Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake


  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk + 1/2 tablespoon vinegar)

For the Glaze (Optional):

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Make the Streusel Topping

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  2. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  4. Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing.

4. Assemble the Cake

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  2. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter, pressing down gently to adhere.

5. Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few crumbs are okay, but no wet batter).
  2. If the streusel starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

6. Make the Glaze (Optional)

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for a thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for a thicker glaze).

7. Cool and Serve

  1. Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness.
  3. Slice and enjoy every bite of this warm, spiced, and indulgent Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake!
  4. Perfect as a standalone dessert or paired with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.

Tips for Success

  • Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves make a noticeable difference in flavor.
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and tender.
  • Switch Toppings: Add chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the streusel for added texture.
  • Store Leftovers: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently if desired.

Why This Recipe Works

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake combines the moist, spiced goodness of pumpkin with the buttery, crumbly texture of a classic streusel topping into a dessert that’s both satisfying and indulgent. The simple preparation ensures consistent results, while the customizable options allow you to tailor the recipe to your taste. Whether served as a standalone treat or customized with your favorite mix-ins, this recipe delivers big on taste and simplicity without requiring advanced baking skills.

Conclusion: A Treat Everyone Will Love

Whether you’re craving something warm and spiced, looking for a way to celebrate fall flavors, or simply want to enjoy a homemade treat, this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is sure to delight. Its bold flavors, satisfying textures, and customizable options make it a standout recipe that’s as practical as it is delicious. Plus, its versatility means you can tailor it to suit any occasion.

We’d love to see your creations! Tag us in your photos or share your favorite variations—your take on this cake might just inspire others to try it too! 🍴✨


 

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