Pumpkin Crumb Cake

Pumpkin Crumb Cake

This pumpkin-packed crumb cake is everything that is wonderful about fall baking. Warmly spiced, moist pumpkin cake topped with spicy, crispy streusel and topped with an optional but delicious glaze. It is just the thing for an afternoon snack, and just as good for breakfast the next day. You can use any pumpkin spice blend you like, but the homemade recipe included below includes a bit of cardamom, which isn’t usually included in pumpkin spice blends, but brings a hint of citrusy floral flavor. The pumpkin-spice glaze is optional, but if you have the time, don’t skip it. It adds a nice extra hint of sweetness and spice.

Ingredients

  • cup/100 grams light brown sugar

    packed

    ½
  • /64 grams all-purpose flour
    ½ c
  • store-bought or homemade pumpkin spice blend

    see tip

    1 tsp
  • salt
  • /56 grams unsalted butter

    cold and cut into cubes

    ¼ c
  • nonstick cooking spray
  • cup/200 grams light brown sugar

    packed

    1
  • eggs
    2 large
  • /230 grams canned pumpkin purée
    1 c
  • /56 grams unsalted butter

    melted

    ¼ c
  • neutral oil
    ¼ c
  • store-bought or homemade pumpkin spice blend

    see tip

    1 tbsp
  • fine sea salt
    ½ tsp
  • baking powder
    1 tsp
  • baking soda
    ½ tsp
  • /190 grams all-purpose flour
    1 ½ c
  • /75 grams confectioners’ sugar
    ¾ c
  • pumpkin spice blend
    ¾ tsp
  • salt
  • milk

    any kind will do

    3 tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Place a rack in the center of the oven and heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8-inch square or 9-inch round baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Make the streusel: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, flour, pumpkin spice and salt. Add the butter, then pinch the butter into the flour mixture with your fingertips until the mixture forms pebble-size crumbs and is evenly moistened.

  3. 3

    Make the cake: In a large bowl, whisk the sugar and eggs until pale and foamy, about 1 minute. Add the pumpkin purée, melted butter, oil, pumpkin spice and salt; whisk until combined and smooth. Whisk in the baking powder and baking soda, then whisk in the flour.

  4. 4

    Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smooth the top and tap on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top.

  5. 5

    Bake the cake until puffed and golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Set the cake in the pan on a rack to cool. After about 15 minutes remove the cake from the pan and set it on the rack to cool almost completely.

  6. 6

    When the cake is just slightly warm, make the glaze, if using: Add the confectioners’ sugar, pumpkin spice, pinch of salt and 3 teaspoons of milk to a bowl. Whisk until smooth, adding a bit more milk as necessary to form a glaze that is very thick but can be drizzled.

  7. 7

    Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake.

Pumpkin Crumb Cake

Pumpkin Crumb Cake

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About this Recipe

Craving that comforting taste of fall baking that fills your home with warmth? This Pumpkin Crumb Cake is truly everything wonderful about the season, delivering deeply spiced pumpkin flavor in a moist, tender cake topped with an irresistible crispy streusel. It's perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a delightful breakfast.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines by balancing a rich, moist pumpkin cake with a perfectly textured streusel that stays spicy and crispy. The secret to its unique flavor profile lies in the optional homemade pumpkin spice blend, which thoughtfully includes a hint of cardamom. This subtle addition brings a bright, citrusy floral note that elevates the classic fall spices beyond what you'll find in standard blends, creating a truly memorable experience.

What to Expect

Prepare for a treat that will awaken your senses. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures: the pillowy, moist crumb of the pumpkin cake contrasting beautifully with the crunchy, warmly spiced streusel topping. The cake itself is infused with pumpkin purée and a generous amount of spice, creating a deep, autumnal flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. If you opt for the glaze, you'll experience an extra layer of sweetness and spice that ties everything together beautifully.

This crumb cake is naturally rich and satisfying, designed to bring a sense of warmth and indulgence to any moment. The addition of the optional glaze offers an extra touch of sweetness and a final flourish of spice, making each slice feel truly special.

Customization & Variations

While this recipe is wonderful as written, you have a couple of easy adjustments. You can choose to use a store-bought pumpkin spice blend if you're short on time, or embrace the unique depth of the homemade version with its distinct cardamom note. The optional pumpkin-spice glaze is easy to whip up and adds an extra layer of sweetness and spice, but the cake is fantastic even without it. For the glaze, feel free to use any kind of milk you have on hand.

Serving & Context

This Pumpkin Crumb Cake is incredibly versatile. It makes an ideal brunch centerpiece, a comforting afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea, or a delightful dessert. Its festive flavors make it particularly suited for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or as a sweet treat for Thanksgiving celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions