Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe – Perfect Fall Breakfast
A warm slice of pumpkin coffee cake topped with creamy frosting and sprinkled with cinnamon is on a rustic wooden table surrounded by autumn leaves and a steaming cup of coffee, soft morning light casting gentle shadows.
Welcome to the ultimate Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe. It turns your fall breakfast into a delightful culinary experience. This treat combines pumpkin’s rich flavors with warm spices, making it a breakfast sensation.
This recipe is perfect for home bakers looking for a delicious fall breakfast. It offers a great balance of moisture, spice, and crunch. It’s ideal for a special weekend brunch or a festive Thanksgiving morning dish.
Key Takeaways
- Easy to prepare Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe
- Perfect for fall breakfast and holiday gatherings
- Packed with warm, aromatic spices
- Quick 50-minute total preparation time
- Serves 9 delicious slices
- Highly rated with 4.8 stars from 139 reviews
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months
The Ultimate Fall Breakfast Delight
Start your morning with a slice of warm, aromatic pumpkin coffee cake. It captures the essence of autumn. This recipe turns an ordinary breakfast into a spectacular experience. It will delight your taste buds and warm your soul.
Why This Recipe Works
Our pumpkin coffee cake is moist and rich. The secret is in the ingredients:
- Pure pumpkin puree for a smooth texture
- Maple syrup for natural sweetness
- Blended spices for depth of flavor
A warm slice of pumpkin coffee cake, topped with a drizzle of creamy icing and sprinkled with cinnamon, is placed on a rustic wooden table. Surrounding the cake are autumn leaves in vibrant oranges and yellows, along with a steaming cup of coffee in a cozy mug. Soft morning light filters through, casting gentle shadows and inviting fall ambiance.
Key Benefits of Homemade Coffee Cake
Baking this coffee cake at home has many benefits:
- Complete ingredient control
- Customizable flavors
- Fresh, no preservatives
- Cost-effective
“Baking is love made edible” – Unknown
Essential Kitchen Tools
To make this delicious pumpkin coffee cake, you’ll need:
- 9-inch square baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Cooling rack
With these tools and our recipe, you’ll make a breakfast masterpiece. It celebrates the flavors of fall.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Making the perfect pumpkin coffee cake needs the right ingredients. These ingredients make the cake moist and full of flavor. Knowing what each part does will make your baking better.
A cozy kitchen scene featuring an assortment of ingredients for pumpkin coffee cake: a small pumpkin, a bowl of flour, brown sugar, white sugar, baking powder, cinnamon sticks, ground nutmeg, a stick of butter, eggs, and a glass of milk arranged artfully on a rustic wooden countertop with autumn leaves scattered around. Soft, warm lighting creates an inviting atmosphere.
Your cake’s success begins with quality ingredients. Let’s look at the key parts:
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Creates the cake’s structure
- Pumpkin pie spice (1 tablespoon): Delivers classic fall flavor
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness
Wet Ingredients
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Provides richness
- Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups): Adds sweetness
- Eggs (2): Bind ingredients together
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor
- Pumpkin puree (1 cup): Creates moisture and autumn essence
- Buttermilk (3/4 cup): Ensures tender crumb
Pro tip: Use pure pumpkin puree for the best taste. The right ingredients make a big difference in your pumpkin coffee cake.
Streusel Topping Magic
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Cold and cubed
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Adds depth and moisture
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Creates crumbly texture
- Pumpkin pie spice (1 tablespoon): Intensifies fall flavors
“Baking is about precision and passion – choose your ingredients wisely.”
Knowing what each ingredient does will help you make a moist, spiced, and irresistible pumpkin coffee cake.
Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe
Get ready to turn your kitchen into a fall flavor paradise with this delicious pumpkin coffee cake recipe. Start by gathering the perfect ingredients and preparing each part with care.
Before you begin, make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready. This recipe makes 16 servings and bakes in 30-40 minutes at 350°F.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour for cake
- 1 cup flour for crumb topping
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar for topping
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup butter for streusel
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F
- Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl
- Combine wet ingredients in a separate bowl
- Create the cinnamon streusel topping
- Layer batter and streusel in a prepared pan
- Bake for 55-70 minutes
Your kitchen will fill with a wonderful aroma as this pumpkin coffee cake bakes. The crumbly streusel topping adds a delightful texture. It’s a true meat lover’s delight, even though it’s not smoky beef ribs!
