Pumpkin Coffee Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful way to welcome the cozy vibes of fall, then this Pumpkin Coffee Cake is just what you need. Imagine waking up to the warm aroma of pumpkin and spices wafting through your kitchen, making it impossible to resist a slice or two with your morning coffee. This recipe has quickly become one of my favorites—not only because it’s bursting with flavor, but also because it’s incredibly easy to whip up. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this cake fits right in.

The best part? It’s perfect for any occasion! Serve it at brunch, pack it for a picnic, or enjoy it as an afternoon snack. Trust me; everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and basic ingredients, you can have this cake ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and spiced flavor of pumpkin.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time and store it for those busy mornings when you need something quick.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin spice and brown sugar crumble makes every bite a treat.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as breakfast, dessert, or a snack with your favorite beverage.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome—perfect for bringing warmth and sweetness to your kitchen!

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! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Incorporate Chocolate Chips: For a sweet twist, add chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger for added warmth and complexity.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step is essential as it ensures an even bake throughout your cake.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Spray a 9×9 square baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined. This helps distribute all the flavors evenly throughout the cake.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin, brown sugar, oil, maple syrup, and milk. Mixing these ingredients separately allows you to achieve a smooth batter later on.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a dense coffee cake instead of that light texture we want.

Step 6: Pour into Baking Pan

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

Step 7: Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine all crumb topping ingredients. Add in the cold butter and press with a fork until you get that crumbly texture. This topping adds beautiful texture and flavor on top of your cake!

Step 8: Add Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over your batter. Place it in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. If needed, bake an additional five minutes if it’s still wet.

Now you have a delicious Pumpkin Coffee Cake ready to serve! Enjoy each slice fresh from the oven or let it cool before storing it for later indulgence.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Making the perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake is easier than you might think with a few simple tips!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and milk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter and ensures that all ingredients blend together seamlessly for a fluffier cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined will keep your coffee cake tender and light. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, which we definitely want to avoid.

• Check for doneness properly: When testing with a toothpick, remember that it’s okay if a few moist crumbs cling to it; this means your cake will be perfectly moist and not overbaked.

• Chill the butter for crumb topping: Using cold butter for your crumb topping helps achieve that delightful crunchy texture. It creates small pockets of butter in the mixture that will melt during baking, resulting in irresistible crumbs.

• Let it cool before slicing: Allowing your coffee cake to cool slightly before cutting enhances its structure and makes serving much easier without crumbling.

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Serving Pumpkin Coffee Cake is all about presentation and pairing! Here are some ideas to make your dish shine.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of non-dairy whipped cream on top provides a creamy contrast to the spiced cake, making each bite deliciously indulgent.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the coffee cake.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing this dessert with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea brings out the flavors and makes for an inviting breakfast or afternoon snack.
• Yogurt parfait: A side of dairy-free yogurt layered with granola can provide a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet spiced cake.
• Maple syrup drizzle: Serve a small dish of maple syrup on the side for those who want an extra touch of sweetness with their slice.

Enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Coffee Cake creation! It’s sure to be a hit at breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is a fantastic meal prep option! It’s perfect for making ahead, so you can enjoy delicious slices throughout the week. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the coffee cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap slices of the cooled coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped slices into a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy reference!

Reheating

• To reheat, remove desired slices from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat in an oven at 350° F for about 10 minutes until warmed.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

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

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

How can I make this Pumpkin Coffee Cake even more flavorful?

For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter or topping. You could also add chocolate chips for a sweet twist!

What makes this Pumpkin Coffee Cake special?

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is not only rich in pumpkin spice flavor but also features a delightful crumb topping that takes it to another level of deliciousness. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a cozy snack!

Is this Pumpkin Coffee Cake suitable for breakfast?

Definitely! This cake is moist and flavorful, making it a wonderful option for breakfast alongside your morning coffee.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Pumpkin Coffee Cake as much as I do! It’s such a warm and inviting treat that captures the essence of fall. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a quiet moment with your favorite mug of coffee, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your kitchen. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!