Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake: The Ultimate Fall Treat

There’s something magical about autumn—the crisp air, cozy sweaters, and of course, the unmistakable aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through the kitchen. One of the most comforting desserts to celebrate the season is the Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake. With its tender pumpkin base, aromatic spices, and buttery cinnamon crumb topping, this cake brings together all the warm, nostalgic flavors of fall in every bite.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this irresistible treat from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¾ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Crumb Topping:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

For the Glaze (optional):

½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until large, crumbly chunks form.
The texture should resemble moist sand that clumps easily when squeezed.
Set this mixture aside while you prepare the cake batter—this topping will give your cake its signature crunchy, sweet layer.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger).
This combination ensures that your cake has a balanced flavor with the perfect touch of spice and warmth.

Step 4: Prepare the Wet Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
The pumpkin not only adds moisture but also creates that beautiful, deep orange hue that’s perfect for fall.