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Gooey Pumpkin Crumble Cake

Why You’ll Like This Recipe

Fall brings with it the warm, nostalgic flavors of pumpkin and spices, and this Gooey Pumpkin Crumble Cake captures those flavors beautifully. With layers of buttery cake, creamy pumpkin filling, and a crunchy crumble topping, it’s a dessert that feels like a cozy hug with every bite. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat yet impressive enough to serve at family gatherings. Best of all, the ingredients are common pantry staples, making it a breeze to whip up on chilly autumn days.

Recipe: Gooey Pumpkin Crumble Cake

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
2 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Crumble Topping:

1 cup yellow cake mix (reserved from the base)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the yellow cake mix (be sure to reserve 1 cup for the crumble topping), the egg, and the melted butter. Mix until everything is well incorporated. Once mixed, gently press this batter into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Carefully pour this delightful pumpkin mixture over the cake base, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 3: Create the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, mix the reserved 1 cup of yellow cake mix with brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Then, add the cold, cubed butter into this mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this crumble topping generously over the pumpkin filling.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Bake your cake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and the filling to be set but still slightly gooey in the center. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. Allow your cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

This cake is best enjoyed warm, paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The combination of warm spices and creamy pumpkin filling is simply irresistible!

Storage

Any leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months; just let them thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Helpful Notes

Make Ahead: This cake makes for an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it the night before and simply reheat it in a low-temperature oven before serving.
Substitutions: For a different twist, consider using a spice cake mix in place of the yellow cake mix, which will enhance the fall flavor even further!
Texture: Aim for a slightly gooey center in your cake; be careful not to overbake to achieve the perfect texture!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?

Yes! Homemade pumpkin purée can be used, but make sure to drain any excess liquid to achieve a consistency similar to the canned version.

Q2: What if I don’t have ground cloves?

If ground cloves are unavailable, feel free to omit them or substitute with additional cinnamon. Your cake will still be delicious!

Q3: Can I add nuts to the crumble topping?

Of course! Chopped pecans or walnuts can add an enjoyable crunch and extra flavor to the crumble topping.

Q4: How can I tell if the cake is done?

The cake is ready when the edges are set, the top is golden, and the center remains slightly gooey—insert a toothpick, and it should come out with a few moist crumbs.