Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Bring the taste of Fall to your mornings with this easy Pumpkin Coffee Cake recipe. If you’re looking for a delightful way to embrace the season, this cake is perfect! It’s not just a treat; it’s a hug in dessert form. With its warm spices and sweet crumb topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend brunch with family, this Pumpkin Coffee Cake fits every occasion beautifully.

Imagine waking up to the aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen. It’s a comforting scent that makes you feel right at home. Plus, this cake is so simple to whip up that you’ll find yourself making it over and over again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: This recipe comes together in just about 15 minutes of prep time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the warm flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon—a perfect treat for kids and adults alike!
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it fresh for breakfast or as an afternoon snack throughout the week.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a moist cake that’s bursting with fall goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Pumpkin Coffee Cake. You probably have most of these in your pantry already! Here’s what you will need:

For the Cake

• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 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

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)

Variations

One of the best things about this Pumpkin Coffee Cake is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up according to your taste:

• Add nuts: Throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Incorporate chocolate chips: Chocolate lovers can add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Use applesauce: Swap out half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option.
• Try different spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger to customize the spice profile to your liking.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your cake will bake evenly and rise beautifully. While it heats, you can prepare your baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Spray a 9×9 square baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This step is crucial as it helps prevent sticking, making cleanup easier!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the two cups of flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Mixing these dry ingredients together helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another medium bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin, brown sugar, oil, maple syrup, and milk until well-combined. These ingredients add moisture and flavor to our cake!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a denser coffee cake, which we want to avoid.

Step 6: Spread Batter in Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. This helps ensure even baking across all corners of your coffee cake.

Step 7: Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the crumb topping ingredients: flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use a fork to press everything together until you achieve a crumbly texture.

Step 8: Top Your Batter

Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter in the pan. This adds that irresistible crunchy layer on top!

Step 9: Bake!

Bake in your preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. If needed, bake for an additional five minutes until done.

Now you have a delightful Pumpkin Coffee Cake ready to share with family or enjoy solo with your morning coffee! Enjoy every bite as you savor those wonderful fall flavors!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Baking is a science and an art, and with a few simple tips, you can elevate your Pumpkin Coffee Cake to the next level!

• Use fresh spices – Freshly ground cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice enhance the flavor of your cake, making it more aromatic and delicious. Old spices can lose their potency and dull the taste.

• Don’t overmix – Mixing just until combined ensures a tender crumb. Overmixing activates gluten in the flour, which can lead to a dense cake.

• Room temperature ingredients – Allow your wet ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps them combine more easily with the dry ingredients and leads to a fluffier texture.

• Check for doneness – Ovens can vary in temperature, so always check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick should come out mostly clean for perfect results.

• Cool before slicing – Let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling helps set the structure, making it easier to cut beautiful slices without crumbling.

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Serving your Pumpkin Coffee Cake can be just as delightful as baking it! Here are some fun ideas to make your presentation stand out.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.
• Whipped coconut cream – For a dairy-free alternative, top each slice with fluffy whipped coconut cream for added richness and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad – A mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and grapes provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet coffee cake.
• Yogurt parfaits – Layering yogurt with granola and berries offers a creamy texture that balances the spiced cake perfectly.
• Herbal tea or coffee – Pairing your cake with a warm cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee enhances the cozy fall vibes of this dish.
• Maple-glazed pecans – These crunchy nuts add a delightful sweetness and texture that pairs wonderfully with each bite of cake.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’re ready to share your delicious Pumpkin Coffee Cake with friends and family! Enjoy every warm, flavorful bite as you celebrate the season.

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 for breakfast or a delightful snack.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the cake cool completely before storing.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Once cooled, slice the coffee cake into portions.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best quality, consume within 1-2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, remove the wrapping and place on a microwave-safe plate.
• Microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious Pumpkin Coffee Cake!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

How do I make my Pumpkin Coffee Cake more moist?

To enhance moisture, consider adding an extra tablespoon of oil or reducing the baking time slightly.

What can I serve with Pumpkin Coffee Cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, and a dollop of whipped cream (or a non-dairy alternative) makes for an extra special treat!

Can I add nuts to my Pumpkin Coffee Cake?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delightful addition to give your cake some crunch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Pumpkin Coffee Cake as much as I do! It’s a cozy recipe that embodies the flavors of fall and brings warmth to any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying it at breakfast or as an afternoon snack, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Don’t hesitate to try it out and share your experience—I can’t wait to hear how you like it!