There’s something magical about the aroma of Pumpkin Crumb Cake wafting through the air. Picture this: golden, tender cake topped with a crunchy crumb that makes your taste buds dance like it’s a Friday night. The sweet scent of cinnamon and nutmeg fills your kitchen, inviting friends and family to gather around for a slice (or two). maple pecan granola This is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that tells stories, evokes memories, and warms the soul.
Every fall, I find myself reminiscing about my grandmother’s kitchen, where we’d bake this delightful treat together. We’d laugh as she explained her secret ingredient—love! And maybe a bit of extra sugar. mini pumpkin cheesecakes Whether it’s for Thanksgiving or simply to enjoy with a cozy cup of coffee, this Pumpkin Crumb Cake is sure to bring joy and nostalgia to your home. pumpkin cream cheese muffins.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes this cake perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros
- Its flavor profile blends warm spices with pumpkin’s natural sweetness, creating a true autumn delight
- Visually appealing with its golden hue and crumbly topping, it will steal the show at any gathering
- Plus, you can enjoy it as breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack!
Last Thanksgiving, my family devoured this cake so quickly that I barely managed to snag a slice for myself!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Canned Pumpkin Puree: This is key for moisture and flavor; use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling.
- All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for better flavor and texture; it’s the backbone of your cake.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is essential; adjust based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Baking Powder: Ensure freshness by checking the expiration date; it helps your cake rise beautifully.
- Cinnamon: A must-have spice for that warm fall flavor; you can also add nutmeg or ginger if desired.
- Eggs: They bind everything together; use large eggs for best results.
- Unsalted Butter: For richness and flavor; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture to the crumb topping; light or dark works well.
- Oats: Use rolled oats in your crumb mixture for added texture and heartiness.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors; don’t skip this crucial ingredient!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth; choose pure vanilla for maximum flavor impact.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
Create Your Batter: In a large bowl, mix canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. This should be creamy and inviting.
Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and oats until well combined. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just blended—don’t overmix!
Prepare Your Crumb Topping: In yet another bowl (yes, we’re dirtying dishes), combine flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use your fingers to blend until crumbly but uniform—this is where the magic happens.
Bake Away: Pour the batter into your greased pan and sprinkle the crumb topping evenly across the surface. Bake in your preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Top with whipped cream or serve plain—your call!
This Pumpkin Crumb Cake will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds). Enjoy every bite while imagining yourself curled up in a cozy blanket on a crisp autumn day! For more inspiration, check out this easy yogurt cake recipe.
You Must Know
- Pumpkin Crumb Cake is a delightful blend of spices and moisture that creates an irresistible dessert
- This cake is perfect for fall gatherings, bringing warmth and nostalgia to every bite
- The crumb topping adds a crunchy texture, balancing the soft, tender cake beautifully
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and mixing dry ingredients first; this ensures even distribution of flavors. Prepare your pumpkin mixture separately, then combine everything for a smooth batter that bakes uniformly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular flour for whole wheat or add chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Consider spices like nutmeg or cloves to elevate the flavor profile further, making this cake uniquely yours. pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Pumpkin Crumb Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop individual pieces in the microwave for about 10 seconds to enjoy them warm and gooey.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your pumpkin puree is fresh for optimal moisture; canned varieties can be watery
- Always check your baking powder’s freshness, as it affects rise and texture
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting to maintain its structure and avoid crumbling
Baking this Pumpkin Crumb Cake always reminds me of cozy family gatherings where laughter filled the air and everyone eagerly awaited dessert. Each slice brings back sweet memories!
FAQ
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin adds a rich flavor but requires more preparation time.
How do I make the crumb topping crunchy?
Use cold butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs for that perfect crunch.
What’s the best way to serve Pumpkin Crumb Cake?
Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat!
Pumpkin Crumb Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Pumpkin Crumb Cake is a delightful autumn treat that combines the richness of pumpkin with warm spices, topped with a crunchy crumb for the perfect texture. This cake not only fills your home with a cozy aroma but also creates cherished memories around the table. Ideal for fall gatherings or a comforting afternoon snack, this recipe is straightforward and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and oats. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Prepare the crumb topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and cold butter until crumbly.
- Pour the batter into the greased pan and sprinkle with crumb topping. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
