As autumn leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, our culinary cravings often shift towards warm, comforting flavors. One of the quintessential ingredients of this season is pumpkin, and there’s no better way to celebrate it than with a dessert that combines the richness of pumpkin with the irresistible texture of a crumble. Our Gooey Pumpkin Crumble Cake is the perfect blend of soft, gooey pumpkin filling and a crispy, buttery topping, making it an ideal treat for any fall gathering or simply to enjoy at home.
Recipe
This Gooey Pumpkin Crumble Cake combines the best of a cake, a pie, and a crumble. With a base made from yellow cake mix, a spiced pumpkin filling, and a crumbly topping, this dessert is both easy to make and delightfully indulgent. It’s perfect for those who love the flavors of pumpkin pie but crave the texture and convenience of a 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 base)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Directions/Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. Make the Cake Base:
– In a medium-sized bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, saving 1 cup for the topping, with the egg and melted butter. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
– Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form a uniform layer. This will serve as the cake’s foundation.
3. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling:
– In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Ensure that the mixture is smooth and all the ingredients are well combined.
– Pour this pumpkin mixture over the cake base, spreading it evenly.
4. Make the Crumble Topping:
– In a separate bowl, mix the reserved 1 cup of cake mix with brown sugar and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it becomes crumbly.
– Sprinkle this crumble topping evenly over the pumpkin layer.
5. Bake the Cake:
– Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set, but the center remains slightly gooey.
– Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to set properly.
FAQ
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin purée?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Simply roast the pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. Ensure it matches the consistency of canned purée for the best results.
2. What can I substitute for yellow cake mix?
If you don’t have yellow cake mix, you can make a homemade version by combining flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the quantities to match the boxed mix.
3. How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual servings before enjoying for the best texture and flavor.
4. Can I add nuts to the crumble topping?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts can be a delightful addition to the crumble topping, adding extra crunch and flavor.
5. Is it possible to make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving to enhance its gooey texture.
Conclusion
The Gooey Pumpkin Crumble Cake is a celebration of fall flavors, combining the warmth of spices with the creamy richness of pumpkin. Its layered construction offers a delightful contrast between the soft, gooey filling and the crumbly, buttery topping. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or simply enjoyed on its own, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your autumn dessert repertoire. Don’t wait for a special occasion to try this recipe—its ease of preparation and delicious taste make it perfect for any day you wish to savor the essence of fall. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and indulge in the heartwarming experience of creating and enjoying this delightful cake.