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“OutSTANDING! I thought nothing could top the cardamom crumb cake – but this is neck and neck. I so love the subtle pumpkin spice-ness of it.” ~Emily
pumpkin crumb cake in the classic New York style!
Wow. I sensed from the aroma coming out of my oven that I was in for a treat with this pumpkin crumb cake, and when I opened the door and got a peak at it, that sealed the deal. It rises up nice and tall, with cracks along the crumb topping that reveal a glimpse of the bright golden cake underneath. But nothing prepared me for that first bite! Helloooooo fall!
This delicious crumb cake is patterned after my classic New York style Cardamom Crumb Cake, so I knew it was going to be good, but the addition of my favorite fall squash took it over the top. This cake pushes all my buttons. If you love pumpkin like I do I think you’ll be pleased. It’s the perfect little baking project to ease you into fall. And you can eat it for breakfast. Win win.
what you need for pumpkin crumb cake
A from the pantry deal if you’ve got your spice cabinet stocked for fall and holiday baking.
- flour
- sugar
- canned pumpkin puree
- I like Libby’s because it’s consistently good, but use any brand you like. If you want to use homemade pumpkin puree, be sure to drain it or cook it down so it has the same thick consistency as canned.
- eggs
- sour cream
- butter
- spices
- these are important, so pay attention: ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg (freshly grated if at all possible.)
- salt and baking powder
what is New York Style Crumb Cake?
It is a type of coffee cake associated with the New York City metropolitan area, known for its generous layer of sweet, buttery crumbs on top of a plain moist cake. This New York-style pumpkin crumb cake has its roots in German streuselkuchen. German immigrants settled in the New York City area in the 19th century and brought with them a love of streusel, a crumbly topping made from butter, sugar, and flour.
As a native New Yorker I grew up with a bakery box of crumb cake on the kitchen counter every weekend, and there was always a butter knife in the box, ready for sneaking slivers.
moist pumpkin crumb cake keeps beautifully for days!
Pumpkin puree, like mashed banana or applesauce, gives cakes and breads great texture, but also great moisture which helps keep this cake fresh. That flavor and color screams ‘hello fall!” It’s just sweet enough to qualify as cake, without being too sweet. And the spicing is kept in check too, which is why it works so well as a morning treat.
The hardest part about it is waiting the hour for it to cook, but luckily there’s no need to let it cool completely before digging in. I highly recommend this one, it is easy and really wonderful. I wrapped squares of it in plastic and my daughter grabbed one every morning on her way out the door.
change it up! variations on pumpkin crumb cake
- If you’re a lemon lover, try my Lemon Sugar Crumb Cake. It’s for serious lemon lovers.
- I think finely chopped walnuts would be fabulous added to the crumb mixture.
- Use a readymade pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices.
- If you want to use homemade pumpkin puree, be sure to drain it well so it has the same thick consistency as canned pumpkin.
- Bake the cake in a slightly larger pan for a thinner crumb cake. Shorten the baking time accordingly.
- Want muffins? Try my Pumpkin Streusel Muffins.
Pumpkin Crumb Cake
Equipment
- 9×9 baking pan
Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon, plus another 1/4 for topping
- 1/4 tsp fresh grated nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree, not pie filling!
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350F.
- Spray a 9×9 square baking dish with cooking spray. I like to line it with sheets of parchment with long ends, so I can lift it out after baking for easy cutting. This is totally optional.
- Put the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade. Pulse to combine everything well.
- Cut the cold butter into pieces and add them to the processor. Process by pulsing repeatedly until the butter has been incorporated and the mixture has a crumbly texture. About 20-30 pulses, more or less.
- Remove a cup of the dry mixture and put in a small bowl. Toss with 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and set aside for the topping.
- Whisk the eggs, pumpkin, and sour cream together in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add in the flour mixture and stir just until everything is mixed, but don’t over beat it.
- Spread the batter in the prepared pan, evening it out with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved crumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake for approximately 55-60 minutes, or until risen in the center and a toothpick comes out clean.
Nutrition
more favorite fall pumpkin recipes
YUM. I love snack crumby cake like this.. and your pumpkin cake looks so moist and delicious. I wish I had a slice with my tea now.
Can you come down to San Diego with this cake? I’ll pay for gas, ingredients, and then drinks out 🙂 It looks amazing!! Want.it.
Haha, watch out what you wish for, I might take you up on it!!
This feels like fall has arrived! What a moist beautiful cake Sue.
What a good looking cake. Where has the summer gone?
Hi, what do you mean by pumpkin purée? Just blend raw pumpkin?
I mean the canned kind, Asterina, I find that it’s better than trying to puree fresh pumpkin.
Oh that crumb topping is divine, you’ve almost convinced me to open that first can of pumpkin ;).
Do you think I could substitute plain greek yogurt for the sour cream?
Yes, sure!
Yayy pumpkin stuff! It’s almost that time of year!
I love it so much I start early…
Love crumb cake, love pumpkin and love Fall. Needless to say, cannot wait to make this cake which sounds wonderful!
This would never last for a week at my house! It looks fantastic Sue and I can only imagine that aroma. I think I can close my eyes and smell it….. mmmm
Oooooohhhh – this looks so moist and wonderful. Easy too – win, win. This is going on my list of must make recipes! Pinning and sharing cause it looks amazing! You sure have a lucky daughter 🙂