Name: Pecan Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Autumn Food
Ingredients: 8.82 oz (250 g) all-purpose flour; 5.29 oz (150 g) granulated sugar; 2 tsp (8 g) baking powder; 1 Tbsp (6 g) pumpkin pie spice (homemade); 1/2 tsp sea salt; 8.54 oz (242 g) pumpkin purée (@libbyspumpkin); 4.41 oz (125 g) milk; 3.88 oz (110 g) vegetable oil; 1 tsp (5 g) vanilla bean paste; 3.54 oz (100 g) light brown sugar; 1 oz (28 g) butter (melted); 1 oz (28 g) all-purpose flour; 2 tsp (4 g) ground cinnamon; 1 tsp (2 g) pumpkin pie spice (homemade); 4 oz (115 g) pecans (chopped and halved); 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) sea salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 66 reviews

If you’re craving that perfect cozy autumn treat, you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Pecan Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake Recipe. It’s a scrumptiously moist pumpkin spice cake topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan crumble that brings just the right amount of sweet and spice to your table. What’s even better? It’s completely egg-free, making it welcoming for all kinds of eaters without sacrificing any of those rich fall flavors. Trust me, this cake will quickly become your go-to for chilly evenings, friendly gatherings, or any time you want to infuse your kitchen with the warmth of pumpkin and spice.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a square black pan filled with a baked dessert that has a crumbly brown topping scattered with whole pecans. The texture of the topping looks rough and crunchy. The pan is placed on a stove with dark grates, and the background surface is white with a marble pattern. The dessert is level with the sides of the pan, and the pecans are spread evenly across the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this cake lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating a perfectly textured, flavorful cake with a delightful nutty topping. The pumpkin puree provides rich moisture and that comforting fall essence, while the carefully balanced spices bring just the right cozy warmth. The pecans in the crumble add a satisfying crunch that complements the soft cake beautifully.

All-purpose flour: The base of the cake giving it structure and a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter without overpowering the pumpkin’s natural flavor.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
Pumpkin pie spice: Infuses that iconic autumn warmth with cinnamon, nutmeg, and more.
Sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors, balancing sweetness and spice.
Pumpkin purée: Adds moisture and that unmistakable pumpkin character.
Milk: Keeps the cake tender and moist without heaviness.
Vegetable oil: Ensures the cake stays soft and fresh for days.
Vanilla bean paste: A lovely aromatic note that deepens the flavor complexity.
Light brown sugar: Adds richness and moisture to the crumb topping for that caramelized finish.
Butter (melted): Makes the crumble irresistibly buttery and crisp.
Ground cinnamon: Works alongside the pumpkin pie spice to brighten the topping.
Chopped and halved pecans: Brings a delightful crunch and nutty essence you don’t want to miss.

How to Make Pecan Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by lining a 9 x 9 inch square cake pan the way you normally would—whether that’s with parchment paper or a light grease. This prevents sticking and helps your cake come out cleanly. Preheat your oven to 350℉ (180℃) so it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready to pop in.

Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Spice Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and sea salt until evenly combined. Create a well in the dry ingredients, then pour in the pumpkin purée, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla bean paste. Stir just until smooth and combined—don’t overmix or your cake might get dense.

Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Spice Crumble

In a separate bowl, toss together the light brown sugar, melted butter, flour, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, pecans, and sea salt. This crumble topping will form a crispy, flavorful layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake underneath.

Step 4: Assemble and Add Texture

Pour the pumpkin spice batter evenly into your prepared pan. Then, sprinkle the pecan crumble topping all over, making sure to distribute the nuts evenly. Using the back of a rounded spoon, gently poke about once every two and a half centimeters into the batter underneath—this technique gives the baked cake a lovely textured appearance and keeps the crumble charmingly rustic.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your cake into the oven and bake for about 35 minutes. Ovens can vary, so start checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. When ready, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. This little rest period helps firm it up so your slices hold together perfectly!

How to Serve Pecan Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake Recipe

A close-up view of a square piece of pumpkin cake with a thick bright orange bottom layer and a crumbly brown topping sprinkled with pecan pieces. The cake sits on a white plate with several more pieces visible in the background. Two decorative beige paper flowers are placed beside the cake, and the plate is on a dark blue cloth with a gold sun and star pattern. The setting has a white marbled surface in the background, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a simple yet elegant touch, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar just before serving. Or, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for creamy contrast. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans makes an irresistible presentation for guests.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the spices. If you’re serving it at brunch, consider fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait on the side to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into mini squares and stacking them on a rustic wooden board with small spoons for a charming dessert platter. You could also serve it in elegant glass trifle dishes layered with whipped cream and pecan pieces for a sophisticated twist that still captures the essence of the Pecan Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake stays moist and delicious at room temperature for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. Keep it covered to maintain that fresh-baked softness and crunchy topping texture.

Freezing

Want to enjoy this cake later? Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300℉ (150℃) oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back the cake’s fresh-from-the-oven charm, perfect for cozy fall mornings or afternoon treats.

FAQs

Is this Pecan Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake Recipe suitable for people with egg allergies?

Absolutely! This cake is intentionally egg-free, making it a fantastic option for those with egg allergies or anyone looking to avoid eggs without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?

Yes, feel free to swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer or have a nut allergy—just keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary slightly, but still delicious.

How do I make homemade pumpkin pie spice?

Homemade pumpkin pie spice is a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. You can customize it to your liking or buy a pre-blended mix for convenience.

What is the best way to ensure the crumble topping stays crunchy?

Make sure the butter is fully melted and mixed well with the dry ingredients before spreading over the batter. Also, avoid covering the cake tightly once cooled to prevent sogginess.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can enjoy a gluten-free version. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Pecan Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake Recipe enough for anyone who loves those cozy fall vibes in dessert form. It’s easy to prepare, unbelievably tasty, and perfect for sharing with friends and family—or keeping all to yourself because, honestly, sometimes you deserve that kind of indulgence. Give it a try, and watch your kitchen fill with that irresistible pumpkin spice aroma that signals good things are coming your way!