Homemade Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake Recipe

The Best Homemade Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake Recipe for Fall

Crafting a delectable pumpkin spice crumble cake brings pure autumn magic right into your kitchen.

Warm aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg will dance through every corner of your home.

Seasonal baking becomes an irresistible adventure with this simple yet spectacular dessert.

Soft, moist cake layers promise comfort in each delightful bite.

Crumbly streusel topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender cake beneath.

Fragrant spices create a nostalgic experience that connects you to cozy memories.

Fall’s most beloved flavors await you in this irresistible treat – let’s start baking!

FAQs

  • Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

  • How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

  • Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure the blend is designed for baking to maintain the cake’s texture.

  • Can I substitute the butter with another ingredient?

You can use vegetable oil or coconut oil as a 1:1 replacement. For a healthier option, try using unsweetened applesauce, which will make the cake slightly denser but still delicious.

Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake: Why It’s a Must for Fall

  • Packed with warm pumpkin and cozy spices, this cake captures the essence of autumn, transforming ordinary moments into nostalgic gatherings.
  • The double-layer crumble technique adds irresistible texture and visual appeal, guaranteeing compliments from family and friends at potlucks or casual get-togethers.
  • Adaptable recipe allows simple variations like adding nuts, drizzling caramel, or serving with whipped cream to match personal taste preferences.

Everything in Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake that provides structure and texture.
  • Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture, autumn flavor, and a beautiful orange color to the cake.
  • Butter: Adds richness, flavor, and helps create a soft, tender cake texture.
Spice and Crumble Ingredients:
  • Cinnamon, Brown Sugar: Create a warm, sweet, and aromatic topping that complements the pumpkin flavor.
  • Softened Butter: Helps bind the crumble topping and adds a rich, buttery taste.

Baking Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake: How-To Guide

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C).

Generously grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Granulated sugar

Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined and lump-free.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, crack open fresh eggs and beat them until smooth.

Pour in pumpkin puree and mix thoroughly.

Add softened butter and blend until the mixture looks creamy and uniform.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir just until everything is incorporated – avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 5: Create Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, mix together:
  • Flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Softened butter
  • Ground cinnamon

Use your fingers to create a crumbly texture that looks like coarse sand.

Step 6: Layer Cake and Crumble

Pour half the cake batter into the prepared pan.

Sprinkle half the crumble topping over the batter.

Add remaining batter and top with the rest of the crumble mixture.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove cake from oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Top Tips for Moist Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake

  • Toss crumble topping ingredients with a little flour to help them stay on top of the cake during baking.
  • Use fresh pumpkin puree or drain canned puree to remove excess liquid, ensuring a perfectly tender cake texture.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to enhance the warm, autumnal flavor profile of the pumpkin spice cake.
  • Let eggs, butter, and other refrigerated ingredients sit out for 30 minutes before mixing to create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter.
  • Chill the crumble topping for 10-15 minutes before sprinkling to create larger, more distinct crumble pieces.

Storage Solutions for Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake Slices

  • Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Slice the cake and place individual portions in freezer-safe bags or wrap each slice in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature before covering with a clean kitchen towel. Store at room temperature for 1-2 days if planning to consume quickly.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore the cake's soft texture and bring out the warm spices.

Perfect Pairings with Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake

  • Pair with Warm Vanilla Latte: Create a cozy autumn experience by serving the pumpkin spice crumble cake alongside a creamy vanilla latte, which complements the cake's warm spices and enhances its rich, comforting flavors.
  • Elevate with Caramel Whipped Cream: Top the cake with a dollop of homemade caramel whipped cream to add extra decadence and a luxurious sweetness that perfectly matches the cake's pumpkin and cinnamon notes.
  • Complement with Spiced Chai Tea: Brew a fragrant chai tea to serve alongside the cake, as its blend of cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon will harmonize beautifully with the pumpkin spice crumble's aromatic profile.
  • Match with Apple Cider: Pour a chilled glass of spiced apple cider to balance the cake's warmth, creating a delightful seasonal pairing that celebrates classic autumn flavors.

Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake Swaps and Variations

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend to create a celiac-friendly version of the cake.
  • Vegan Autumn Crumble: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and opt for plant-based milk to craft a dairy-free and egg-free alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Treat: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content for a diabetic-friendly option.
  • Keto-Friendly Spice Cake: Use coconut flour, almond flour, and replace sugar with erythritol to develop a low-carb version that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake Recipe

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Pumpkin spice crumble cake elevates autumn desserts with its rich, warming flavors and irresistible texture. Delicate spices and buttery crumble topping create a comforting slice you’ll crave all season long.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for crumble topping)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for crumble topping)

Crumble Topping Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed, for crumble topping)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened, for crumble topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9-inch round cake pan with grease to ensure easy cake removal.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients, whisking flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and granulated sugar until evenly distributed.
  3. Create a smooth mixture by beating eggs and incorporating pumpkin puree, then gently blend in softened butter until the wet ingredients are well integrated.
  4. Delicately fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain a tender cake texture.
  5. Craft the crumble topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon until it forms a loose, sandy consistency.
  6. Divide the cake batter into two layers within the prepared pan, strategically sprinkling crumble topping between and atop the batter to create a delightful texture variation.
  7. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.

Notes

  • Swap out all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture.
  • Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia to create a lower-calorie dessert option.
  • Room temperature ingredients ensure smoother batter and more even baking, preventing potential lumps or uneven mixing.
  • Gently fold wet and dry ingredients to maintain cake’s light, fluffy texture and avoid overmixing which can create dense results.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 215
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star