Warm Fall Bliss: Irresistible Pumpkin Crumb Cake Recipe

Autumn brings a symphony of warm spices and rich flavors, with this irresistible pumpkin crumb cake recipe promising pure comfort in every delectable bite.

The golden-hued dessert emerges as a beloved seasonal favorite that captures the essence of cozy afternoons.

Layers of tender pumpkin-infused cake blend seamlessly with a buttery, cinnamon-speckled crumb topping that adds delightful texture and crunch.

Dense yet remarkably moist, this cake delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth that feels like a gentle embrace.

Fragrant notes of nutmeg and clove dance through each slice, creating an aromatic experience that signals the arrival of fall.

The simple ingredients transform into a stunning dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to indulge in a slice of pure autumnal bliss that elevates any gathering from ordinary to extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 286 kcal

Servings: 11

What’s in a Perfect Pumpkin Crumb Cake

• Sugar: Adds sweet crunch and caramelized texture to the crumb layer.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates crispy, crumbly structure for the topping.
• Ground Cinnamon: Introduces warm, aromatic spice that complements pumpkin.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Pecans: Delivers nutty crunch and rich, toasted depth.
• Melted Butter: Binds ingredients and provides rich, golden flavor.

• Brown Sugar: Brings deep, molasses-like sweetness with soft caramel undertones.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moist, tender cake texture with soft crumb.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind ingredients.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps create tender cake texture.
• Pumpkin Purée: Delivers authentic autumn flavor and moisture.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Combines classic warm spices for quintessential fall taste.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavor.
• Baking Powder: Helps cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates sturdy cake foundation.

• Confectioners' Sugar: Provides smooth, sweet glaze with silky finish.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: Helps create perfect drizzling consistency.

Must-Have Tools for a Fall Favorite

• 8-inch square baking dish: Essential for creating the perfect cake size and shape.
• Parchment paper: Helps with easy cake removal and prevents sticking.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining wet ingredients and creating the cake batter.
• Small mixing bowls (2): One for crumb topping, another for sugar and cinnamon mixture.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients and creating smooth mixtures.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Helps blend wet ingredients quickly and evenly.
• Rubber spatula: Great for folding flour and spreading batter smoothly.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cake to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottom.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing for dry crumbs.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Bake a Crumb Cake That Screams Autumn

• Oven Preparation

Set up your oven at a cozy 350°F and get an 8-inch square pan ready with a light butter coating or parchment paper for smooth cake removal.

• Crumb Topping Creation

Mix dry ingredients like sugar, flour, and cinnamon with crunchy nuts, then blend in melted butter until the mixture looks like delicate sandy crumbs.

• Sugar Spice Layer

Combine brown sugar with warming cinnamon for a sweet interior surprise.

• Cake Batter Blend

Whisk together oil, eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree, and spices until the mixture becomes silky and harmonious.

• Flour Integration

Gently fold flour into the batter, being careful not to overmix and lose the cake’s delicate texture.

• First Batter Layer

Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom like a smooth canvas.

• Filling Distribution

Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture over the first batter layer, creating a hidden flavor pocket.

• Final Batter Coverage

Top with remaining batter, ensuring a smooth, even surface from edge to edge.

• Crumb Topping

Generously scatter the nutty crumb mixture across the entire cake surface for maximum flavor.

• Baking Process

Bake for about 45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean with just dry crumbs.

• Cooling and Glazing

Let the cake cool completely, then drizzle with a smooth glaze made from confectioners’ sugar and milk.

• Serving

Slice into delightful squares, either using parchment paper for easy removal or cutting directly in the pan.

• Storage

Keep leftovers in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days of continued enjoyment.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Flavor Crumbs

• Swap pecans or walnuts for almonds in the crumb topping to add a different crunchy dimension and nutty flavor profile.
• Experiment with pumpkin pie spice or add ground cardamom and ginger to elevate the warm, autumnal taste of the cake.
• Prepare the entire cake up to two days before serving, storing it tightly wrapped at room temperature to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Transform the basic milk glaze by incorporating vanilla extract, maple syrup, or a touch of bourbon for a more complex and rich finish.
• Replace vegetable oil with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of regular milk to create a delicious dairy-free version of this comforting pumpkin crumb cake.

How to Present a Cozy Pumpkin Crumb Cake

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair this pumpkin crumb cake with a steaming mug of hot coffee or spiced chai tea for a delightful morning treat that'll warm your soul.
• Holiday Dessert Centerpiece: Serve this cake as a stunning finale to your Thanksgiving or autumn gathering, garnishing with a light dusting of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for extra elegance.
• Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Slice this cake into smaller squares for a perfect afternoon snack that pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a creamy latte, ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying solo during a quiet moment.
• Gifting Delight: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a rustic twine for a homemade gift that shows you care, perfect for neighbors, teachers, or anyone who appreciates a freshly baked autumn-inspired treat.

Storage Ideas That Keep Your Cake Fluffy

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep cake tightly sealed in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Refrigeration Recommendation: Extend cake's freshness by storing in the refrigerator, which helps preserve texture and flavor for up to a week.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for convenient single-serving treats lasting up to 3 months.
• Room Temperature Magic: Leave cake at room temperature for optimal taste and softness, perfect for enjoying within 2-3 days of baking.

Irresistible Pumpkin Crumb Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Irresistible pumpkin crumb cake brings autumn comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Warm spices and buttery crumb topping create a delightful dessert you’ll crave during cool seasonal gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup pumpkin purée (canned pumpkin)
• 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 0.25 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 rounded tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.25 cup sugar
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.25 cup chopped pecans
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) melted butter
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tsp heavy cream or milk
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Crumb Topping: Mix granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Incorporate chopped nuts and drizzle melted butter, stirring until a textured crumble forms.
3. Flavor Accent: Blend brown sugar with ground cinnamon to create a rich secondary layer.
4. Batter Creation: In a large mixing bowl, whisk vegetable oil, eggs, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and baking powder until smooth and uniform.
5. Batter Completion: Gently fold all-purpose flour into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix and preserve the cake’s delicate texture.
6. Layer Assembly: Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture across the first layer, then carefully cover with remaining batter.
7. Topping Application: Generously distribute the nutty crumb topping across the entire cake surface, creating a textured, flavorful crust.
8. Baking Process: Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center reveals only dry crumbs.
9. Cooling and Finishing: Allow cake to cool completely on a wire rack. Prepare glaze by whisking confectioners’ sugar with milk, adjusting consistency as needed.
10. Serving and Storage: Drizzle glaze over the cooled cake, remove from pan using parchment edges, and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.

Notes

• Master Mixing Technique: Gently fold flour into wet ingredients to prevent tough, dense cake texture; stop mixing as soon as flour disappears to preserve delicate crumb.
• Crumb Topping Secret: Ensure melted butter is slightly cooled before mixing with dry ingredients to create perfect, loose, and crumbly texture that won’t clump.
• Moisture Preservation Trick: Cool cake completely on wire rack to allow steam to escape, preventing soggy bottom and maintaining optimal cake structure.
• Storage Smart Tip: Wrap cake loosely in plastic wrap or store in airtight container to keep fresh, preventing moisture loss and maintaining soft, tender consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 286
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 36 mg