Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, delicious treat that perfectly captures the spirit of autumn, look no further than this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe. Bursting with warm spices and a tender crumb, this pumpkin coffee cake offers a delightful balance of soft cake layers and crumbly streusel topping. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar for a baked good that delights every bite and warms your heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every successful Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work in harmony to create layers of flavor and texture. From the aromatic spices that give this cake its signature fall appeal to the creamy butter that ensures moistness, each item is essential to the final masterpiece.

• All purpose flour (3 cups plus 2 1/4 cups): Provides structure while keeping the cake tender.
• Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses and moisture for the streusel topping.
• Granulated sugar (2 cups total): Balances the sweetness and browns beautifully in the cake and streusel.
• Kosher salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors and cuts sweetness slightly.
• Cinnamon (2 teaspoons) and pumpkin pie spice (2 tablespoons): Bring the warm, unmistakable pumpkin spice flavor to life.
• Butter (1 3/4 cups total, divided): Melted for streusel, softened for the cake, and very soft for the icing, contributing richness and moisture.
• Pumpkin puree (1 (15-oz) can, divided): The star ingredient that adds moisture and that delicious pumpkin flavor—make sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
• Eggs (4 large): Help bind the ingredients and provide lightness.
• Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Keeps the cake tender and moist without weighing it down.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds depth and enhances the spices.
• Baking powder (1 tablespoon) and baking soda (3/4 teaspoon): Essential leavening agents that give the cake its rise.
• Milk (3 tablespoons): Used in the icing to perfect the consistency.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweet and smooth base for the luscious icing drizzle.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 inch cake pan to ensure your cake releases easily after baking. The anticipation starts here, so take a moment to appreciate the cozy baking ritual ahead.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Adding melted butter creates a wet-sand texture dotted with large chunks. Don’t strive for smoothness here—the lovely texture will deliver that signature crumble on top of your coffee cake. Chilling this mixture briefly can help the butter firm up, perfect for that crumbly finish.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter Dry Ingredients

In another large bowl or your stand mixer, combine the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. This foundation is the flavor powerhouse before the wet ingredients bring the batter to life.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter and Pumpkin

Cut softened butter into chunks and add it to the dry mix. Next, scoop approximately half the pumpkin puree into the bowl and blend together using a paddle attachment or electric beaters until a doughy ball forms. The mix should just come together, moist but not overworked. Add a bit more pumpkin if needed—this step makes sure your cake is luxuriously moist.

Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Using the bowl in which you melted your butter, whisk together the remaining pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended. This wet mixture adds tender moisture and richness to your cake.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the wet pumpkin mixture to the pumpkin-flour dough in three increments, beating after each addition until the batter becomes light and fluffy. Avoid overmixing; just gentle, steady blending will ensure a tender crumb.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake Layers

Spread a portion of the batter evenly in the greased pan, then sprinkle one cup of streusel over the top. Continue layering batter and streusel, finishing with a generous layer of streusel on top. Save a little streusel aside for a final sprinkle after baking.

Step 8: Bake and Finish

Bake your layered cake for about 35 minutes, then quickly add the reserved streusel without opening the oven door for long. Return the cake to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it rest before moving on to the final touch.

Step 9: Whip Up the Icing

Whisk together very soft butter, vanilla, salt, milk, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk little by little to reach the perfect drizzle consistency. This icing is the finishing flourish that brings an irresistible sweetness to your coffee cake.

Step 10: Drizzle and Serve!

Drizzle the icing generously over warm cake. Either cover the whole cake or add a fresh drizzle to each slice as you serve. The warmth enhances the icing’s flavor and makes each bite a comforting hug of pumpkin spice goodness.

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to take your Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe to the next level, sprinkle over some toasted pecans or chopped walnuts. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar can add a pretty finish and a little extra crunch, making each slice as visually inviting as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

This pumpkin coffee cake pairs beautifully with hot beverages like a spiced chai latte, rich coffee, or even warm apple cider. For a balanced breakfast, serve alongside Greek yogurt or fresh fruit to offset the sweetness with brightness and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try serving the cake in individual ramekins topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Alternatively, layer cubes of this coffee cake in a trifle bowl along with pumpkin mousse and crushed gingersnaps for a festive, show-stopping dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrapped tightly or kept in an airtight container at room temperature, leftover pumpkin coffee cake stays moist and flavorful for up to three days. After that, refrigeration is best to keep it fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake either whole (wrapped well) or sliced. Just thaw at room temperature before serving or warm quickly in the microwave. Freezing is a fantastic way to enjoy this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe weeks later without losing its signature flavor.

Reheating

Warm slices in the microwave for 10-20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth. The icing will soften slightly, making each bite heavenly, just like when it came straight from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree since pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which could throw off the balance of flavors and moisture in the cake.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture and rise.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil for something else?

Certainly! Light-flavored oils like canola or melted coconut oil work well. Olive oil can be used too, but it should be mild in flavor so it doesn’t overpower the pumpkin spices.

How do I know when the cake is properly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean without wet batter, and the cake doesn’t wobble when you shake the pan gently, it’s done. The top should also be golden and slightly firm to the touch.

Can I make this recipe without the streusel topping?

While the streusel adds delightful texture and flavor contrast, you can skip it. Your pumpkin coffee cake will still be delicious, just less crumbly and sweet on top.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe truly captures the magic of fall with every bite. Its tender crumb, aromatic spices, and buttery streusel topping make it impossible not to love. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this cake is a cozy, soul-satisfying delight you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again. Go ahead and dive into this recipe—you won’t regret bringing this warm, comforting pumpkin treasure into your kitchen!

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