Name: Pumpkin Crumble Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Ingredients: Cake Layer: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Crumble Topping: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

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This Pumpkin Crumble Cake is the ultimate autumn dessert! With a moist, pumpkin-spiced cake base topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel crumble, it combines the best flavors of fall into every warm, cozy bite. Perfect for gatherings, it brings a touch of seasonal flavor to any dessert table and pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy this cake as a sweet treat during chilly evenings or as a showstopper for Thanksgiving. It’s easy to make yet impressive, filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of pumpkin and cinnamon. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or simply enjoy a cozy dessert, this crumble cake is sure to become a favorite fall tradition.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

Cake Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Crumble Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice for the cake layer.
In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, mixing well.
Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until just combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble topping. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the crumble topping over the cake batter in an even layer.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal
Servings: 9 servings

The Story Behind Pumpkin Crumble Cake

Pumpkin Crumble Cake is a comforting, autumn-inspired dessert that embodies the warmth and coziness of the season. This cake is not only delicious but also serves as a nostalgic reminder of crisp autumn days, pumpkin patches, and cozy gatherings. The combination of pumpkin spice and a cinnamon-streusel topping brings together the best flavors of fall, making this cake a true seasonal favorite. It’s a versatile dessert that works wonderfully for family dinners, fall gatherings, and even holiday parties.

Pumpkin desserts date back centuries, with recipes for pumpkin pie, cakes, and custards appearing as early as the 17th century. Pumpkin was a staple ingredient for many early settlers in North America because it was plentiful and could be used in both savory and sweet dishes. Over time, it became a symbol of fall, and by the mid-20th century, pumpkin spice became a cultural phenomenon in the United States, especially during the fall season. This Pumpkin Crumble Cake captures that tradition, offering a modern twist with the addition of a buttery crumble topping for extra texture and sweetness.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Balanced Sweetness: This Pumpkin Crumble Cake isn’t overly sweet, making it perfect for those who prefer a more refined dessert. The natural sweetness of the pumpkin complements the crumble topping, which has just the right amount of sugar to create a caramelized, crispy layer without overpowering the flavors.
Moist Texture: Pumpkin puree is known for adding moisture to baked goods, and this cake is no exception. Unlike some cakes that can turn dry, the pumpkin in this recipe helps keep each bite soft and tender, ensuring it stays fresh for days.
Seasonal Ingredients: Using pumpkin and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves makes this cake seasonally appropriate, but it’s also packed with nutrients that are often overlooked. Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant, which the body converts to vitamin A—great for skin and eye health. The spices in the cake are also warming and can boost immunity, making this not only a delicious but also a nutritious choice.
Easy and Versatile: This recipe is straightforward and approachable, even for beginner bakers. It uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and can be adapted to dietary needs. For example, you can swap out the flour with a gluten-free alternative or use dairy-free butter to make it vegan. Plus, the cake can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert or enjoyed with coffee in the morning for a cozy treat.
Perfect for Entertaining: The crumble topping gives the cake an elegant look, making it ideal for special occasions and gatherings. When baked, the streusel forms a golden, crunchy layer on top, which provides a visually appealing contrast to the soft, orange-hued cake beneath. It’s a dessert that can stand out on any table, whether for a Thanksgiving celebration, Halloween party, or any autumn gathering.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin and Spices

Pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fiber, pumpkin is excellent for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and immunity. Additionally, the high fiber content supports digestive health, helping you feel full and satisfied. The spices in this cake—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—not only enhance the flavor but also offer numerous health benefits. Cinnamon is known to regulate blood sugar, while nutmeg and cloves have anti-inflammatory properties that can support overall health.

Furthermore, because this recipe uses pumpkin puree rather than oils or heavy butter in the cake itself, it’s lower in fat than traditional cakes, making it a lighter choice for a dessert. This recipe offers a nice balance of indulgence and wellness, combining the flavors you crave in the fall with ingredients that contribute to good health.

Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Crumble Cake

Use Quality Pumpkin Puree: Opt for pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. Fresh pumpkin puree is also an option, though canned pumpkin offers a consistent texture and convenience.
Don’t Skip the Crumble Topping: The crumble is what makes this cake so special. It adds a layer of texture that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the cake. Be sure to cut the butter into the dry ingredients well to achieve a perfect crumbly texture.
Adjust the Spices to Taste: If you’re a fan of bold flavors, feel free to add extra cinnamon or a dash of ginger. For a subtler taste, you can reduce the spices slightly. This recipe is flexible and can be tailored to your personal preference.
Serve Warm or Cold: This cake tastes amazing straight from the oven, but it’s equally delicious when cooled. If you want to serve it warm, consider topping it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm spices and creamy topping make it a perfect treat on chilly evenings.
Make It Ahead: The cake keeps well in an airtight container for up to four days, so it’s great for preparing ahead of time. You can also freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap for up to two months, which makes it easy to have a quick dessert ready when you want it.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Pumpkin Crumble Cake is highly versatile and can be paired with various toppings and drinks to elevate the experience:

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced flavors of the cake.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream is light and airy, making it a great choice if you want a less sweet option.
Chai or Spiced Latte: A warm drink like chai or a pumpkin spice latte pairs wonderfully with this cake, accentuating the warm spices.
Maple Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup over the cake brings out the natural sweetness of the pumpkin and adds an extra fall-inspired touch.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

One of the best aspects of this Pumpkin Crumble Cake is that it’s incredibly adaptable. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Add Pecans or Walnuts: For added crunch and a nutty flavor, fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping.
Incorporate Chocolate Chips: For chocolate lovers, sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the cake batter before baking. The rich chocolate complements the pumpkin flavors wonderfully.
Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg for a vegan version of the cake.
Top with Cream Cheese Frosting: If you prefer a frosted cake, a light layer of cream cheese frosting will make this cake even more decadent.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Crumble Cake combines comfort, flavor, and seasonal appeal into one delightful dessert. Not only is it easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, but it also caters to a wide audience, from pumpkin lovers to casual dessert enthusiasts. Its health benefits, flexible ingredients, and timeless appeal make it a must-try for anyone who loves the flavors of fall.