Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is the perfect dessert for fall gatherings, family get-togethers, or simply a cozy afternoon treat. With its moist texture and delightful blend of warm spices, this cake brings comfort and joy to any occasion. The crunchy crumb topping adds a satisfying contrast to the soft cake beneath, making it a standout choice for your next bake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, requiring simple steps that even beginner bakers can follow.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and spices delivers a rich taste that captures the essence of fall.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual brunch, this cake fits right in.
• Great for Sharing: With 20 servings, it’s ideal for parties or potlucks where you want to impress.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with ice cream or at room temperature with coffee; it’s delicious either way!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious world of baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and mixing batters smoothly.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently while keeping your workspace organized.

Ingredients

To create this tasty Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake, gather these ingredients:

For the Cake

• 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 a 9 x 13 inch baking dish to prepare for the batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:
1. Flour
2. Baking powder
3. Salt
4. Cinnamon
5. Ginger
6. Nutmeg
7. Cloves

Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined before moving on.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of an electric mixer:
1. Beat together the butter and pumpkin puree until well combined.
2. Add granulated sugar and mix until smooth.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until everything is fully blended.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk. Mix on low speed until no white streaks remain.

Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, combine:
– Cold butter cubes,
– Light brown sugar,
– Flour,
– Cinnamon,
– Nutmeg.

Use fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until small crumbs form.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour half of the pumpkin batter into your prepared dish:
1. Layer with half of the crumb topping.
2. Add remaining pumpkin batter on top.
3. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the crumbs over it all.

Bake in preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Now you have an irresistible Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Serving your Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake can elevate the experience, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dessert. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that complement its warm flavors.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream adds a creamy texture that balances the spiced cake beautifully.

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm crumb cake creates a delightful contrast between hot and cold, enhancing each bite.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A generous drizzle of caramel sauce adds sweetness and richness, making every slice even more indulgent.

Accompany with Fresh Fruit

• Slices of fresh apples or pears can provide a refreshing crunch that pairs nicely with the cake’s moistness.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

• A hot cup of coffee or tea complements the spices in the cake, making it an ideal pairing for afternoon tea time.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

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

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even mixing.
• Do not overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Properly measure flour: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can make the cake dense.
• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean for a perfectly baked cake.
• Let it cool before slicing: Cooling allows the crumb structure to set, making slicing easier and cleaner.
• Store correctly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Serving side dishes alongside your Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake can enhance your dessert table. Here are some tasty options to consider:

1. Chai Latte
   A warm chai latte infused with spices complements the pumpkin flavors beautifully.
2. Cinnamon Roasted Nuts
   Sweet and savory roasted nuts provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft crumb cake.
3. Apple Crisp
   This warm dessert offers a fruity counterpart that pairs well with spiced flavors.
4. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
   Savory mashed potatoes can balance out the sweetness of the cake when served on a festive plate.
5. Pumpkin Soup
   A warm bowl of pumpkin soup serves as a cozy starter that enhances the fall theme.
6. Mixed Green Salad
   A light salad featuring seasonal greens adds freshness and helps cut through the richness of the cake.
7. Granola Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a refreshing side dish that offers additional textures.
8. Fruit Salad
   A colorful fruit salad brings brightness and contrasts well with the rich flavors of pumpkin spice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve the best Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake possible.

• Not measuring accurately: Ensure that you measure ingredients like flour and sugar correctly. Use a kitchen scale for precision when possible.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Skipping the crumb topping: The crumb topping adds texture and flavor. Don’t skip or skimp on this essential step!
• Ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking. An oven thermometer can help you verify the temperature.
• Using old spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor. Check your spice cabinet and replace any that are past their prime for the best taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep the cake at room temperature if consumed within two days.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just cook and puree it until smooth before adding it to the batter.

How do I make my Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What can I substitute for butter in this Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake?

You can use coconut oil or vegan butter as a substitute for butter while keeping similar measurements.

How long does Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake last?

When stored properly, it lasts about 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter or sprinkle them on top of the crumb layer for added texture.

Final Thoughts

This moist Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is perfect for fall gatherings or cozy weekends at home. Its delightful blend of spices makes it versatile enough for breakfast or dessert. You can customize it by adding nuts or swapping out spices based on your preference. Try making this delicious cake today!