Pumpkin Crumb Cake is the ultimate keto fall dessert recipe. Tender low carb cake with pumpkin and spice, and a delicious brown “sugar” crumb topping. The perfect keto coffee cake recipe! This post is sponsored by Bob’s Red Mill.
First keto pumpkin spice recipe of the season! It’s September now and that means I’m allowed to post all the pumpkin recipes my little heart desires, right? Starting with this delectably tender pumpkin crumb cake.
I already have so many pumpkin spice recipes. I love pumpkin and fall, and all that comes with it. So many delicious keto friendly ways to enjoy that big orange gourd. Like my Keto Pumpkin Cream Pie, a delicious light and airy take on standard pumpkin pie.
Or my almost famous Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, a healthier keto take on the Starbucks version. And don’t forget about easy keto pumpkin pancakes, a welcome addition to any fall breakfast table.
But this pumpkin coffee cake is truly something special. Tender pumpkin spice flavored cake with a crumbly streusel topping. Low carb and grain free, of course.
And then I went and put a delicious vanilla drizzle over the top. Yeah, because I am all crazy like that.
Keto Pumpkin Cake with a New York Style crumb topping
Have you ever heard of New York Crumb Cake? It’s an amazing coffee cake with a thick layer of brown sugar streusel. I’d say it’s almost more crumbs than cake, and it’s so delectable.
I came up with an amazing version for my keto baking book, but you can’t have that one. Not yet anyway. The Ultimate Guide to Keto Baking doesn’t come out until December 3rd, although it’s available now for pre-order. I haven’t officially announced it because it doesn’t yet have a cover, but it may be my piĂšce de rĂ©sistance.
Seriously though, the crumbs on the top of the cake… oh my. I was impressed with what I could do using Bob’s Red Mill coconut flour and almond flour, along with the brown sugar replacement from Swerve. I replicated the crumb topping for a crumb cake almost perfectly.
My taste buds did the happy dance.
And then I had trouble getting that tender brown “sugar” crumb out of my mind. So I had to find a way to use it again. And now that it’s pumpkin spice season… I think you know where I am going with this.
Tips for the perfect Keto Pumpkin Coffee Cake
A proper crumb cake should almost be as much crumb topping as it is cake. While the pumpkin cake itself is delicious, it’s the topping that takes it over the top. Pardon the pun!
Both the cake and the topping contain almond flour and coconut flour. This really gives it the best consistency. You could perhaps use all almond flour for this but you would need to triple the amount of coconut flour, which would increase your carb count considerably.
For the topping: Be sure to use plenty of brown sugar replacement and butter. It should really be like a very thick cake batter or almost like a cookie dough. It should not be dry at all but you should also be able to break it apart into big crumbs.
Instead of cinnamon, which is standard in crumb cake topping, use pumpkin pie spice.
For the keto pumpkin cake: The combination of ingredients is important here. Protein powder helps the cake rise in the absence of gluten, so don’t skip it. I used egg white protein but you can also use whey protein. Collagen protein does not work well, it makes things gummy and hard to cook through.
Pumpkin puree gives the cake it’s beautiful orange gold color. Pumpkin puree can differ brand to brand. There are nice thick ones and others that are quite watery. The thicker the better for a pumpkin crumb cake like this. Watery puree could make the cake a little soggy.
If you do have a more watery pumpkin puree, try adding another tablespoon or two (or three if necessary) of coconut flour to offset the moisture content.
Testing the cake for doneness:In most of my cake recipes, I tell you to bake until the top is firm to the touch. That test for doneness won’t work here because the crumb topping is so tender, it obscures the cake.
For this particular recipe, the golden color of the topping is one clue that the cake is done. It will be very golden around the edges. You should also use a tester and insert into the center of the cake. It should come out clean.
Ready to enjoy some delicious Keto Pumpkin Crumb Cake? You won’t regret it!
More Keto Pumpkin Spice Recipes
Pumpkin Crumb Cake is the ultimate keto fall dessert recipe. Tender low carb cake with pumpkin and spice, and a delicious brown "sugar" crumb topping. The perfect keto coffee cake recipe!
