Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crumb Cake Recipe

Quick & Fluffy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crumb Cake Recipe

Whipping up a delectable pumpkin cream cheese crumb cake brings pure autumn comfort right to your kitchen.

Seasonal spices dance through soft, moist layers that promise irresistible satisfaction.

Warmth radiates from each tender slice, beckoning you closer with its inviting aroma.

Delicate cream cheese swirls mingle beautifully with crumbly streusel topping, creating a magical dessert experience.

Rustic and elegant, this cake captures the essence of cozy fall afternoons.

Rich pumpkin notes blend seamlessly with subtle sweetness, making every bite memorable.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible seasonal treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Ingredient List

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure for the crumb cake.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Ginger: Warm spices that enhance pumpkin flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Gives moist texture and signature fall flavor.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, tangy layer.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Helps bind and provide structure to the cake.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create crumbly texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps with caramelization.

Steps for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×9 inch baking pan and grease it thoroughly or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Crumb Base

In a medium bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Softened butter
  • Ground cinnamon

Use your fingers or a fork to create a crumbly texture. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a solid base.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Cheese Layer

In a separate mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and granulated sugar until completely smooth. Crack in an egg and splash of vanilla extract. Mix until well blended. Gently spread this creamy mixture over the crumb base.

Step 4: Develop Pumpkin Layer

Whisk together in a clean bowl:
  • Canned pumpkin puree
  • Sugar
  • Egg
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground ginger
  • Vanilla extract

Ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated. Pour this spiced pumpkin mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Step 5: Add Crumbly Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture from Step 2 across the entire pumpkin surface, creating a delightful textured top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Crumb Cake Tips for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Perfection

  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Fully preheat your oven and use a light-colored metal pan to ensure even baking and a crisp crust.
  • Smooth Cream Cheese Technique: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes to achieve a silky, lump-free layer.
  • Check Doneness Precisely: Insert a toothpick at a slight angle near the center – a few moist crumbs are perfect, but no wet batter should appear.
  • Chill for Clean Slices: Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours after cooling to help it set and make cutting easier with clean, neat edges.
  • Spice Balance Trick: Freshly ground spices intensify the pumpkin flavor, so consider toasting and grinding whole spices for maximum depth.

Pumpkin Crumb Cake Save It Moist and Crumbly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Slice cake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add 5-second intervals if needed to prevent overheating.
  • Preheat oven to 300°F. Place cake slices on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain the cake's original texture and crumb.

Pumpkin Crumb Cake Serving Ideas

  • Pair with Warm Spiced Apple Cider: The sweet, tangy notes perfectly complement the pumpkin's earthiness and enhance the cake's warm spices.
  • Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla creates a delightful contrast to the warm, crumbly cake texture.
  • Match with Caramel Macchiato: Rich espresso and sweet caramel balance the pumpkin's subtle sweetness and add depth to each bite.
  • Enjoy with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Light, airy cinnamon cream amplifies the cake's spice profile and adds a luxurious finishing touch.

Pumpkin Crumb Cake Layered Twists

  • Gluten-Free Edition: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same crumbly texture and rich flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream cheese and use plant-based butter alternatives to create a lactose-free version that's equally creamy and delicious.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Crumb Cake: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, and select plant-based butter for a completely animal-product-free dessert.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's delectable taste and moist consistency.

FAQs

  • Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and saves time compared to roasting fresh pumpkin. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

  • How do I know if the crumb cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. The edges will be slightly pulling away from the pan sides.

  • Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious.

  • Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can reduce sugar by 25% without significantly affecting the texture. For best results, use a granulated sugar substitute or cut back gradually to maintain the cake’s structure.

Pumpkin Crumb Cake That’s Soft, Sweet, and Just Right

  • Effortless Layering: Create a stunning dessert with simple, straightforward steps that stack delicious flavors without complex techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Blend classic autumn spices with creamy textures that appeal to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
  • Seasonal Celebration: Highlight the warmth of pumpkin and cozy spices, transforming an ordinary cake into a festive treat that captures the essence of fall.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Whip up this impressive dessert with basic ingredients and quick mixing, requiring no advanced baking skills or extensive kitchen time.
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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crumb Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crumb Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Harvest warmth fills kitchens with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crumb Cake, a seasonal delight merging rich autumnal flavors. Spiced crumbles and creamy layers promise comfort in each delectable slice that welcomes cool mornings with pure deliciousness you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients (Flour, Sugar, Fat):

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) butter (softened)

Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9×9 inch pan with grease or parchment paper.
  2. Craft the crumbly base mixture by thoroughly blending flour, brown sugar, softened butter, and ground cinnamon until the texture resembles coarse sand.
  3. Distribute half of the crumb mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing gently to create a compact foundation.
  4. Create the cream cheese layer by whisking cream cheese and sugar until velvety smooth, then incorporate an egg and vanilla extract.
  5. Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the initial crumb layer, ensuring an even distribution.
  6. Prepare the pumpkin layer by combining pumpkin puree, sugar, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla in a smooth, well-integrated mixture.
  7. Gently pour the pumpkin mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture across the pumpkin layer, creating a textured and appetizing topping.
  9. Transfer the assembled cake to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted near the center emerges with just a few moist crumbs.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into servings.

Notes

  • Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing and easier spreading.
  • Use fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the layers to prevent a dense, tough cake texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend.
  • Chill the cake completely before cutting for cleaner, more precise slices.
  • Enhance flavor by toasting the crumb topping ingredients briefly before assembling.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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