Pumpkin Coffee Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of fall, then this Pumpkin Coffee Cake is just what you need! This delightful cake combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and spice, making it a favorite among family and friends. It’s perfect for busy mornings, potlucks, or simply as a sweet indulgence with your afternoon coffee. Trust me, once you try this easy recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your home.

What makes this Pumpkin Coffee Cake so special is its incredible moistness and that lovely streusel topping. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or dessert, each bite is like a hug in cake form. So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The steps are simple and straightforward, making this a fantastic recipe even for novice bakers.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves pumpkin spice! This cake is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time for gatherings or enjoy it fresh throughout the week.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of spices and pumpkin creates a wonderfully rich taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Pumpkin Coffee Cake requires just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Let’s gather everything you need to create this delicious treat!

For the Cake

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams) (melted)
• 1 and 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (167 grams)
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar (79 grams)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (67 grams)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 grams) (spooned & leveled)
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil (180 ml) (or canola oil)
• 1 and 1/2 cups packed brown sugar (315 grams)
• 3 large eggs, whisked together (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream (120 ml) (room temperature)
• 2 cups canned pumpkin (or one 15oz can plus 1 extra tablespoon sour cream)

For the Glaze

• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (30-45 ml) (or milk)
• 1 – 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (110 – 165 grams)

Variations

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is super flexible! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Swap the Spices: Try adding different spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor twist.
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip: Fold in some chocolate chips to satisfy your sweet tooth!
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the moment it goes in.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and lightly flour it. It’s important for the sides of your pan to be at least 2 inches tall; otherwise, the batter may overflow while baking, creating a mess you don’t want!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In one bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures that every bite has that wonderful pumpkin spice flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together melted butter, vegetable oil, sugars, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and canned pumpkin until smooth. This mixture provides moisture and richness to our cake.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – we want our cake light and fluffy!

Step 6: Bake!

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While waiting for the cake to cool slightly, whisk together heavy cream and powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle this over your cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness.

And there you have it! A warm slice of Pumpkin Coffee Cake ready to be enjoyed. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Creating the perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake is all about attention to detail and a little love. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and absolutely delightful!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your eggs, sour cream, and pumpkin to room temperature allows them to blend more easily with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother batter and a more evenly baked cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently folding the ingredients together can help keep your cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture that we want to avoid.
• Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary in temperature. Check your cake 5–10 minutes before the recommended baking time by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
• Cool Before Serving: Allowing your cake to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting helps it set and makes it easier to slice without crumbling.
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness. Just warm it slightly before serving for that freshly-baked taste!

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Serving your Pumpkin Coffee Cake is just as important as baking it! Here are some delightful ideas to enhance its presentation and enjoyability.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds an elegant touch and a hint of sweetness without overwhelming the pumpkin flavor.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling some toasted walnuts or pecans on top provides a nice crunch that complements the soft texture of the cake beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries adds brightness and balances the richness of the coffee cake.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layering creamy yogurt with granola and pumpkin spice creates a delicious side dish that complements your coffee cake while keeping things light.
• Spiced Tea or Coffee: Serve alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee to enhance those cozy pumpkin flavors. The warmth will make every bite even more comforting.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between hot cake and cold ice cream is simply heavenly!

Now that you have all these tips, garnishing ideas, and sides in mind, you’re ready to enjoy this scrumptious Pumpkin Coffee Cake in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is not only a delicious treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, whether for breakfast or as a delightful dessert.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake, where it will last about a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• If reheating the whole cake, cover with aluminum foil and warm for about 15-20 minutes.
• For individual slices, microwave on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this Pumpkin Coffee Cake!

Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned pumpkin in Pumpkin Coffee Cake?

Absolutely! You can use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned. Just make sure it’s well-cooked and pureed until smooth for the best results.

How do I make my Pumpkin Coffee Cake more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding extra spices like allspice or cardamom. Additionally, mixing in nuts or chocolate chips can add texture and richness!

What is the best way to serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake?

Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top, or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness!

Can I make this Pumpkin Coffee Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is truly special—it’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion! I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Whether it’s a cozy morning or a sweet afternoon treat, this cake is sure to bring warmth and joy. Happy baking!