This cinnamon streusel pumpkin cake is a moist, tender treat that combines warm pumpkin spices and a sweet brown sugar streusel. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, making it a delightful addition to your dessert table.
Table of Contents

The Ultimate Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Cake Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cake
This cinnamon streusel pumpkin cake is not just any dessert; it’s a cozy hug on a plate. The combination of spices warms you from the inside out, while the crumbly streusel topping adds a delightful texture. Perfect for family gatherings or a quiet evening at home, this cake is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Key Ingredients for Success
To achieve that perfect blend of flavor and texture, you will need a few key ingredients. Fresh, 100% pure pumpkin is essential, as it provides the rich pumpkin flavor without added sugars. The streusel topping, made with flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, adds a sweet crunch that elevates the cake to the next level.
Crafting the Perfect Cinnamon Streusel Topping
Streusel Ingredients Breakdown
The streusel topping for your cake is simple yet impactful. It consists of:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
When mixed, the texture should resemble crumbled wet sand, perfect for sprinkling over the cake batter.
Baking the Moist and Tender Pumpkin Cake
Pumpkin Cake Ingredients
For the pumpkin cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Cake Batter Preparation
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and spraying a 9×13 inch cake pan with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, beat together the pumpkin, sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mixing gently until no flour streaks remain.
Assembling and Baking Your Streusel Pumpkin Cake
Combining Batter and Streusel
Pour the luscious pumpkin batter into your prepared pan. Next, evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the batter, creating a beautiful layer of sweetness.
Baking Instructions and Doneness Test
Bake your cake for 30-38 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs. The edges should turn a lovely golden brown, making it absolutely irresistible.
Creating the Sweet Vanilla Glaze
Vanilla Glaze Ingredients
To top off your cake, you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon softened butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream
Glaze Preparation and Application
In a bowl, beat the softened butter and vanilla extract until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cinnamon, mixing well. Then, incorporate the heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle over the cooled cake using a fork or a ziplock bag for a neat finish.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Cake
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
For the best flavor, always use 100% pure pumpkin; avoid pumpkin pie filling. You can easily substitute unsalted butter for salted butter, and if you need a dairy-free option, evaporated milk works in the glaze.
Glazing Techniques
Apply the glaze to a warm cake for a melted effect or wait until it cools for a drizzled look that stays on top. For added crunch, sprinkle finely chopped pecans over the glaze.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store any leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to five days, or refrigerate it due to the dairy content in the glaze. You can freeze the wrapped cake tightly in plastic and foil for up to two months and thaw it in the fridge overnight.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for cinnamon streusel pumpkin cake?
You will need all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, cold butter, pure pumpkin, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt for the cake, along with more butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and heavy cream for the glaze.
How do I make cinnamon streusel pumpkin cake step by step?
Preheat the oven, prepare the streusel topping, mix the pumpkin cake batter, combine them, bake, cool, and finally glaze the cake for a delicious finish.
Can I make cinnamon streusel pumpkin cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time and store it covered at room temperature for up to five days or refrigerate it.
How should I store leftover cinnamon streusel pumpkin cake?
Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to five days, or refrigerate it. You can also freeze it wrapped tightly for up to two months.
Related Recipes to try
- Blueberry Muffins With Streusel
- Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake
- Lemon Blueberry Breakfast Cake
- Blueberry Crumb Cake
Conclusion
This cinnamon streusel pumpkin cake is not only easy to make but offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. For more inspiration, check out other tasty recipes like Blueberry Muffins With Streusel and Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake. You won’t regret making this cake; it’s a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall!

Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Cake: An Irresistibly Moist Delight
Equipment
- skillet
- mixing bowl
- whisk
Ingredients
- Cinnamon Streusel:
- 1 /2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 /3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 /4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 /4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- Pumpkin Cake:
- 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin
- 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil canola oil also suitable
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 tablespoon softened butter
- 1 /4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 /4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 inch cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare Streusel: Whisk together flour, sugars, and cinnamon. Add cubed butter and mix with fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles crumbled wet sand.
- Prepare Batter: In a large bowl, beat pumpkin, sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- Combine: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat until combined. Add the remaining dry ingredients and beat just until no flour streaks remain.
- Assemble: Pour batter into the prepared pan. Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter.
- Bake: Cook for 30-38 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with crumbs. Edges should be lightly golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack to room temperature.
- Prepare Glaze: Beat softened butter and vanilla extract until creamy. Add powdered sugar and cinnamon. Add 1 tablespoon heavy cream and beat to combine. Add remaining heavy cream in 1-tablespoon increments until the desired consistency is reached.
- Finish: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake using a fork or a ziplock bag.
Notes
– Glaze can be applied to a warm cake (melts into streusel) or a cooled cake (stays on top).
– Add finely chopped pecans over the glaze for added crunch.
– Adjust heavy cream in glaze based on fat content; heavy cream is recommended for best results.
– Store leftovers at room temperature covered for up to 5 days, or refrigerate due to dairy content.
– Freeze wrapped cake tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge ov