Pro Tip: Let the cake cool for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
The result is a moist, flavorful cake that will become your new fall breakfast favorite. Each slice offers a perfect balance of pumpkin spice and sweet streusel.
Pro Tips for a Moist and Flavorful Cake
Making the perfect pumpkin coffee cake is more than just a recipe. Professional bakers know that small details make a big difference. These tips will help you improve your pumpkin coffee cake, whether you’re new or experienced.
Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid
Getting the right texture starts with avoiding common mistakes. Here are some key ones to watch out for:
- Overmixing the batter which can make the cake dense
- Using cold ingredients that prevent proper blending
- Opening the oven door too often during baking
- Forgetting to check cake doneness with a knife test
Storage and Freshness Tips
Keep your pumpkin coffee cake fresh with these tips:
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Refrigerate for longer freshness up to 5-6 days
- Freeze whole or sliced cake for up to 2 months
Make-Ahead Instructions
Busy bakers can prep parts ahead of time. Pro tip: Mix dry ingredients and streusel topping early. Refrigerate the batter overnight to let flavors meld. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, bake at 350°F.
Remember, great baking is about patience and precision!
Conclusion
Your pumpkin coffee cake journey doesn’t end with baking. This delightful fall breakfast recipe turns simple ingredients into a memorable culinary experience. You’ve found a true autumn treasure with 331 recipe shares and 16 delectable servings.
Each slice offers a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. At 343 calories per serving, this coffee cake is a satisfying treat that fits into your balanced diet. The warm spices and rich pumpkin create a sensory experience that elevates your morning routine or afternoon snack time.
Whether preparing a slow cooker breakfast or seeking a quick fall-inspired dessert, this pumpkin coffee cake recipe delivers. Its versatility means you can enjoy it from morning until evening. It’s a reliable recipe for family gatherings or quiet moments of indulgence. Your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pure autumn comfort.
Remember, great recipes are about more than ingredients—they’re about creating memories. Embrace this pumpkin coffee cake as your new seasonal favorite, and watch it become a cherished tradition in your home.
FAQ
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is recommended for this recipe. Make sure to use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices. This ensures the most consistent and authentic pumpkin flavor in your coffee cake.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the Pumpkin Coffee Cake gluten-free, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For best results, look for a blend that includes xanthan gum. Use a 1:1 replacement ratio. This keeps the cake tender while making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How long will this Pumpkin Coffee Cake stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your Pumpkin Coffee Cake will stay fresh for 3-4 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake. It will keep for up to a week. Remember to bring it to room temperature before serving to restore its soft, moist texture.
Can I freeze this Pumpkin Coffee Cake?
Yes, this coffee cake freezes beautifully! Wrap the thoroughly cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.
Can I substitute the sour cream in the recipe?
If you don’t have sour cream, substitute it with Greek yogurt or plain yogurt in a 1:1 ratio. These alternatives will provide similar moisture and tanginess to your cake. You could use coconut yogurt or a non-dairy sour cream alternative for a dairy-free option.
What kind of spices are best for pumpkin spice flavor?
The classic pumpkin spice blend typically includes ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. For the most authentic flavor, use a combination of these spices. The typical ratio is 2 parts cinnamon, 1 part ginger, 1/2 part nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves. You can also use pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice for convenience.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the streusel topping and dry ingredients the night before. Mix the wet ingredients just before baking for the freshest result. You can also bake the entire cake in advance and reheat it gently in the oven or serve at room temperature.
What type of pan works best for this recipe?
A 9×13-inch rectangular baking pan works perfectly for this recipe. If you prefer, you can also use a 9-inch square pan, which will result in a slightly thicker cake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
PrintPumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake is the ultimate fall treat, combining spiced pumpkin cake with a crunchy streusel topping. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and the optional glaze adds a delightful sweetness. Easy to make and full of autumn flavors, it’s a must-have for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- For the Streusel Topping:
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Mix well.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Mix until crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans if desired.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
- Optional: Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Notes
- You can replace pecans with walnuts or omit nuts if preferred.
- To make ahead, store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days. Add the glaze just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American