Pumpkin Coffee Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy way to start your day or a delightful treat to share with friends, this Pumpkin Coffee Cake is just the answer! This recipe has become a favorite in my home, filling the kitchen with the warm scents of cinnamon and pumpkin. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a leisurely weekend brunch, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this Pumpkin Coffee Cake has earned a special place in my heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious coffee cake in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet pumpkin spice flavor, making it perfect for gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Delight: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week or serve it fresh from the oven for an extra special touch.
• Irresistibly Flavorful: The brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping adds a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the soft cake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this scrumptious Pumpkin Coffee Cake, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll gather:

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 Coffee 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

One of the great things about this Pumpkin Coffee Cake is its flexibility. You can adapt it to suit your taste or what you have on hand!

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Switch Up the Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique flavor twist.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy this treat without worry.
• Top with Icing: Drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the top for added sweetness.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. This step is crucial because it ensures your coffee 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 will help prevent sticking and make cleanup so much easier!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Mixing these dry ingredients together ensures that each slice of your Pumpkin Coffee Cake will have an even distribution of flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, mix together the canned pumpkin, brown sugar, oil, maple syrup, and milk. This mixture brings moisture and sweetness to your cake while enhancing its rich flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a denser coffee cake rather than the light texture we want.

Step 6: Spread Batter in Pan

Pour your batter into the prepared baking pan and gently spread it out evenly. This helps ensure that every piece bakes uniformly.

Step 7: Prepare Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the dry crumb topping ingredients and then add in cold butter. Use a fork to press everything together until you achieve that crumbly consistency—this topping is what makes this coffee cake truly special!

Step 8: Add Topping & Bake

Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Then pop it into your preheated oven! Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. If it’s still wet, give it another five minutes.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Coffee Cake! Perfect for any occasion or simply as an indulgent breakfast treat.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Creating the perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake is all about attention to detail, and with these helpful tips, you’ll ensure your cake is moist, flavorful, and a delightful addition to your breakfast or dessert table.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice elevate the flavor profile of your cake. They provide a more vibrant aroma and taste compared to pre-ground spices.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined ensures a light and fluffy texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake due to gluten development.

• Let it cool slightly before slicing: Allowing the cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes after baking makes it easier to cut clean slices, preventing it from crumbling.

• Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor. Just be sure they are well distributed throughout the batter.

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Serving your Pumpkin Coffee Cake can be as creative as you want! Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet morning with coffee, here are some ideas that will make your dish shine.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.

• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream. It adds a creamy texture that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and balances the richness of the coffee cake. Consider apples, pears, and berries for a delightful combination.

• Greek yogurt with honey: Creamy Greek yogurt drizzled with honey offers protein and a tangy contrast that pairs perfectly with sweet pumpkin cake.

• Hot spiced cider: A warm cup of spiced cider enhances the fall flavors. The warmth and spices echo those in your coffee cake, creating a cozy experience.

• Chai tea: This aromatic tea’s blend of spices harmonizes beautifully with pumpkin flavors, making it an excellent beverage choice alongside your cake.

Enjoy crafting this delicious Pumpkin Coffee Cake and sharing it with loved ones! Your mornings are about to get an upgrade filled with warmth and taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is perfect for meal prep, letting you savor the flavors of fall any day of the week. You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the coffee cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the cooled coffee cake into individual servings or keep it whole.
• Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the container with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen coffee cake overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• For quick reheating, place individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Coffee Cake:

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. Use an equal amount as specified in the recipe.

What makes this Pumpkin Coffee Cake special?

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake stands out with its delightful pumpkin spice flavor and a crunchy brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping that adds texture and sweetness.

How can I make this Pumpkin Coffee Cake healthier?

You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, use less sugar or a sugar alternative, and replace oil with applesauce for a lighter version.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Pumpkin Coffee Cake as much as I do! It’s not just a treat for breakfast but also a cozy dessert option that brings warmth to any occasion. Enjoy sharing it with friends and family, or savor a slice all by yourself with a hot cup of coffee. Happy baking!