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 cup Swerve Brown
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup Swerve Sweetener
- 1/3 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup unflavored egg white protein powder (can also use whey protein)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered Swerve Sweetener
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
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In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, sweetener, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the butter until well combined. It will be like a thick batter. Set aside
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Preheat the oven to 325F and grease a 9x9 inch square baking pan.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, sweetener, coconut flour, whey protein, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir in the pumpkin puree, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Spread the batter in the prepared pan and smooth the top.Â
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Crumble the topping mixture with your fingers into pea size pieces and sprinkle evenly overtop the cake batter. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until the topping is golden and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. It wonât be firm to the touch because the topping is so tender.Â
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Remove and let cool completely in the pan.
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Whisk the sweetener, cream, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Kathy says
Can you freeze the pumpkin crumb cake? Looks wonderful but too large for one person. Do you think the recipe would work for muffins and maybe freeze them? Great Big Thanks for all you do Carolyn!
Carolyn says
This one would freeze well without the glaze.
Carolyn says
Not quite sure how it would work as muffins. It’s not a lot of cake batter.
Tami says
How would you heat it after being frozen? What temp?
Carolyn says
Just thaw it at room temperature.
Debe Allen says
Trying it in muffins. I will let you know! I wonder how many minutes in the airfryer?
Dee says
I was wondering the same thing as Kathy! Looking forward to the response as I canât wait to make this recipe.
Carolyn says
This one would freeze well without the glaze.
Linda A. says
I want to know about freezing too. I’m sure I can cut the recipe in half and make only 8 pieces, but I still cannot trust myself with 8 pieces of cake calling my name.
Carolyn says
This one would freeze well without the glaze.
Karen says
Sweet Liberty! That’s it. Was holding off on my pumpkin obsession until a more “respectable” day – like later in September. No longer. I have all the ingredients to make this tomorrow morning! YASSS. ( I was born in New York and I know what you’re talking about with regard to the crumb! It’s.The.Best.Thing.Ever. )
Carolyn says
I’m totally a pumpkin spice enabler! đ
Karen says
INDEED!! Lol. =))
Camille says
Hi there, wondering what whey powder you use? Did not see a amazon link to that.
Carolyn says
This is the one I really like: https://amzn.to/35u8c37
Rebecca says
I don’t have egg white protiens… But I do have collegen peptides. Would this work as a substitute?
Carolyn says
No collagen protein makes baked goods gummy and hard to cook through. You can use whey protein, though.
Cynthia Zou says
I love all your recipes and you have really inspired me to find new ways to stick to a keto diet. Unfortunately, I am allergic to coconut. Do you have a suggestion as to what I could substitute in the place of the coconut flour for your recipes?
Cindy
Carolyn says
Check the blog post under How Too… I tell you how much to sub more almond flour.
Nanabella says
Did you mean to say if we want to use all almond flour, we would have to triple the coconut flour?
“Both the cake and the topping contain almond flour and coconut flour. This really gives it the best consistency. You could perhaps use all almond flour for this but you would need to triple the amount of coconut flour, which would increase your carb count considerably.”
Carolyn says
It’s hard to make this clear enough for people to understand but… if you want to replace coconut flour, you typically have to use 3x the amount of almond flour. So in this case, you are already using 1 cup of almond flour in the topping, you’d now need 1 3/4 cup (the 3/4 cup replaces the 1/4 cup of coconut flour). In the cake itself, you’d need 2 cups of almond flour.
Keep in mind, this would raise the carb count.
johanna d campbell says
I would try oat fiber (not flour) in the same quantity as coconut flour
Kris says
I have made this cake three times so far and it is so DELICIOUS! Thank you so much for this pumpkin crumb cake recipe. Iâhave shared it with friends and they all love it. Itâs such an easy recipe to make which is helpful. I actually use a lot of your recipes and they always turn out perfect.
Carolyn says
So glad you like it!
Joanne says
This looks fantastic and love the crumb topping!! I just purchased your Keto Soups and Stews cookbook on Amazon and will be cooking the Old Bay Crab soup soon. Very nice cookbook!
Laura says
This is our new family favorite! The texture is perfect and youâd never know it was low carb. Thanks Carolyn!
Carolyn says
So glad you liked it!
Erica says
I don’t have any egg white protein powder (or whey either). Can I use just egg whites and remove some liquid somewhere else? So excited to try this recipe!
Carolyn says
No, it would be better to skip it. This really doesn’t have much added moisture besides the pumpkin and you won’t get your cake to cook through if you add more egg white.
MaryAnn Miller says
Itâs in the oven right now. Itâs our 37th wedding anniversary and Iâm making this for dessert tonight, maybe even put a small scoop of keto vanilla ice cream with it since itâs a special occasion. Love all of your recipes. Iâm sure this one wonât disappoint. Waiting with baited breath for the baking book. Itâs been pre ordered.
