Pumpkin Coffee Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful way to start your morning, you’re in for a treat! This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is a cozy slice of fall that pairs perfectly with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. The warm spices and the soft, moist cake will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. I love how easy it is to whip up, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s a recipe that brings everyone together, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

This cake is not only delicious but also adaptable for various occasions, whether it’s a casual brunch or a festive holiday gathering. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this Pumpkin Coffee Cake has become a staple in my home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 50 minutes from start to finish—perfect for those busy mornings!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet, spiced flavor of pumpkin coffee cake. It’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake this cake ahead of time and enjoy it over several days. Just store it in an airtight container!
• Deliciously Flavorful: With the perfect blend of pumpkin spice and a crunchy streusel topping, each bite bursts with fall flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Pumpkin Coffee Cake is simple and straightforward. You likely have most of these on hand already! Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Cake

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/2 cup canola oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

For the Crumb Topping

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons cold butter (1/4 cup)

Variations

One of the best things about this Pumpkin Coffee Cake is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on what you have or prefer. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition to the batter or topping for added crunch.
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: If you’re feeling indulgent, fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet twist.
• Use Different Spices: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a personalized flavor profile.
• Frost It Up: Once cooled, try spreading on some dairy-free cream cheese frosting for an extra special treat.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F (175° C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Spray a 9×9 square baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This step makes removing the coffee cake so much easier once it’s baked!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, brown sugar, oil, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Mixing these ingredients properly helps create that lovely moisture in your cake.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our coffee cake light and fluffy!

Step 6: Pour into Baking Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the pan using a spatula. This ensures even baking.

Step 7: Prepare Your Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together all dry crumb topping ingredients. Then add cold butter and press with a fork until you achieve crumb consistency. This gives that delightful texture we all love on coffee cakes!

Step 8: Sprinkle Topping Over Batter

Generously sprinkle your crumb topping over the batter before placing it in the oven. That golden layer will form as it bakes!

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. If needed, bake for an additional five minutes if it’s still wet.

And there you have it! A comforting slice of Pumpkin Coffee Cake that’s perfect any time of day—enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Making the perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake is all about the details, so here are some tips to help you elevate your baking game!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and milk to room temperature ensures a smoother batter, which helps create a light and fluffy cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding the wet and dry ingredients together prevents gluten from developing too much, resulting in a tender coffee cake.

• Check for doneness carefully: Since every oven is different, start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended bake time. A toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs for the perfect texture.

• Cool before serving: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack helps maintain its shape and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is not only delicious but also wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving options. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, you’ll want to present it in a way that showcases its warm autumn flavors!

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a delightful creaminess that complements the spices beautifully.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for an added crunch and depth of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and grapes adds a refreshing contrast to the rich coffee cake.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a wholesome side that enhances the breakfast experience.
• Herbal tea: Serve with a warm cup of herbal tea like chamomile or chai for a cozy pairing that warms you from the inside out.
• Cinnamon-spiced coffee: Enhance your coffee experience by brewing it with cinnamon—its warmth will echo the spices in your cake perfectly.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Pumpkin Coffee Cake will be an unforgettable centerpiece at any gathering. Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor the flavors of fall throughout the week. Whether you’re planning for busy mornings or lazy afternoons, this cake stores beautifully and can be enjoyed at your convenience.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For best flavor and texture, consume within a day or two.

Freezing

• Cut the cooled coffee cake into squares.
• Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped pieces in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen pieces in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• For quick reheating, place a square in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious Pumpkin Coffee Cake!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?

Absolutely! You can roast and puree fresh pumpkin to use in this recipe. Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

How do I make my Pumpkin Coffee Cake more moist?

For extra moisture, consider adding a bit more oil or replacing some of the flour with applesauce. This will enhance the texture without compromising flavor.

Can I make Pumpkin Coffee Cake ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is great for making ahead. Store it in the fridge or freeze individual slices for later enjoyment.

Is Pumpkin Coffee Cake suitable for breakfast?

Definitely! With its warm spices and comforting flavors, it’s not only perfect as a dessert but also makes a delightful breakfast treat alongside your morning coffee.

What should I serve with Pumpkin Coffee Cake?

Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra special touch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this Pumpkin Coffee Cake as much as I do! Its cozy blend of spices and delightful crumb topping makes it truly special. Whether you’re enjoying it solo with a cup of coffee or sharing it with loved ones, this cake brings warmth to any occasion. Happy baking and savor every bite!