Introduction
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite as comforting as the warm embrace of pumpkin spice. This Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake is the perfect representation of autumn in dessert form, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
With its rich, spiced pumpkin base and a crunchy crumble topping, this cake is a crowd-pleaser for gatherings or a cozy evening at home. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an easy addition to your fall baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
Pumpkin puree provides moisture and a rich, earthy flavor to the cake, while also adding nutrition with fiber and vitamins. - 1 cup all-purpose flour
All-purpose flour serves as the main structure for the cake, contributing to its tender crumb when combined with the other ingredients. - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the cake and helps to create a lovely golden color as it bakes, enhancing the overall flavor. - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the cake rise, creating a light and fluffy texture. - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Baking soda acts as a secondary leavening agent that reacts with acidic ingredients in the batter, ensuring a good rise. - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg; it infuses the cake with that signature autumn flavor. - 1/4 teaspoon salt
Salt enhances the sweetness and overall flavor profile of the cake, balancing the spices and sugars. - 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Vegetable oil adds moisture and richness, helping keep the cake tender without making it too dense. - 1 large egg
Eggs bind the ingredients together, providing structure and stability while also contributing to the cake’s flavor and moisture. - 1/2 cup rolled oats
Rolled oats in the crumble topping create a hearty texture and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake underneath. - 1/4 cup brown sugar
Brown sugar adds a hint of caramel sweetness and depth to the crumble, enhancing the overall richness of the cake. - 1/4 cup cold butter (cubed)
Cold butter helps create a crumbly texture in the topping, allowing it to bake up crispy and golden.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating is a crucial step in baking. It ensures that the cake starts cooking immediately upon entering the oven, helping it rise properly and cook evenly. Make sure to allow at least 10-15 minutes for the oven to reach the correct temperature before placing your batter inside.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, and egg. Mix until well combined.
Mixing the wet ingredients first allows for even distribution of flavors and ensures that the sugar dissolves in the pumpkin puree, which is key for a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay, as they will incorporate into the batter during baking.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
Whisking the dry ingredients separately helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices. This prevents clumps and guarantees that every bite of cake has the same delicious flavor and consistent texture, ensuring that the cake will rise properly.
Step 4: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined.
Folding incorporates the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture without overworking the gluten, ensuring a tender cake. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so mix until you no longer see dry flour, but don’t worry if there are a few lumps.
Step 5: In a separate small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, and cubed cold butter to prepare the crumble topping.
Mixing the crumble topping separately ensures that the butter is evenly coated with sugar and oats, creating a cohesive texture. You should achieve a crumbly consistency, where the butter pieces are about pea-sized, ensuring a crunchy topping once baked.
Step 6: Grease an 8-inch baking dish and pour in the cake batter, smoothing the top.
Greasing the dish is essential to prevent the cake from sticking. Smoothing the top of the batter helps ensure even cooking. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so that it rises uniformly across the pan.
Step 7: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.
Sprinkling the topping evenly is important for achieving a good balance of flavors and textures. The crumble should form a layer that will bake into a golden crust, contrasting against the soft pumpkin cake below.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Baking times can slightly vary depending on oven types, so start checking your cake at 25 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, indicating that the cake is perfectly baked without being dry.
Step 9: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Allowing the cake to cool slightly provides time for the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice. If you let it cool too long, the crumble may become too soft; serve soon for the best texture.
The Magic of Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is not only a classic fall flavor, but it also plays a pivotal role in the dish's texture and moisture. Unlike traditional cakes that can often lean toward dryness, the pumpkin ensures a moist crumb that holds together beautifully. This ingredient also carries antioxidants and fiber, making your dessert a slightly healthier indulgence.
Spice It Up for Autumn
The blend of spices used in this cake elevates its flavor profile, transforming it into an autumn classic. Pumpkin pie spice—composed primarily of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—adds warmth and depth, creating an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. Don't hesitate to adjust the spice levels to reflect your personal taste and amplify that cozy fall vibe.
Crunchy Crumble Topper
The crumble topping is the crowning glory of this Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake. With its buttery oats and brown sugar, it contrasts nicely with the soft pumpkin base, adding a lovely textural element. This topping not only enhances the visual appeal but also makes each bite exciting with delightful crunch.
FAQs
What if my batter is too thick?
If your batter appears too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water to achieve a smoother consistency, incorporating it gradually.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, but you'll need to cook and puree the pumpkin before measuring. The texture and moisture levels could vary, affecting baking time.
What if my crumble topping isn’t crunchy enough?
Ensure that the butter is cold and well-combined with the dry ingredients. You can also bake it a bit longer while keeping an eye on it to avoid burning.
How can I enhance the spice flavor in the cake?
If you desire a stronger spice flavor, consider adding an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or incorporating additional spices like ginger or allspice.
What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle after baking?
A sinking center may indicate that your cake was underbaked or that it was overmixed, impacting its structure. Make sure to follow baking times closely and avoid overmixing.
Can I scale this recipe for a larger gathering?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish, but be sure to adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness at intervals.
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake is an exceptional treat that captures the essence of fall. Whether enjoyed as a cozy dessert or served at a festive gathering, it checks all the boxes for taste and ease.
With just a little preparation and 30 minutes of baking time, you can create a deliciously spiced cake that will be a hit with family and friends. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the flavors of autumn!
Recipe Card
Savory Fall Dinners to Warm Your Heart
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash cubed
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 2 cups spinach chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- ½ cup shredded cheese optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, cooking until browned.
- Stir in the butternut squash, spinach, and dried sage, cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Add the quinoa and chicken broth; bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until quinoa and squash are tender.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper according to preference.
- Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for 15 minutes.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
