As the crisp air of fall settles in, the kitchen becomes a sanctuary where warm, inviting scents dance through the air. There’s something comforting about the fusion of pumpkin and spices, and my Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel brings all those cozy vibes to life. I stumbled upon this gem during a quiet Sunday afternoon, inspired by the arrival of pumpkin season and the desire for a delightful treat to savor with my morning coffee.
Picture this: a moist cake layered with chunks of buttery streusel, each bite bursting with rich flavors that evoke the essence of autumn. What I love most about this recipe—beyond its ease—is how it transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that’s perfect for gatherings or a quiet moment at home. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned chef, this Pumpkin Coffee Cake is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, delighting friends and family alike. Ready to whip up a slice of seasonal bliss? Let’s get started!
Why is Pumpkin Coffee Cake so special?
Irresistible flavor: The combination of warm spices and pumpkin creates a cake that’s both comforting and festive.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can nail this recipe.
Perfect for sharing: Its delightful aroma and beautiful presentation make it an ideal treat for gatherings.
Versatile options: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, and don’t hesitate to customize with nuts or chocolate chips.
Crowd-pleaser: This coffee cake is guaranteed to impress, whether you’re serving it at a brunch or a cozy family dinner.
Pumpkin Coffee Cake Ingredients
Discover all the must-have ingredients to create this delightful Pumpkin Coffee Cake!
For the Cake Batter
• Flour – Provides the structure and stability for our scrumptious cake.
• Brown sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• Granulated sugar – Balances the sweetness for a perfectly scrumptious dessert.
• Kosher salt – Enhances the flavors and brings out the sweetness of the sugars.
• Cinnamon – Brings warmth and depth with its aromatic spiciness.
• Pumpkin pie spice – A blend of spices that encapsulates the essence of fall, making this cake truly festive.
• Butter – Adds richness, moisture, and that delightful buttery flavor we all love.
• Baking powder – Provides lift for a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking soda – Helps the cake to rise perfectly while balancing acidity.
• Vegetable oil – Ensures moisture and tenderness in every bite.
• Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and add richness and moisture.
• Pumpkin puree – The star of the show, delivering that iconic pumpkin flavor and moisture.
• Vanilla extract – Elevates the overall taste and adds a hint of sweetness.
• Milk – Ensures a smooth batter consistency and contributes to the cake’s tenderness.
For the Streusel Topping
• Butter – Essential for a crunchy and decadent streusel.
• Brown sugar – Intensifies the sweetness and adds a chewy texture.
• Flour – Works with the butter to create that crave-worthy crumble.
• Cinnamon – Ties together the flavors in the streusel, enhancing the overall cake experience.
For the Glaze
• Powdered sugar – Creates a sweet, smooth drizzle that beautifully complements the cake.
• Soft butter – Helps form a creamy, rich glaze that’s perfect for drizzling.
• Salt – A pinch balances the sweetness of the glaze.
• Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors for that extra touch of deliciousness.
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, you’re all set to create the most delightful Pumpkin Coffee Cake!
How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a glass bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined. This festive mix will be the foundation of your cake.
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Combine with Butter: Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients and mix gently until all the elements are combined, keeping some chunks for a delightful texture. It should be rich and slightly crumbly.
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Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Ensure the mixture is smooth and homogenous—this sets the base for your fluffy cake.
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Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring to form a thick batter. The batter should be thick yet pourable, with a lovely pumpkin hue.
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Layer the Batter and Streusel: Start by adding a layer of cake batter to the bottom of a greased pan, followed by a layer of streusel. Repeat the layers until you’ve used all your batter and streusel, finishing with the streusel on top for a crunchy finish.
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Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be a beautiful golden brown.
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Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the soft butter, powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and a splash of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy, giving the glaze a perfect consistency for drizzling.
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Drizzle the Glaze: Once the coffee cake has cooled slightly, drizzle your delicious glaze over the top. This sweet touch will elevate it to the next level, creating a beautiful presentation.
Optional: Top with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra crunchy texture.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Coffee Cake?
There’s nothing quite like a cozy gathering complemented by the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats and warm drinks.
- Hot Coffee: The classic pairing, a smooth cup of coffee enhances the cake’s flavors and makes for a comforting start to your day.
- Spiced Chai Latte: This creamy, spiced drink blends beautifully with pumpkin flavors, elevating your coffee cake experience to a whole new level.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy texture, making each bite even more indulgent and delightful.
- Cinnamon Ice Cream: This creamy addition brings a sweet contrast to the warming spices in the cake, creating a decadent dessert experience.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, fresh fruits add a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the cake, making it a perfect side option.
- Nutty Granola Topping: Sprinkling granola over the cake adds a delightful crunch, complementing the soft texture of the cake beautifully.
- Chilled Apple Cider: A glass of crisp apple cider marries perfectly with the pumpkin spice, making each bite of cake feel even richer.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For the chocolate lovers, a drizzle of bittersweet chocolate can provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the cake!
