Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crumb Cake for Exquisite Fall Desserts

pumpkin cream cheese crumb cake

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the *best* pumpkin cream cheese crumb cake! It’s a glorious blend of rich, moist pumpkin and creamy, dreamy cream cheese, all topped with a crunchy crumb that just makes it sing. Seriously, when autumn rolls around, this cake is my go-to treat. The warm spices mingle beautifully with that tender pumpkin, and every bite is like a cozy hug on a chilly day. I can still picture the first time I baked this beauty in my own kitchen, the aroma weaving through the house and drawing my family in like a delicious spell. It’s not just a cake; it’s an experience! Perfect for fall gatherings or a sweet little pick-me-up with your afternoon coffee, this dessert is as inviting as a crackling fire. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a seasonal tradition, just like I did!

pumpkin cream cheese crumb cake - detail 1

Ingredients List

To make this wonderfully moist pumpkin cream cheese crumb cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup packed pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, but I recommend walnuts or pecans for extra crunch)

Gathering these ingredients ahead of time will help you breeze through the preparation process. Trust me; you’ll want everything at your fingertips to create this delightful cake seamlessly!

How to Prepare Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

Let’s dive into the deliciousness of preparing this pumpkin cream cheese crumb cake! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it up with some butter or non-stick spray, then dust it with a little flour. This will help our cake release easily after baking, so don’t skip this part!

Now, let’s get mixing! In one bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This is where the flavors start to come alive! In another bowl, beat together the pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You want everything well combined, but be careful not to overmix! Just blend until combined, and you’ll be in great shape.

Prepping the Batter

Now that your wet and dry ingredients are ready, it’s time to bring them together. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. You want to mix just until no flour streaks remain; if you go too far, your cake might end up tough, and nobody wants that! The batter should be thick, creamy, and oh-so-inviting. Once that’s done, set it aside while we whip up the crumb topping.

Making the Crumb Topping

For the crumb topping, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, and a bit of flour in a separate bowl. Use your fingers to mix in some melted butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. This will give you that crunchy, sweet texture that contrasts beautifully with the moist cake below. You want clumps that hold together but aren’t too wet. Think of it like making a sandcastle!

Assembling and Baking the Cake

Now comes the fun part: layering! Spread half of the pumpkin batter in your prepared baking pan. Then sprinkle half of the crumb topping over that luscious layer. Pour the rest of the batter on top, and finish it off with the remaining crumb mixture. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This cooling time helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to cut those perfect squares. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be totally worth the wait!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese creates a uniquely rich and creamy taste that perfectly captures the essence of fall.
  • Moist Texture: Thanks to the pumpkin puree and cream cheese, every bite is delightfully moist and tender, making it hard to resist going back for seconds.
  • Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this cake is perfect for bakers of all levels, ensuring a stress-free baking experience.
  • Versatile Serving: Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with whipped cream, it suits any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations.

Tips for Success

To ensure your pumpkin cream cheese crumb cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips. First, use high-quality ingredients; fresh pumpkin puree and real cream cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor. If you can find it, opt for organic eggs and butter for a richer taste.

Make sure to measure your flour properly; spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid a dense cake. When mixing, stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour; overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Don’t forget to check your oven temperature with a thermometer—ovens can vary, and the right heat is crucial for baking.

Lastly, allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its structure and keeps it from crumbling. Trust me, these little details can make all the difference in your baking adventure!

Variations on Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crumb Cake

There are so many fun ways to give your pumpkin cream cheese crumb cake a twist! For chocolate lovers, try folding in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter for a deliciously rich surprise in every bite. You can also experiment with spices—add a pinch of allspice or clove to deepen those warm flavors. Feeling adventurous? Substitute half of the pumpkin puree with mashed bananas for a unique flavor combo that’s equally moist! And if you want a nutty crunch, throw in some toasted pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!

Nutritional Information

Before you dig in, it’s good to know that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. This isn’t an exact science, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect from one slice of this delicious pumpkin cream cheese crumb cake:

  • Calories: Approximately 280
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 150mg

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can change based on your ingredient choices. Enjoy each bite with the knowledge that you’re indulging in something truly special!

FAQ Section

Here are some common questions I get about my pumpkin cream cheese crumb cake, along with helpful answers to make your baking experience even smoother!

Can I store leftover cake? Absolutely! This cake keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

What can I substitute for cream cheese? If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese. It won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still keep that moisture and add a nice tang.

Can I add other spices? Yes! Feel free to experiment with spices like cardamom or cloves for a different flavor profile. And if you want to kick up the flavor even more, consider adding a splash of maple syrup to the batter!

What do you recommend serving it with? This cake is divine with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a lovely touch as well!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your pumpkin cream cheese crumb cake experience, consider pairing it with a warm cup of spiced chai or a rich, bold coffee. The vibrant spices in the chai complement the cake’s flavors beautifully, while the coffee adds a cozy touch. For a delightful finish, serve it alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the creaminess to contrast with the cake’s texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top for added sweetness. These pairings will take your dessert to a whole new level, creating a comforting and indulgent treat!

pumpkin cream cheese crumb cake - detail 2

For more information on the health benefits of pumpkin, check out this Healthline article.

For tips on baking with cream cheese, visit this Better Homes & Gardens guide.

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pumpkin cream cheese crumb cake

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crumb Cake for Exquisite Fall Desserts


  • Author: Julia marin
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Pumpkin cream cheese crumb cake is a rich and moist dessert that combines the flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese with a crunchy crumb topping.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat together the pumpkin puree, cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine oats, chopped nuts, and a bit of flour for the crumb topping.
  6. Spread half of the pumpkin batter into the prepared baking pan.
  7. Sprinkle half of the crumb mixture over the batter.
  8. Pour the remaining pumpkin batter over the crumb layer and top with the rest of the crumb mixture.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For a variation, add chocolate chips to the batter.
  • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
  • This cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: pumpkin cream cheese crumb cake, pumpkin dessert, fall recipe

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.

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