Ingredients
Pumpkin Spice Cake
- 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
Pumpkin Spice Crumble
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9 x 9 inch (22 x 22 cm) square mold with parchment paper and place it on a medium perforated baking sheet. Set aside to ensure easy cake removal and even baking.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Make Pumpkin Spice Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and sea salt. Create a well in the dry ingredients, then add pumpkin purée, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla bean paste. Mix until just combined to form a smooth batter. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Prepare Pumpkin Spice Crumble: In a separate bowl, combine light brown sugar, melted butter, flour, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, chopped pecans, and sea salt. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, forming the crumble topping.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour and spread the pumpkin spice batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the pumpkin spice crumble evenly over the top. Using the back of a rounded spoon, gently poke the batter about every inch (2.5 cm) to create texture. Then, use a spatula to create uneven surfaces in the batter, which will help the crumble topping bake with a charming, rustic look.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes. Start checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Oven times may vary, so keep an eye to prevent overbaking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve the cake fresh for best flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days. This cake is best enjoyed on the day it is made to savor the freshest texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use canned pumpkin purée (such as Libby's) for consistent texture and flavor.
- The cake is egg-free, making it suitable for those avoiding eggs.
- If desired, use homemade pumpkin pie spice to enhance natural spice freshness.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
- Check baking progress early as ovens vary; a toothpick test is essential.
- This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of warm tea or coffee for an autumn afternoon treat.
- Store at room temperature and avoid refrigeration to maintain moistness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Autumn Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Autumn Food