Pumpkin Crumble Cake
Cozy autumn flavors, warm spices, and a mouthwatering crunchy topping — it’s no wonder pumpkin crumble cake is quickly becoming a fall favorite. Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving dessert or just embracing pumpkin season with style, this recipe will check all the boxes: easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing.
Why Pumpkin Crumble Cake Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Box
When it comes to fall baking, pumpkin reigns supreme. And while classics like pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread are well-loved, there’s something truly special about the combination of moist pumpkin cake and buttery crumble topping. This dessert offers the perfect balance of soft texture and crispy contrast — think pumpkin coffee cake upgraded with just the right amount of sweet crunch.
Benefits of Making Pumpkin Crumble Cake
- Quick and simple: Minimal prep time and pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Versatile: Works for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack.
- Great for gatherings: Easy to slice and share at Friendsgiving or fall potlucks.
- Freezer-friendly: Store extra portions for up to 3 months.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the baking process, let’s make sure your pantry is stocked. We’ll break this into two sections: one for the cake and one for the irresistible crumble topping.
For the Pumpkin Cake
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves or allspice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Crumble Topping
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crumble Topping
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together both sugars, flour, and cinnamon. Add the cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to incorporate until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to use. This helps maintain the crumble texture during baking.
2. Mix the Pumpkin Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, both sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well until smooth. Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Assemble and Bake
Pour the pumpkin batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the batter. If using nuts, add them now.
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few crumbs. Let cool for 15–20 minutes before cutting.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
- With coffee or spiced tea: Perfect for chilly fall mornings or cozy evenings.
- Warm with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream makes it unforgettable.
- Drizzle caramel: Add a luxurious touch with homemade caramel sauce.
How to Store Pumpkin Crumble Cake
- Keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freeze individual slices wrapped in foil for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe – The Psychology of Comfort Food
Cravings for pumpkin-flavored treats during fall are more than seasonal — they’re emotional. According to Psychology Today, the warm spices associated with pumpkin desserts evoke nostalgia and comfort. The aromatic appeal of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove stimulates memory centers, reminding us of cozy kitchens, family time, and festive gatherings.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 38g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 3g
Tip: Substitute whole-wheat flour for up to 50% of the all-purpose flour to boost fiber content without altering taste much.
Internal Linking Suggestions
- Anchor Text: Fall dessert recipes – Link to your category or roundup page of autumn treats.
- Anchor Text: How to make pumpkin puree at home – Link to a guide or recipe DIY post.
- Anchor Text: Best crumble topping recipe – Link to a blog post focused on various crumble toppings.
External Linking Suggestions
- Livestrong – Health benefits of pumpkin
- Pumpkin Nutrition Resource – Nutritional facts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just ensure your homemade pumpkin puree is well-strained for extra moisture. Use 1 cup for this recipe.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for best results. Avoid coconut flour as it absorbs too much moisture.
What’s the best way to reheat this cake?
Warm slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes for a fresher texture.
Can I add cream cheese frosting?
Definitely! A light layer of cream cheese glaze adds richness. Just make sure the cake is completely cool before topping.
Conclusion: A Must-Bake Fall Recipe
From its rich spices and velvety pumpkin base to its golden, buttery crumb topping, pumpkin crumble cake is more than just a seasonal dessert—it’s an experience. Whether you’re baking it for friends, family, or your own indulgence, this cozy recipe guarantees to warm hearts and earn rave reviews.
Ready to bring the bakery to your kitchen? Try this pumpkin crumble cake today and share your version with us on Instagram using #PumpkinCrumbleCake! For more seasonal inspiration, check out our fall dessert recipes to keep the autumn vibes going!
