Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall. It features a moist cake infused with warm spices, topped with a crunchy crumb layer that adds texture and flavor. Perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings, or as a treat with your morning coffee, this cake is sure to impress everyone. Its unique combination of flavors makes it a standout dessert, whether served at a festive celebration or enjoyed in the comfort of your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm, inviting taste that embodies the spirit of autumn.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and experienced cooks alike.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether served as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat, this cake fits seamlessly into any occasion.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its moist texture and flavorful crumb topping make it a hit among family and friends.
• Make Ahead Friendly: This cake can be baked in advance and stored for later enjoyment, making it great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9 x 13 inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Pastry cutter (or fingers for crumbling)

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when combining ingredients evenly for a fluffy batter.
• Pastry cutter: Ideal for creating perfectly sized crumbs from cold butter without warming them up too much.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter

• 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 your 9 x 13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl:
* Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In an electric mixer bowl:
* Beat together the room temperature butter and pumpkin puree until evenly mixed. It’s okay if it’s not completely smooth.
* Add granulated sugar and mix until well combined.
* Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients:
* Alternate adding in three additions with milk.
* Mix on low speed until no white flour remains visible. Set aside.

Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl:
* Combine all crumb topping ingredients.
* Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until small crumbs form.

Step 6: Layer and Bake

In your prepared baking dish:
* Pour half of the pumpkin batter into the bottom.
* Layer with half of the crumb topping.
* Pour over the remaining pumpkin batter.
* Top with remaining crumbs.
Bake for about 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Enjoy your warm Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy afternoons at home. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Dollop of Whipped Cream

• A light and airy whipped cream adds a creamy texture that balances the spices in the cake.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Slices of apples or pears complement the pumpkin flavors wonderfully and add a refreshing crunch.

With a Side of Ice Cream

• Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs deliciously, creating a warm and cold contrast that enhances the cake’s flavor.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of rich caramel sauce over each slice elevates the sweet profile of the cake.

Served with a Cup of Coffee

• Enjoying the cake with a warm cup of coffee makes for a cozy pairing, especially on chilly days.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

To ensure your Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for dry and wet ingredients to achieve the right texture and flavor balance.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for easy mixing and better incorporation into the batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix only until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is done baking.
• Cool Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain moisture.
• Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake pairs beautifully with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai complement the pumpkin perfectly, making it an ideal beverage choice.
2. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup adds an extra sweetness that enhances the overall taste.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Toast: Simple yet effective, this crunchy toast provides additional texture alongside the soft crumb cake.
4. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness that balances out the richness of the cake.
5. Cheese Plate: Include soft cheeses like cream cheese or mascarpone for a savory contrast to the sweet crumb cake.
6. Nut Mix: A handful of spiced nuts offers crunchiness and brings out the warm flavors found in pumpkin spice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking the Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake, it’s easy to make small errors that can affect the final outcome. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise measurements to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.
• Skipping the room temperature butter: Using cold butter can prevent proper mixing. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth batter.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
• Ignoring baking time: Each oven is different. Start checking your cake around 45 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Forgetting to preheat the oven: Preheating ensures even cooking. Always preheat before placing your cake in the oven.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place it in an airtight freezer bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds, checking every 10 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm each slice for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake so special?

The blend of warm fall spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg combined with pumpkin puree creates a deliciously moist cake that’s perfect for autumn.

Can I substitute the flour in this recipe?

Yes! You can use gluten-free flour blends as a substitute for regular flour if you want a gluten-free version of Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your cake is ready.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips can give extra flavor and texture to your cake.

Final Thoughts

This moist Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is not only easy to make but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even cream cheese frosting. It’s perfect for gatherings or as an everyday treat. Give this delightful recipe a try!