Pumpkin Coffee Cake recipe

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this Pumpkin Coffee Cake. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake brings together the delightful richness of pumpkin and the sweetness of a buttery streusel topping, making it an irresistible treat.

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning with a cup of coffee or hosting a festive gathering, this cake is a delightful centerpiece. The addition of optional nuts adds a lovely crunch, while the glaze elevates each slice to a truly decadent experience.

Easy to make and even easier to love, this Pumpkin Coffee Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of autumn’s best flavors. Gather your ingredients and prepare to treat your taste buds to a seasonal delight that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Pumpkin Coffee Cake: Ingredients Section

• Pumpkin Purée: The star of this seasonal delight, lending a rich, earthy sweetness and vibrant orange hue that embodies fall.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and softness, forming the tender crumb that makes each bite irresistible.
• Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: A dynamic duo—brown sugar offers deep, caramel-like warmth, while granulated sugar balances with a touch of sweetness.
• Warm Spices (Cinnamon & Nutmeg): Infuses the cake with a cozy, aromatic blend, enhancing the pumpkin’s natural flavor.
• Butter: Adds moisture and richness, creating a soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Eggs: Essential for binding and giving the cake its light, fluffy rise.
• Milk & Vanilla Extract: A creamy touch that brings the batter together, with vanilla adding a subtle, comforting fragrance.
• Streusel Topping (Flour, Brown Sugar, Butter, Optional Nuts): A crunchy, sweet crown that creates a delightful contrast to the moist cake beneath.

Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe Tips

1. Perfect Streusel Crumble: The key to a great streusel topping is the right consistency—aim for a crumbly texture that clumps together slightly when pressed between your fingers. Melt the butter and mix it with the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon until small pebbles form. If you’re using nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts, fold them in gently for added crunch. When layering the streusel, remember to keep some for the top layer—this ensures a crispy, buttery finish that complements the tender cake underneath.
2. Achieving a Moist Cake: The combination of pumpkin purée, eggs, and milk makes this coffee cake wonderfully moist. To prevent a dense texture, make sure not to overmix the batter. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until you no longer see streaks of flour—overmixing can cause the cake to become tough. Additionally, using room-temperature ingredients, especially the eggs and milk, helps the batter blend smoothly, resulting in an even rise and a light, fluffy crumb.
3. Customizing the Spice Profile: If you love the warm flavors of fall, don’t hesitate to experiment with the spice mix in this recipe. Beyond cinnamon and nutmeg, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or a touch of allspice for extra warmth. If you prefer a bolder spice kick, increasing the cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons can bring a deeper aromatic note. Just be sure to keep the balance so that the spices enhance rather than overpower the rich pumpkin flavor.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Coffee Cake

1. Hot Spiced Apple Cider: Pairing this coffee cake with a steaming cup of spiced apple cider is like taking a cozy stroll through a fall festival. The warm notes of cinnamon, cloves, and apple complement the cake’s pumpkin flavor, making every bite feel even more autumnal. Serve the cider warm with a cinnamon stick for stirring—it’s a comforting and aromatic pairing perfect for chilly mornings.
2. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert option, serve a slice of pumpkin coffee cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, rich ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced cake, and the streusel’s crunch adds an extra texture that makes this combination feel decadent. It’s an ideal way to enjoy the cake as an after-dinner treat or for an afternoon pick-me-up.
3. Maple Latte: A maple latte is the perfect beverage to serve alongside this coffee cake, especially if you’re enjoying it for breakfast or brunch. The sweet, smooth maple syrup in the latte enhances the cake’s natural sweetness, while the creamy milk balances the rich pumpkin and spice notes. It’s a comforting drink that makes each bite of cake feel like a warm hug.

FAQ

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin purée?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin purée if you prefer. Roast or steam the pumpkin, then blend it until smooth and strain any excess water. Keep in mind that fresh purée might have a slightly different moisture content, so you may need to adjust the amount of milk slightly to maintain the desired batter consistency.

2. How do I store leftover pumpkin coffee cake?
To keep the cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy the cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Make sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help mimic the structure of regular flour. Keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free cakes sometimes bake a bit faster.

4. Why is my streusel sinking into the cake?
If your streusel is sinking, it might be because the batter is too thin or the streusel pieces are too large. Try adding the streusel in two layers as directed in the recipe, ensuring an even distribution. If needed, freeze the streusel topping for 10 minutes before sprinkling it on the batter to help it hold its shape during baking.

Pumpkin Coffee Cake!

Warm, spiced, and irresistibly tender, this Pumpkin Coffee Cake is the perfect companion for cool autumn mornings or cozy gatherings. Infused with rich pumpkin flavor and aromatic spices, it's an ideal way to celebrate the season's most beloved ingredient.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course cake

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk adjust for consistency
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• 1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
• 2️⃣ Make the Cake Batter:
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
• 3️⃣ Prepare the Streusel Topping:
• Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and optional chopped nuts in a small bowl. Mix until the texture is crumbly.
• 4️⃣ Assemble the Cake:
• Pour half of the prepared batter into the greased pan, then evenly sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over it. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel.
• 5️⃣ Bake the Cake:
• Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
• 6️⃣ Prepare the Glaze (if using):
• Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth, adjusting the thickness with additional milk or powdered sugar as needed.
• 7️⃣ Cool and Serve:
• Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before slicing. Drizzle with the prepared glaze if desired.
• 8️⃣ Enjoy:
• Savor each bite of your delightful Pumpkin Coffee Cake!