There’s something magical about the flavors of fall—and this Autumn Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake captures it perfectly. With a moist pumpkin base and a buttery cinnamon streusel topping, this cake is rich with cozy spices and fall warmth in every bite.
It’s the kind of dessert you’ll want to serve for brunch, coffee time, or holiday gatherings. Not too sweet and incredibly moist, this cake also makes a great make-ahead option that tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Optional Glaze (for topping):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Crumble Topping
- In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add cold butter and use a fork or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all spices.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin purée, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 5: Combine
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the batter.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack.
Step 7: Add Optional Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake if desired.
Variation:
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for extra crunch.
- Mix in chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Bake in a bundt pan for a more elegant presentation.
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- Use whole wheat flour for a hearty, rustic version.
COOKING Note:
For the best crumble texture, keep the butter cold and don’t overmix it. The topping should stay crumbly and not turn into a paste.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with coffee or tea
- Top with whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar
- Enjoy with a scoop of ice cream as dessert
- Slice and wrap for an on-the-go breakfast
- Include in a holiday brunch spread
Tips:
- Be sure to use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Let the cake cool before glazing or slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5.
- Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic for quick fall treats later.
- To make gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
- Cool & Glaze Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling)
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per slice, 9 slices):
- Calories: ~310
- Protein: ~3g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fat: ~15g
- Sugar: ~22g
- Sodium: ~220mg
- Fiber: ~1g
Based on average ingredients and portion sizes.
❓FAQs
Can I double this recipe?
- Yes! Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Increase baking time to 45–50 minutes.
Can I make this ahead?
- Definitely. The flavors actually improve the next day. Store covered at room temperature or chilled.
Can I freeze it?
- Yes. Slice and freeze in airtight containers or wrap tightly in plastic for up to 2 months.
What type of pumpkin should I use?
- Use canned pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie mix.
Why is my crumble topping melting?
- If your butter was too soft or overmixed, it may not hold up. Keep it cold and gently mix for best results.
Conclusion:
This Autumn Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake is everything we love about fall baking—cozy spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and a buttery cinnamon topping that melts in your mouth. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or coffee time, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat that brings autumn to life in every bite.
Simple to prepare and easy to customize, this crumble cake will become a seasonal favorite you’ll come back to every year.