Pumpkin Coffee Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful way to embrace the cozy vibes of Fall, look no further than this Pumpkin Coffee Cake! This recipe is not just a treat; it’s a warm hug in cake form. Every bite bursts with the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice, making it perfect for busy mornings or family gatherings. Whether you’re serving it with coffee at breakfast or enjoying it as an afternoon snack, this Pumpkin Coffee Cake will surely become a favorite in your home.

The best part? It’s super easy to whip up! You don’t need to be a baking expert to create this scrumptious dessert. Just follow along, and soon you’ll have a golden-brown cake topped with a cinnamon streusel that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can get this delicious cake in the oven without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet and spicy flavors of pumpkin coffee cake—it’s a crowd-pleaser!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it the night before for an easy breakfast option that’s ready to go when you are!
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or even as a snack—it’s perfect any time of day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started on this Pumpkin Coffee Cake is easy because the ingredients are simple and wholesome. 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 Batter

• 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

One of the great things about this Pumpkin Coffee Cake recipe is its flexibility. You can easily make it your own with these fun variations!

• Add Some Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter twist, fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter.
• Incorporate Dried Fruit: Add raisins or cranberries for a fruity touch that complements the spices beautifully.
• Top with Cream Cheese Frosting: Elevate your coffee cake by drizzling cream cheese frosting on top after baking!

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. This step is important because you want your cake to bake evenly and rise beautifully as soon as it’s in the oven.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Spray a 9×9 square baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This ensures that your delicious cake comes out easily once it’s baked!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined. This blend of spices is what will give your Pumpkin Coffee Cake its wonderful flavor!

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another medium bowl, stir together the canned pumpkin, brown sugar, oil, maple syrup, and milk. Mixing these wet ingredients helps combine their flavors perfectly before adding them to the dry mixture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can make your coffee cake dense rather than light and fluffy.

Step 6: Spread the Batter

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. This ensures that your cake bakes uniformly.

Step 7: Make Your Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the crumb topping ingredients then add in those cold butter cubes. Use a fork to press everything together until you achieve a crumbly consistency.

Step 8: Top Your Batter

Sprinkle that delightful crumb topping generously over your batter. This step adds texture and flavor that everyone will love!

Step 9: Bake It Up!

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

And there you have it! A scrumptious Pumpkin Coffee Cake that’s sure to warm hearts and fill bellies—perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying all by yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Making the perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake is all about little details that elevate your bake. Here are some pro tips to ensure your cake turns out wonderfully every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Starting with room temperature eggs and milk helps create a smoother batter, allowing for better mixing and a fluffier texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter – Mixing just until combined helps maintain the coffee cake’s lightness. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture that we want to avoid.

• Test for doneness – Since ovens can vary, check your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. If a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs (not wet), it’s ready!

• Make it ahead of time – This coffee cake can be baked in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious.

• Add nuts for extra crunch – Consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and flavor that complements the pumpkin spice nicely.

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Serving your Pumpkin Coffee Cake is an opportunity to get creative and make it feel special! Whether it’s for brunch or an afternoon snack, here are some ideas to present this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
• Whipped cream dollop – A dollop of non-dairy whipped cream on top brings a creamy contrast that’s delightful with each bite.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad – A mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and pomegranates provides a refreshing contrast to the rich coffee cake.
• Yogurt parfait – Pair it with layers of yogurt, granola, and fresh berries for a nutritious side that balances sweetness with tanginess.
• Chai tea or spiced coffee – Brewed chai tea or spiced coffee enhances the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice, making your breakfast or snack feel even more comforting.
• Cinnamon applesauce – Serve alongside warm cinnamon applesauce for a comforting touch that echoes the spices in your cake.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’ll not only enjoy baking but also sharing your delicious Pumpkin Coffee Cake with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, making your mornings sweeter and simpler.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate it for up to a week; just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label and date the bag!

Reheating

• To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.
• For a crispier texture, place slices in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5-8 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for Pumpkin Coffee Cake?

Yes! You can use fresh pumpkin puree as a substitute for canned pumpkin. Just make sure it’s well-cooked and pureed before adding it to your batter.

What makes this Pumpkin Coffee Cake so special?

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake stands out because of its moist texture, warm spices, and delicious crumb topping that adds an irresistible crunch. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a cozy snack!

How can I adjust the sweetness of my Pumpkin Coffee Cake?

You can reduce the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup if you prefer a less sweet cake. Alternatively, you can add more spices like cinnamon to enhance flavor without increasing sweetness.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Pumpkin Coffee Cake?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips, can elevate the flavor and texture of your Pumpkin Coffee Cake. Just fold them into the batter gently before baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Pumpkin Coffee Cake brings warmth and joy to your kitchen! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of fall flavors that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Enjoy making this delightful treat—your loved ones will surely thank you! Happy baking!