Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe

Guys, I’m so excited to share this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe with you! It’s one of those cozy treats that just scream fall but honestly, I enjoy it any time of the year. The combination of moist pumpkin-spiced cake with that buttery, slightly crisp crumb topping is just pure magic—perfect for your afternoon coffee or a sweet breakfast slice when you want something special but not fussy.

What makes this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe really stand out is how well all the warm spices blend together without overpowering the pumpkin’s natural sweetness. Plus, it’s super forgiving to bake, so even if you’re a little nervous about crumb cakes, you’ll nail it here. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here was carefully picked so the flavors sing together while still keeping the cake moist and crumb topping crunchy. Grab good quality pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!) and freshly ground spices if you can — it really lifts the whole cake.

• Flour: All-purpose flour gives you that perfect crumbly yet tender texture we’re looking for.
• Baking powder: This helps the cake rise nicely and keeps it light.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and bring out flavor.
• Cinnamon: The star warm spice in this recipe that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
• Ginger: Adds a subtle zing that makes the spice blend interesting.
• Nutmeg: Gives a cozy aromatic hint without overpowering.
• Cloves: Just a pinch adds depth to the spice mix.
• Pumpkin puree: The moist base of the cake, choose pure pumpkin for best texture and flavor.
• Butter (room temperature for batter, cold for crumbs): Creates richness in cake and the crumbly topping.
• Sugar (granulated and brown): Granulated sugar sweetens the cake while brown sugar adds moistness and depth to the crumbs.
• Eggs: They help bind everything and give structure.
• Vanilla: Enhances the sweet spices and pumpkin flavor.
• Milk: Adds moisture so the cake stays tender and soft.

Make It Your Way

I love that this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe is super flexible to make your own. Whether you want it gluten-free, dairy-free, or even add a little surprise mix-in, there are so many ways to tweak it without losing that warm, homey vibe.

• Gluten-Free Variation: I’ve swapped the flour for a gluten-free blend and the texture was just as delicious, though a tiny bit more delicate.
• Dairy-Free Option: Using coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk keeps it vegan-friendly and moist.
• Mix-Ins: Chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips add a fun crunch or gooey surprise—I recommend chopped pecans personally.
• Extra Spice Kick: If you like it spicy, increase the ginger or add a dash of cayenne for a little subtle heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Spice Mix Ready

First, I preheat the oven to 350°F and grease my 9×13-inch pan—a larger pan means thinner, even cake slices which I love. Then I whisk together all the dry spices with the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures every bite gets an even spice hit and helps the leavening distribute properly through the batter.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Pumpkin

I beat room-temp butter with pumpkin puree until well blended—don’t worry if it’s a bit textured here! Adding granulated sugar afterward and beating again makes the base light and fluffy. Then, eggs and vanilla join the party, bringing moisture and aroma to the mix.

Step 3: Combine Flour Mixture and Milk

Now for the classic trick: add the flour mixture in parts, alternating with the milk. I keep the mixer on low speed so I don’t overwork the batter—which can make the cake tough—and mix just until you don’t see any white streaks of flour.

Step 4: Make Those Crumbs!

This crumb topping is what dreams are made of. I toss all crumb ingredients into a bowl, then pinch the cold butter into the dry sugars and flour until it looks like coarse crumbs. Using cold butter here is key—it creates a tender, flaky crumb rather than a greasy mess.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

I pour half the pumpkin batter into my pan, spread half the crumbs over it, then repeat with the rest of the batter and crumbs. Baking takes about 45-55 minutes—use a toothpick test to check doneness (it should come out clean). The top should be golden and the crumbs delightfully crisp.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love to serve this cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a small dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese on the side—that creaminess pairs beautifully with the spicy warmth of the cake. If it’s breakfast, a drizzle of maple syrup feels just right, too.

Side Dishes

When I’m serving this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe at brunch, I go for simple sides like fresh fruit, particularly sliced pears or apple wedges. A hot cup of chai or coffee is a must-have to complement those cozy spices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve turned this cake into individual servings by baking it in muffin tins and topping each with a cinnamon glaze drizzle. It’s perfect for gatherings and makes portioning a breeze. Another fun twist? Adding a few crushed candied pecans on the top crumbs for extra crunch and a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover crumb cake in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat it within two days. If you want it softer, wrapping it loose in foil helps keep the crumbs from getting too hard while preserving moisture inside.

Freezing

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake freezes beautifully! I slice it before freezing, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. When you want a quick treat, just thaw at room temperature or pop in the microwave for about 20 seconds.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-baked feeling, I warm leftovers in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes—it revives the crumb topping’s crunch without drying out the cake. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the crumbs a little soft.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Recipe is one of my ultimate go-to comfort bakes because it’s reliably delicious and so simple to make. It truly captures that nostalgic, homey feeling that a warm cake with spices brings, especially when friends and family gather around my kitchen table. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why I keep baking this over and over (and maybe stash some in the freezer for emergencies!). Happy baking, friend!

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