Carolyn says
Sounds like a perfect plan!
Dee says
I love your recipes. Somehow I didn’t see the nutritional values anywhere in this recipe. Could you tell me the net carbs please??
Carolyn says
The recipe card had issues this morning and they weren’t there. They should be back now!
Katerina @ diethood .com says
OH wow, this looks incredible!! I can’t wait to try it!
Amy says
Loved this recipe. A perfect way to get my pumpkin fix!
wilhelmina says
I made this with almond flour and it turned out amazing! Thanks for the great recipe!
Anna says
Loving this low carb pumpkin cake!
Wendy says
I just cannot handle the cooling effect of Erythritol. I usually substitute Bochasweet when I can, but they donât yet make a brown sugar replacement. Do you have any ideas on how I could make my own brown sugar replacement with it for this recipe? đ
Carolyn says
Add 1 tsp of molasses.
Dee Gee says
1 1/4 tsp of stevia extract powder added to one package of Swerve will kill the cooling effect. Iâve been using it like this for over a year now. (My husband hates the cooling effect of swerve and when I add stevia extract powder he canât tell Iâm using swerve.)
Kate says
Interesting. Do you just emptynout the package of Swerve in a bowl or something and stir in the stevia? And what brand of stevia do you use?
Jane B says
So… I followed your instructions BUT had the oven at 375 not 325 (oops!). Anyway, it came out a little dark & dry but still was tasty (nothing a little extra whipped would fix!). I didnât make the vanilla sauce as the cake & the crumb topping was sweet enough already. This is a lovely segue into the fall and my house smells amazing! âșïž
Pam Bradley says
A few things to mention. In the instructions for the crumb topping, it says salt but the ingrdient list doesn’t have salt for crumb topping listed. I found that it has more pumpkin flavor if you wait until the next day to eat. I also need to add more spice. I love spice.This came at the right time. I had pumkin that I was needing to use.
Julie Blanner says
I was hoping to hold out a little longer before making something with pumpkin, but your recipe was too enticing! This was so delicious and easy to make.
Dee Gee says
We really loved it. Will be making it again this fall for sure!
Dee Gee Johnson says
Wonderful tasty cake! Can’t wait to share it with friends. Thanks again!
Anita says
Hi Carolyn,
I love all your recipes and am so grateful for how much of yourself you pour into your work! It is the secret ingredient! Your yave made made our keto journey an adventure in amazing recipe discoveries, making this a sustainable blifestyle and not a diet. Can’t thank you enough!! This one in particular will be a staple in our home this fall. Just one question – instructions for topping includes salt but I don’t see salt listed in the topping ingredients. Can you please clarify?
Kris says
Hello, I am new to all things keto and am going to give this a try. What brand of egg white protein do you use? LUCKILY I have all the other ingredients and have just been waiting for a perfect recipe to try. Thanks for sharing
Carolyn says
I don’t have a specific brand but I have used this one several times: https://amzn.to/314XXiF
Jamie says
This is incredibly difficult to stop eating. Do not make this if you cannot resist delicious things. Also, the non-Keto people in your life will gobble this up as soon as you turn your back, which is helpful, because you were going to sneak in the kitchen and eat the rest yourself.. This recipe is very moist. Very much like the crumb cake you love and remember, but better.
johanna says
This is me with the no bake peanut butter bars đ
Edith says
Perfect September cake! Recipe is fantastic. This dessert loving family of four is grateful to find so many tried and true Keto options. Pairs nicely with my after dinner green tea. Will be making this crumble again!
johanna d campbell says
OMG YASSSS!!
I have been trying to find a cook Dunkin Donut Pumpkin muffin replacement and I think this will fit the bill!! Cannot wait to try it!
Jewel says
This is excellent. It now goes into my Tried and True Keto recipes on Pinterest. I think I will sprinkle some chopped pecans into the topping next time. I’m so glad I get to enjoy pumpkin this fall! Thank you, Carolyn.
Karen Janusz says
What is the sodium content please…
Carolyn says
You will need to calculate that yourself.
Robyn says
Can whey protein isolate be used instead of egg white protein?
Carolyn says
That should work fine.
Lisa says
For the topping and cake, would subbing in coconut oil work or would I be better off with something like Earth Balance Margarine or something else? Am (very sadly) going dairy free for health reasons.
