Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Introduction

Pumpkin Coffee Cake is a delightful treat combining the comforting essence of coffee cake with the warm flavors of pumpkin. Perfect for autumn mornings or holiday gatherings, this recipe brings together a moist pumpkin base with a sweet cinnamon crumble topping. Whether served alongside coffee, tea, or enjoyed on its own, this cake is a must-try for any pumpkin lover.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

For the Cake:

sugar – 1 1/2 cups
vegetable oil – 1/2 cup
sour cream – 1/4 cup
eggs – 2 large
pure pumpkin – 1 cup
all-purpose flour – 2 cups
baking powder – 2 teaspoons
baking soda – 1 teaspoon
salt – 1/2 teaspoon
cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
ginger – 1/2 teaspoon
cloves – 1/4 teaspoon

For the Crumble Topping:

all-purpose flour – 1 1/2 cups
light brown sugar – 3/4 cup
sugar – 1/4 cup
softened butter – 3/4 cup
salt – 1/4 teaspoon

For the Glaze:

powdered sugar – 1 cup
milk – 1 to 2 tablespoons
vanilla extract – 1/4 teaspoon

Prep Time

Preparing the Pumpkin Coffee Cake takes about 15 to 20 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients, mixing them, and creating the crumble topping and glaze.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time is approximately 45 to 50 minutes at 350°F, ensuring the cake stays soft and moist. With preparation and cooking combined, the total time is around 1 hour and 10 minutes. This recipe yields one 9×13-inch cake, perfect for serving 12 to 16 people. Enjoy the rich pumpkin flavors and the crumbly topping with each bite!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Crumb Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, sugar, and cinnamon. Whisk to combine.
2. Cut cold butter into small chunks, then add to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or a fork to incorporate the butter until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. Set aside.

Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 inch pan or line it with parchment paper, making sure the edges hang over for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. In a large bowl, add softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides as necessary.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and pumpkin puree until well incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low until just combined. Do not overmix.

Assemble and Bake the Coffee Cake

1. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
2. Sprinkle about half of the prepared crumb topping evenly over the batter.
3. Spread the remaining batter over the crumb layer, carefully smoothing it out as best as possible.
4. Sprinkle the rest of the crumb topping over the top layer of batter.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.

Notes

Adjusting the Spice Levels

Feel free to adjust the amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to your taste preferences. You can add more or less depending on how much spice flavor you prefer.

Using Other Pan Sizes

If you do not have a 9×9 inch pan, an 8×8 inch pan can also be used, but the baking time may need adjustment. Always keep an eye on the cake and test with a toothpick.

Storage Instructions

Store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Optional Add-Ins

Consider adding chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crumb topping for an extra crunch. Chocolate chips could also be mixed into the batter for a sweeter variation.

Serving Ideas

This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a festive presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
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Cook techniques

Prepare the crumb topping first

Start by making the crumb topping so it’s ready to go when you assemble the cake. Use cold butter and a pastry cutter or fork to combine the ingredients until the mixture is crumbly. Set it aside for later use.

Properly mix the batter

Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. When mixing them together, gently fold until just combined.

Layer the cake batter and cinnamon filling

For the best flavor, layer half of the cake batter into the pan, then evenly sprinkle on the cinnamon sugar mixture before adding the rest of the batter on top. This technique creates a flavorful ribbon throughout the cake.

Spread crumb topping evenly

Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping evenly over the cake batter before baking. Avoid pressing it down into the batter to maintain a perfect crumbled texture on top.

Check for doneness without opening the oven too soon

Bake the coffee cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven door too early to ensure even baking.

FAQ

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it is pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added spices and sugar.

Do I need to refrigerate the cake?

No, you don’t need to refrigerate the cake. Store it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moist texture.

Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Absolutely, this coffee cake can be made a day in advance. Store it covered to keep it fresh. The flavors often develop even more after resting overnight.

Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Allow it to cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

What can I use as a substitute for the crumb topping?

If you prefer a different topping, you could sprinkle the cake with powdered sugar after baking or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but it needs to be cooked and pureed first. Make sure to drain excess moisture so it has the same consistency as canned puree.

How do I prevent the crumb topping from sinking into the cake?

Ensure the crumbs are large and the batter has the right consistency—not too thin. Lightly sprinkle the topping on the batter without pressing it down.

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, but keep in mind that the baking time may vary. For example, using a larger pan may result in a thinner cake that bakes faster, while a smaller, deeper pan may take longer. Keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick for doneness.

What’s the best way to reheat this coffee cake?

To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or reheat the entire cake in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits to the batter or crumb topping for extra texture and flavor. Adjust as desired.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Coffee Cake is the ultimate fall treat that perfectly balances rich pumpkin flavor, dreamy cinnamon-spiced streusel, and a moist, perfectly soft texture. It’s easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack anytime you want a bit of autumn comfort. Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or tea, and it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Classic Cinnamon Rolls

Try pairing your Pumpkin Coffee Cake with classic cinnamon rolls for a decadent breakfast spread full of warm spices.

Maple-Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

Add some Maple-Glazed Pumpkin Donuts to your menu for an extra indulgent pumpkin-themed treat.

Homemade Apple Cider

Pour a glass of warm homemade apple cider to perfectly complement the flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon in the coffee cake.

Spiced Whipped Cream

Serve your coffee cake with a dollop of spiced whipped cream for an extra layer of indulgence and flavor.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Drizzle or slather cream cheese frosting as an optional topping to make your Pumpkin Coffee Cake even more luxurious.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Pair a homemade pumpkin spice latte for an all-out pumpkin-flavored breakfast setup.

Pecan Pie Bars

Balance the pumpkin coffee cake with some pecan pie bars for a variety of textures and flavors perfect for autumn gatherings.