- Maple Syrup: Drizzling warm maple syrup over your slice adds a touch of sweetness and compliments the autumnal notes beautifully.
Pumpkin Coffee Cake Variations
Feel free to make this comforting recipe your own with these exciting twists and alternatives!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously inclusive treat.
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Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture and an extra layer of flavor.
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Chocolate Lovers: Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips—dark or semi-sweet—for decadent bites in every slice.
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Extra Spicy: Boost the warmth by adding an extra teaspoon of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to amplify the autumn vibes.
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Dairy-Free: Use almond or coconut milk, and replace the butter with coconut oil for a creamy, dairy-free option.
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Maple Glaze: Swap the vanilla extract in the glaze with maple syrup for a unique twist that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
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Fruit Fusion: Incorporate a cup of diced apples or pears into the batter for added sweetness and a fruity touch.
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Chai Spice: Replace pumpkin pie spice with equal amounts of chai spice for a rich, aromatic experience that elevates the cake’s flavor profile.
Make Ahead Options
These Pumpkin Coffee Cake treats are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the streusel topping and cake batter up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the dry ingredients for the streusel and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the cake batter, whisk together the wet ingredients and then fold in the dry ingredients. Store the batter in the fridge (just be sure to cover it well to prevent drying out!). When you’re ready to bake, layer the batter and streusel in your pan and pop it in the oven. This way, you’ll have a delicious, freshly baked treat with minimal effort, making your busy mornings a breeze!
Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Ingredient Quality: Use fresh pumpkin puree and high-quality spices. The flavor of your Pumpkin Coffee Cake greatly depends on the freshness of your ingredients.
Layering Wisely: When creating layers in the pan, don’t overdo the streusel; a little goes a long way. Too much can lead to uneven baking.
Don’t Overmix: Combine your wet and dry ingredients just until incorporated. Overmixing can cause the cake to be tough instead of light and fluffy.
Check for Doneness: Always test the cake with a toothpick inserted into the center. If it comes out with moist crumbs, it’s perfect!
Cooling Time: Let the cake cool for a few minutes before glazing to avoid the glaze melting away. This step ensures a beautiful finish to your Pumpkin Coffee Cake.
Storage Tips for Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Room Temperature: Allow the cake to cool completely before storing. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, it can last for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the Pumpkin Coffee Cake in the fridge, wrapped loosely in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh for up to a week.
Freezer: To freeze, slice the cake into portions and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months for the best taste.
Reheating: To enjoy a warm slice, microwave for about 15-20 seconds or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes from frozen. This makes every bite as delightful as the first!
Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Recipe FAQs
How do I select the perfect pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing pumpkin for your pumpkin coffee cake, opt for fresh pumpkin puree made from small sugar pumpkins, often labeled as “pie pumpkins.” Look for pumpkins that feel heavy for their size and have a firm skin without any soft spots. The color should be a deep orange, indicating ripeness and sweetness. If you prefer convenience, canned pumpkin puree is also a great option—just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin without added ingredients.
What’s the best way to store leftover pumpkin coffee cake?
For optimal freshness, allow the cake to cool completely before storing it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. At room temperature, it stays fresh for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, refrigerate it loosely wrapped in aluminum foil for up to a week. This way, you can thoroughly enjoy your pumpkin coffee cake at any moment!
Can I freeze pumpkin coffee cake? If so, how?
Absolutely! Freezing is a splendid way to extend the life of your pumpkin coffee cake. Once cooled, slice the cake into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method helps prevent freezer burn. Your cake can be safely frozen for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to indulge, simply remove a slice and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or microwave it for about 15-20 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.
What should I do if my pumpkin coffee cake is too dry?
Very good question! If your pumpkin coffee cake turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time, as ovens can vary. To salvage a dry cake, try serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling it with extra glaze. For future bakes, measure your flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off rather than scooping, which can compact the flour.
Can pets eat pumpkin coffee cake?
It’s best to keep pumpkin coffee cake away from your pets. Although plain pumpkin can be healthy in moderation for dogs—or even cats—ingredients like sugar, butter, and certain spices can be harmful to them. If you want to treat your furry friends to some pumpkin goodness, consider sharing plain pumpkin puree or homemade dog treats made specifically for them.
What if I have an allergy to nuts? Can I still enjoy this recipe?
Absolutely! This pumpkin coffee cake recipe does not include nuts as ingredients, making it relatively safe for those with nut allergies. However, always double-check the labels on any ingredients like baking powder or sugar, as they could be processed with allergens. Enjoy your baking without worry!
Irresistible Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Crunchy Streusel
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a glass bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.
- Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients and mix gently until combined, keeping some chunks for texture.
- In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring to form a thick batter.
- Layer the batter in a greased pan with streusel; repeat until all are used, finishing with streusel on top.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- In a small bowl, mix the soft butter, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth for the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for a beautiful finish.