Pumpkin Coffee Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy, delightful treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, then look no further than this Pumpkin Coffee Cake! This recipe is a true favorite in my home, especially during the fall season. The warm spices and moist texture make it perfect for bustling weekday mornings or leisurely weekend brunches with family. Plus, it’s simple enough that even the little ones can help out in the kitchen!

What makes this Pumpkin Coffee Cake special is not just its delicious flavor, but also how it fills your home with that comforting aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin spice. Whether you’re hosting friends or need a sweet snack for yourself, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Pumpkin Coffee Cake comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 9 generous servings, it’s great for family gatherings or cozy get-togethers with friends.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and a sweet crumb topping creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare this cake ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week—perfect for breakfast on-the-go!
• Kid-Friendly: This recipe is fun to make with kids; they’ll love mixing the ingredients and sprinkling on the crumb topping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to whip up this delicious Pumpkin Coffee Cake. You probably have many of these in your pantry already!

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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Substitute Sweeteners: If you prefer a healthier option, try using honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup.
• Include Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of dairy-free chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
• Top with Icing: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and plant-based milk over the cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. This ensures that your 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 prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin, brown sugar, oil, maple syrup, and milk until well combined. This mixture brings moisture and sweetness to our coffee cake.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into your dry mix. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a dense coffee cake instead of a soft one.

Step 6: Pour Batter into Baking Pan

Spread your batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. This helps it bake uniformly so that every slice is just as delicious as the last!

Step 7: Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together your crumb topping ingredients. Add in cold butter and use a fork to press until you achieve a crumbly consistency—this adds texture and flavor on top of your cake.

Step 8: Sprinkle Topping on Batter

Gently sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter before popping it into the oven. The crumbs will bake up beautifully golden brown!

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. If necessary, add an extra five minutes if it’s still wet—this allows for perfect doneness without being too dry.

Enjoy this delightful Pumpkin Coffee Cake warm from the oven or at room temperature—either way, it’s sure to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Making the perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake can be a breeze with just a few helpful tips! Here are some insights to ensure your cake turns out delightful every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your pumpkin, oil, and milk to room temperature helps to create a smooth batter that blends well, resulting in a lighter texture.

• Avoid overmixing: Mixing just until combined keeps your coffee cake tender and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, so be gentle!

• Check for doneness carefully: Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness at the 30-minute mark. A toothpick should come out mostly clean; if not, give it a few extra minutes.

• Let it cool before slicing: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack helps it set properly and makes slicing easier without crumbling.

• Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure they’re evenly distributed for consistent bites!

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Enjoying your Pumpkin Coffee Cake is all about presentation! Here are some delightful ways to serve this comforting dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness and an elegant finish.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream offers a creamy contrast that enhances the pumpkin spice flavors beautifully.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkling some toasted nuts on top gives a nice crunch and complements the cake’s rich flavors.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant fruit salad made with seasonal fruits brightens up the plate and adds refreshing flavors that balance out the richness of the cake.
• Yogurt parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and more pumpkin spice creates an enticing breakfast or snack option that pairs nicely with coffee cake.
• Hot coffee or chai tea: A warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea elevates your coffee cake experience, making it perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon treats.
• Maple syrup drizzle: Serve alongside a small jug of maple syrup for those who love an extra hint of sweetness; it’s especially delightful when drizzled over warm slices!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Pumpkin Coffee Cake will not only taste fantastic but also look absolutely irresistible on any table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up ahead of time, making your mornings sweeter and simpler. Here’s how to store and preserve your delicious creation:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the coffee cake to cool completely.
• Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the coffee cake into individual portions.
• Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to label the container with the date!

Reheating

• Remove the desired portion from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• To reheat, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also warm it in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful Pumpkin Coffee Cake.

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

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, just make sure to cook and puree it smoothly before using it as a substitute for canned pumpkin in this recipe.

How do I make my Pumpkin Coffee Cake more moist?

To enhance moisture, ensure you’re not overmixing your batter, as this can lead to a denser texture. Additionally, consider adding a bit more oil or substituting some of the flour with applesauce.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Pumpkin Coffee Cake?

Yes! Feel free to fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or sprinkle in chocolate chips for an extra treat. Just keep an eye on the consistency and adjust baking time if necessary.

What makes this Pumpkin Coffee Cake special?

The combination of pumpkin spice flavors complemented by a brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping creates a delightful balance that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this fabulous Pumpkin Coffee Cake as much as I do! It brings all the cozy flavors of fall into every bite, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones over coffee or tea. Whether it’s breakfast or an afternoon snack, it’s sure to be a hit. Happy baking!

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