pumpkin)
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or mix with ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a quarter each of ginger and nutmeg)
• 1 rounded teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Topping and Drizzle Ingredients:

• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup chopped pecans
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) melted butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 teaspoons heavy cream or milk
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8-inch square baking dish by lightly greasing with butter or lining with parchment paper for effortless removal.
2. Create the crumb topping by combining granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt in a small mixing bowl. Fold in chopped nuts, then drizzle melted butter over the mixture, stirring until it forms a loose, textured crumble.
3. In a separate small bowl, blend brown sugar with ground cinnamon to create a secondary flavor layer.
4. Using a large mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil, eggs, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and baking powder. Mix on low speed for 1-2 minutes until the ingredients form a smooth, uniform batter.
5. Carefully incorporate all-purpose flour into the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s tender texture.
6. Pour approximately half the batter (about 13½ ounces or 383 grams) into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom to create a uniform base.
7. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the initial batter layer for added depth of flavor.
8. Carefully spread the remaining batter over the filling, ensuring complete and smooth coverage from edge to edge.
9. Generously distribute the nutty crumb topping across the entire surface of the cake, creating a textured and flavorful crust.
10. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with only dry crumbs, indicating complete baking.
11. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack, which helps set the texture and makes slicing easier.
12. Prepare the glaze by whisking confectioners’ sugar with milk, adjusting consistency with additional cream if needed. Drizzle elegantly over the cooled cake.
13. Carefully remove the cake from the pan using parchment paper edges, or slice directly in the baking dish if not using parchment.
14. Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days, maintaining its moisture and flavor.

Notes

• Elevate your baking game with this mouthwatering pumpkin crumb cake that screams autumn comfort.
• Nutty crumb topping adds delightful crunch and warmth to every single bite of this seasonal dessert.
• Pumpkin’s rich, velvety texture blends perfectly with warm spices, creating a dessert that feels like a hug from grandma’s kitchen.
• Versatile recipe works brilliantly for breakfast treats, afternoon snacks, or elegant after-dinner desserts.
• Storage tip ensures you can enjoy this delectable cake for days, making meal prep and sweet cravings totally stress-free.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 318 kcal
• Sugar: 31g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 38mg