Thanks Carolyn for all your delicious recipes and advice. đYou are truly a recipe genius. đ
Carolyn says
I think coconut oil could work just fine.
Bernadette N Heitzman says
I always have vanilla Whey protein powder on hand – think I can sub it in w/o issue?
Carolyn says
Sure, just leave out the additional vanilla.
Louise says
Will replacing the regular Swerve in the cake with Swerve Brown change the texture of the cake? I only have Swerve Brown and I’m planning on making this today. Looks delicious! Thanks!
Carolyn says
No, should be fine.
Louise says
Thanks for your reply. This recipe is definitely a winner! My 4 year old had a piece after school and gobbled it up with many “mmmmmmm”s! The only complaint I have is that the pumpkin flavor didn’t come through as much as I would have liked. But, then again, that’s a good thing for those that aren’t huge pumpkin fans. I always loved sugar-loaded crumb cake with lots of topping, and this was just like the “real” thing. YUM.
Rebecca says
Thanks for the recipe. It is cooking now. Though i did leave out the pumpkin pie spice from the cake because it is missing from the steps. Hopefully it isnt too bland! Could you update for next time? i always forget to go back and double check against the ingredients. đThanks again!
Carolyn says
Thanks for the heads up, I fixed it.
lisa says
cupcakes?
Jo Lynn says
My husband and I both loved these pumpkin squares and agreed it’s our favorite recipe on your site. The only tweak we would make next time is to add more pumpkin pie spice to the topping and cake.
KIM Sanders says
Does the leftovers need to be refrigerated?
Carolyn says
It’s fine on the counter for 2 or 3 days. Depends on how quickly you plan to eat it! đ
Kristin says
MAKE THIS NOW!!!! I will make these every. single. week. Who doesn’t love crumb?! Even my nonketo (and VERY picky) husband LOVED THESE!!!!
Carolyn says
So glad to hear it!
Donna Houchins says
Made this today and OMG! Simply fabulous and I will be repeating this for thanksgiving next month
This was great with whipped cream toođđđ
Sheri Potasnik says
Once again, youâve done it! This is a wonderful recipe! I made this a couple of days ago and itâs a huge hit between me and my husband. I am incredibly grateful for all your wonderful recipes that you share with everyone. Thank you thank you!
Carolyn says
So glad you liked it!
Simone says
Thanks Carolyn, I am going to make this now! Oh the joy you feel when you have all of the ingredients in the house!
Patty in Co says
Carolyn…this sounds absolutely divine…If I make it for a group of 25 ladies, should I double the recipe and use a 13×9 inch pan, or would you suggest dividing it out into 2 9X9 inch pans or a sheet cake pan?
Carolyn says
Well, if you do the math on a 9×13 pan, you will see it’s 117 square inches, whereas 2 9×9 pans are 162. That’s a big difference in your cake would be a lot thicker in the smaller pan, and thus hard to cook through. If you happen to have an 11×15 sheet pan with deeper sides, that’s 165 sq inches so it’s a better bet.
Patty in CO says
For this 1st time making it, I just went out and got another 9X9 pan. I’ll just make 2 of them since I’m going to cut it up and serve it on a cake plate. I don’t want to experiment this time since I need it for a breakfast pot luck, but I am glad I asked…I didn’t think about the total square inches…I’ll have to remeber that tidbit of info for anything else I bake! If this tastes anything as yummy as your raspberry almond cake (which I make whenever I can get my hands on fresh raspberries) I know it will be a hit! Thank you so much for all your hard work…can’t wait till the new cook book comes out..I love the other two I have!
Carolyn says
Hi Patty… that tidbit is something I’ve tried to convey to readers for a while. And it’s in my new cookbook, along with TONS of other keto baking tips. The Ultimate Guide to Keto Baking comes out December 3rd and if you love to bake, I highly recommend it. https://amzn.to/2n0XQWf
AVERY says
Can you use something else in place of protein powder?
Carolyn says
No, I am afraid not. Gluten is a protein and in its absence, a dry protein powder helps the baked goods rise properly and hold their shape.
Tiffany says
What about egg white powder?
Carolyn says
That works in place of whey.
Cindy says
Will any type of protein power work?
Carolyn says
Whey and egg white, but not collagen. It makes baked goods gummy.
