Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake

Introduction

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake is a delightful twist on the classic New York-style crumb cake, where a plush pumpkin base replaces the usual vanilla cake. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a touch of ginger, this cake is perfect for cozy autumn afternoons, especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The thick layer of crumb topping makes it irresistibly rich and comforting.

Ingredients

Streusel

• 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted, slightly cooled
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup (packed; 133 g) light brown sugar
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Cake and Assembly

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (packed; 50 g) light brown sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger (or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter an 8×8-inch baking pan, then line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the streusel by combining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix in melted butter until crumbly. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon for the cake base.
4. In another bowl, mix eggs, pumpkin purée, sugars, oil, ginger, and vanilla extract until smooth. Combine this wet mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
6. Sprinkle the streusel over the batter in clumps.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a thin knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
8. Let the cake cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and cutting it into pieces.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake brings together the best of autumn flavors with a soft pumpkin base and a crunchy streusel topping. The warmth of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, combined with the richness of the crumb layer, makes it an ideal treat for fall gatherings or a comforting snack at any time of the day.