Gooey Pumpkin Crumble Cake

Fall in love with autumn all over again with this Gooey Pumpkin Crumble Cake! 🎃🍁
A delicious hybrid between pumpkin pie and coffee cake, this dessert features a buttery cake base, a rich spiced pumpkin filling, and a crunchy crumble topping. Each bite is perfectly gooey, warmly spiced, and irresistibly comforting ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings, cozy weekends, or anytime you crave a taste of fall.

Ingredients:

For the Cake Base:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Pumpkin Filling:

• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 eggs
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Crumble Topping:

• Reserved 1 cup of dry cake mix (from the base)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cake Base: Reserve 1 cup of dry cake mix for the topping. In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Mix until a thick dough forms, then press it evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Pour over the cake base and spread evenly.
4. Make the Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, mix the reserved cake mix, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in chopped nuts, if using. Sprinkle evenly over the pumpkin layer.
5. Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the topping is golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve: Let cool completely before cutting into squares. Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Variation

• Maple Twist: Drizzle with maple syrup or a maple glaze for added sweetness and autumn aroma.
• Chocolate Pumpkin Delight: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the crumble for a rich flavor contrast.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix for an equally delicious and tender dessert.

Cooking Notes

• The cake may appear slightly soft when first removed from the oven this is normal. It sets as it cools.
• For cleaner slices, refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes before cutting.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; enjoy chilled or lightly warmed.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Comfort: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Holiday Treat: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce for festive flair.
• Brunch Favorite: Pair with a pumpkin spice latte or chai tea for the perfect autumn morning bite.

Tips

• Drain Pumpkin Properly: If your purée is very watery, blot it slightly with a paper towel to prevent sogginess.
• Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle coarse sugar or oats over the crumble before baking.
• Make Ahead: Bake the cake a day before serving flavors deepen beautifully overnight.

Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Protein: 5 g
• Sodium: 310 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix? Yes! It adds even more warm spice flavor perfect for pumpkin season.
2. Can I freeze pumpkin crumble cake? Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
3. Can I make this without nuts? Of course just omit them or replace with pumpkin seeds for crunch.
4. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Keep covered in the refrigerator; it tastes even better the next day!

Conclusion

This Gooey Pumpkin Crumble Cake is the ultimate fall dessert rich, spiced, and perfectly balanced between creamy and crunchy. Whether you serve it at Thanksgiving, a harvest party, or a cozy night in, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy every pumpkin lover at the table. 🍂✨

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