Laura says
Hello! This is currently in the oven right now. But I wanted to just quick stop by and say the recipe in the topping part says pumpkin pie spice in the ingredient listing but when you read the directions it says cinnamon. I added pumpkin pie spice but I wasnt sure if it was supposed to be cinnamon or PPS
Cant wait to eat this! Thanks for the awesome recipes!
Carolyn says
Sorry, it’s supposed to be pp spice in both. đ
H. Sparks says
Have made these twice & they taste wondetful but having issues with the squares falling apart. I’m letting it cool completely before cutting and removing from the pan…what can I do to prevent this?
Carolyn says
I would need to know exactly what brands of ingredients you are using. I think that might be the issue, one of the ingredients being a bit off. Coconut flour is hard because it varies so much, brand to brand.
Mia says
I only have the truvia brown sugar blend would that be okay to use?
Carolyn says
I’m not really sure what’s in it but I think it should be fine. Check how sweet it is supposed to be compared to sugar.
Mia says
I went ahead and made this with the truvia brown sugar for the crumb topping, soooo good. I added chocolate chips to the cake filling and more on top when serving. I needed to cook it a little longer but I will make again! Thank you.
Carolyn says
Wonderful!
Tara says
Can you use pea protein?
Carolyn says
Probably.
Christina Lemelin says
FIRST KETO DESSERT A SUCCESS! Couple of questions though. Little Bit did not care for the “carrot-like” texture đ Do I simply use all almond flour next time? Also, would love more pumpkin taste but unsure how to add more pumpkin without throwing off ratios and baking time. Lastly, if one were a purest and wanted to make as low sugar, what would you recommend for sugar quantitity? Thanks!
Carolyn says
Not at all sure what you mean by “carrot like” texture. What brands of flour are you using?
Christina Lemelin says
Shoot- ha ha haaaa… just looked at both of my bags, and I’m certain she’s referring to coconut texture of Bob’s Red Mill, “Fine” Macaroon Coconut, which as we all know, IS NOT flour at all. Yep, in my rushy rush, I read “fine”, grabbed and la voila. Suffice to say, maybe this will bring some other VERY beginner bakers some laughter as I’m convinced I must learn everything the hard way. And to top matters off, I just baked your pumpkin cupcakes with said exact flour so we shall see…
Carolyn says
Aha, good to find the culprit.
Dawnj says
Made this pumpkin crumb cake today and it reminds me of an old fashioned REAL crumb cake. I am so happy, I thought I may never taste one this heavenly again. We just finished eating your âDeath by Chocolate Cheesecakeâ which is aptly named. OMGosh it was the best texture, loved the chocolate crustâALL of it was just exceptional! Thank you (for both)!
Rachel says
Can this be made with egg substitutes? Has anyone tried & has it turn out okay? We have egg allergies here. Thanks!
Carolyn says
I can’t honestly say… give it a go and at the very least, you will have tasty pumpkin-flavored crumbs!
Jill says
Canât wait to try. Whatâs the net carbs?
Carolyn says
Just take the carbs and subtract the fibre.
Andrea says
This was fabulous and so fun to make on this first day of Fall, even though itâs a nice 80 degrees in Colorado Springs today!
I made the recipe exactly as written and it was perfect. Mine didnât come out quite as orange as yours but still pretty to look at! This is definitely a keeper.
Cindy C. says
I made this for brunch with a friend today and it was amazing! I skipped the protein powder as I didn’t have it. This was my first Fall bake and it did not disappoint.
Elaine says
So scrumptious!! After it was cooled enough to eat, I cut half of it into pieces and froze the other half, sealed in my Food Saver. Had a piece this morning with my pumpkin coffee…..Perfect way to start the day! Thank you for all your delicious recipes. My sister gifted me with your Keto Baking Cookbook, and Iâve spent hours going through it…..itâs like looking through the âWish Bookâ we used to get before Christmas. So many wonderful things to pick from!!
Carolyn says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Melanie says
This was really tasty. I am not following a keto diet but I am a weight loss surgery patient and therefore try to stay low carb/sugar. This was my first experience with low carb baking. I made a few changes for what I had on hand: used Lakanto monkfruit/erythritol blend for the sweetener (1:1) and used 1 scoop (7g) Genepro protein powder. I halved the topping amount but doubled the spice and increased the spice in the batter to 1 tsp. And I didn’t have a 9″ square so I used an 8″ springform. It didn’t rise much and was maybe underdone in the center at 35 minutes but still really good, for me and my BF who hasn’t had his guts rearranged đ Thanks for making my first low carb bake a success!