Homemade Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake Recipe

Cozy Homemade Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake Recipe for Fall Joy

Cold autumn winds whisper promises of a delectable homemade pumpkin spice crumble cake waiting to emerge from your kitchen.

Sweet aromas will soon drift through hallways, beckoning everyone near.

Warm spices mingle with rich pumpkin notes, creating a sensory experience that feels like a cozy embrace.

Delicate crumble topping adds irresistible texture to each tender slice.

Comfort arrives in small moments, and this cake delivers pure happiness with minimal effort.

Seasonal baking becomes magical when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Each forkful carries memories of crisp mornings and golden leaves.

Jump into this delightful recipe and let culinary magic unfold before you.

Crumble Cake FAQs

  • What makes the crumble topping different from other cake toppings?

The crumble topping uses a mix of rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a crunchy, textured layer that adds depth and richness to the soft pumpkin cake underneath.

  • Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Roast and puree the pumpkin until smooth, ensuring it has a similar consistency to canned puree. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid to maintain the cake’s proper texture.

  • 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 this cake suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe contains eggs, flour, and dairy, so it’s not naturally gluten-free or vegan. However, you can experiment with alternative ingredients like gluten-free flour or plant-based substitutes to adapt the recipe.

Pumpkin Crumble Cake Perfect for Chilly Days

  • This pumpkin spice crumble cake brings autumn magic to your kitchen in minutes.
  • Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced home cooks.
  • Crowd-pleasing dessert that appeals to both kids and adults, creating delicious memories around the table with its warm spices and tender texture.
  • Ready in under an hour, this cake transforms ordinary evenings into cozy celebrations with minimal preparation time and maximum flavor impact.

Baking Ingredients for That Autumn Cake Vibe

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key structural ingredient with soft wheat proteins for tender cake texture.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for helping cake rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness of the cake.
Spice Blend Ingredients:
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves, Ground Ginger: Warm spices that create classic pumpkin spice flavor profile. Use fresh, high-quality spices for best results.
Moisture and Binding Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture, natural sweetness, and signature pumpkin flavor. Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that add depth and caramel undertones.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures cake remains moist and tender.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds aromatic depth and complexity.
Crumble Topping Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Rolled Oats: Create crunchy, textured topping. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps topping caramelize.
  • Melted Butter: Binds crumble and provides rich flavor.
Optional Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Creates smooth, sweet drizzle for finishing the cake.

Instructions to Make a Warm and Cozy Crumble Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C). Coat a 9-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, then dust with flour. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create Cake Base

In a mixing bowl, combine dry cake ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground cloves
  • Ground ginger
In a separate large bowl, blend wet ingredients until silky smooth:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 3: Craft Crumbly Topping

Mix dry crumble components:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Rolled oats
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg

Pour melted butter over mixture, stirring until delightful crumbs form.

Step 4: Layer and Decorate

Pour cake batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly.

Sprinkle crumble topping generously across surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide pan into preheated oven. Bake 35-40 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean from cake’s center.

Step 6: Optional Sweet Finish

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Drizzle glaze over completely cooled cake.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice cake and serve. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Tips to Keep the Crumble Crisp and Spiced

  • Boost Pumpkin Spice Crunch: Swap rolled oats with chopped pecans or almonds for extra texture and nutty flavor.
  • Customize Cake Moisture: Replace vegetable oil with applesauce to reduce fat and create a lighter, more tender cake crumb.
  • Perfect Baking Technique: Check cake doneness by gently pressing the center- it should spring back when fully baked, indicating perfect moisture level.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free flour blend and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free for people with dietary restrictions.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in a dry skillet before adding to the recipe to intensify their aromatic qualities.

Save Pumpkin Cake Without Losing Texture

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring the cake stays moist and fresh.
  • Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, preserving the delicious pumpkin spice flavor.
  • Warm cake slices at 300F for 10-15 minutes, bringing back the soft texture and releasing those comforting spice aromas.
  • Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds, creating a soft, slightly warm treat without drying out the cake.

Toppings and Drinks That Pair with Pumpkin Cake

  • Complement the cake's warm spices with a creamy, rich caramel latte that echoes the cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, creating a cozy autumn beverage experience.
  • Top the cake with a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream, which provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced cake and adds luxurious texture.
  • Serve alongside a spiced chai tea that amplifies the cake's seasonal spices, offering a harmonious and comforting pairing that enhances the dessert's aromatic profile.
  • Drizzle a homemade salted caramel sauce over the cake to introduce a decadent, buttery sweetness that intensifies the dessert's rich, complex flavors.

Creative Crumble Swaps and Spices

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Crumble Cake: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Crumble: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, and reduce overall sugar content to create a diabetic-friendly dessert.
  • Nutty Protein Boost: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra protein and crunchy texture, perfect for health-conscious bakers.
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Homemade Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake Recipe

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Spice-lovers rejoice with this homemade pumpkin spice crumble cake, a delightful autumn dessert that marries rich pumpkin flavors with a crisp, buttery topping. Warm spices and tender cake layers will transport you straight to cozy fall afternoons with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crumble Topping and Glaze Ingredients:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by lightly coating a 9×9-inch pan with non-stick spray or parchment paper, ensuring easy cake removal.
  2. Create the cake foundation by combining dry ingredients: flour, leavening agents, aromatic spices, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking to eliminate any potential lumps.
  3. In a separate spacious bowl, thoroughly blend pumpkin puree with sugars, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until achieving a harmonious, smooth consistency.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overworking the batter, which could result in a dense texture.
  5. Craft the crumble topping by mixing flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and warm spices in a bowl, then incorporating melted butter until delicate, irregular crumbs form.
  6. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a level surface.
  7. Liberally sprinkle the crumble mixture across the batter’s surface, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  8. Position the pan in a preheated 350°F oven, baking for approximately 35-40 minutes until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and the top appears golden brown.
  9. After removing from the oven, allow the cake to cool completely within the pan, which helps set the structure.
  10. Optional: Prepare a delicate glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla, drizzling artfully over the cooled cake for an enhanced flavor profile.
  11. Slice and serve at room temperature, optionally accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Crumb Texture Tip: Freeze butter for 10-15 minutes before making crumble topping to create perfectly crisp, sandy-like crumbs that don’t melt too quickly.
  • Pumpkin Moisture Hack: Use pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling to control sugar and ensure a moist, dense cake texture without excessive sweetness.
  • Dietary Modification: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, and use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for paleo adaptations.
  • Spice Intensity Control: Adjust spice blend based on preference – reduce ground cloves if wanting milder flavor, or add extra cinnamon for more warmth and depth.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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