Pumpkin Coffee Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for those busy mornings when you need a little something special with your coffee or as a sweet addition to family gatherings. The rich pumpkin flavor combined with warm spices will have everyone asking for seconds!

This recipe has become a favorite in my home, and I know it will be in yours too! Whether you’re enjoying it at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert after dinner, it’s versatile enough to fit any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This Pumpkin Coffee Cake comes together in just about 50 minutes, making it perfect for even the busiest of days.
• Family-approved: With its delightful flavors and soft crumb texture, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike!
• Make-ahead option: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. It stays moist and delicious!
• Irresistibly flavorful: The warm mix of pumpkin spice and cinnamon creates a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

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)

For the Cake

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 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

Variations

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Mix in chocolate chips: For a touch of sweetness, fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
• Try different spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350° F. This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the moment you put it in.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Spray a 9×9 square baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Mixing these dry ingredients well is important; it ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout your cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, brown sugar, oil, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. These wet ingredients bring moisture and richness to your cake!

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your coffee cake light and fluffy.

Step 6: Spread Batter in Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. This helps achieve uniform baking across all parts of the cake.

Step 7: Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the dry crumb topping ingredients before adding cold butter. Use a fork to press everything together until crumbly—it should resemble coarse crumbs.

Step 8: Top Your Batter

Sprinkle that delicious crumb topping over the batter evenly. This will create a lovely sweet crust on top as it bakes.

Step 9: Bake!

Bake in your preheated oven for about 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (with just a few moist crumbs), it’s time to take it out! If needed, add an extra five minutes if it’s still wet.

And there you have it—a beautiful Pumpkin Coffee Cake that’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your home! Enjoy every bite along with good company or perhaps just some quiet time with your favorite mug of coffee.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Making this Pumpkin Coffee Cake is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices provide more flavor than pre-ground ones. They’ll make your coffee cake burst with that warm, cozy pumpkin spice aroma.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, while gentle mixing keeps it light and fluffy.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially the milk and butter, helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.

• Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested bake time. This way, you’ll avoid overbaking and keep it moist.

• Let It Cool Slightly: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack will help maintain its structure while making it easier to slice.

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake not only tastes incredible but also looks delightful on your breakfast table or as an afternoon treat. Here are some ideas to present this delicious dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal without overwhelming the flavors.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the cake perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries complements the warm spices beautifully while adding freshness.

• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt balances the sweetness of the coffee cake with its tanginess, creating a creamy contrast that enhances each bite.

• Coffee or Tea: Pair your slice with your favorite morning beverage. The warmth of coffee or tea brings out the flavors even more and makes for a comforting experience.

Enjoy your Pumpkin Coffee Cake with these serving suggestions, and watch everyone come back for seconds (or thirds)!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can bake it in advance and enjoy its deliciousness throughout the week. Here’s how to store and manage your leftovers:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.
• Label the bags with the date for easy reference.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove a slice from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• For a quick warm-up, microwave on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe:

Can I make Pumpkin Coffee Cake without dairy?

Absolutely! You can substitute the milk with your favorite non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. The cake will still be moist and flavorful!

What makes this Pumpkin Coffee Cake so special?

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake stands out because of its rich pumpkin spice flavor combined with a crunchy brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping. It’s a comforting treat perfect for any time of day!

How long does Pumpkin Coffee Cake last?

This cake can last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. If frozen properly, it can keep well for up to 2 months.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth before measuring out one cup for this recipe.

What is the best way to serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake?

It’s delicious on its own, but you can also serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside your favorite coffee!

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Pumpkin Coffee Cake recipe a try! It truly brings warmth and joy to any gathering or quiet morning at home. With its aromatic spices and satisfying crumb topping, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family. Happy baking!