Pumpkin Coffee Cake

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Hi I'm Stacy

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on 17 October 2025

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Pumpkin Coffee Cake

When autumn arrives, the air is filled with the warmth of spices and the comforting scent of pumpkin. There’s something magical about pumpkin coffee cake that captures the essence of the season. This delightful treat not only makes for an excellent breakfast but also serves as a delicious dessert for coffee breaks or family gatherings. With its moist texture, crumbly streusel topping, and just the right hint of spices, lifting a slice of this cake feels like indulging in a hug straight from the oven.

The best part ? This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is not overly complicated and comes together quickly, making it accessible even for novice bakers. The combination of pumpkin puree and aromatic spices will fill your kitchen with enticing fragrances, and each bite offers a wonderful balance of sweetness and warmth. So, preheat that oven and let’s get started!

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
The foundation for any cake, all-purpose flour provides structure and stability to the cake, ensuring it rises beautifully.
1 cup brown sugar
Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor and moisture to the cake, leading to a rich, deeper sweetness.
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Granulated sugar balances the richness of the brown sugar, contributing to the fine crumb of the cake.
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Salt enhances the flavors in the cake, making the sweetness taste more pronounced and balanced.

1 tablespoon cinnamon
Cinnamon infuses warmth into the cake, evoking cozy feelings synonymous with the fall season.
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
This spice blend adds complexity, complementing the pumpkin and enhancing the seasonal flavor profile.
1 cup butter (2 sticks, melted)
The melted butter ensures the cake is moist and flavorful, contributing to a tender crumb.

2 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour for cake batter
Provides structure, ensuring the cake has the right consistency and doesn’t crumble apart.
1 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar for cake
Enhances sweetness and ensures a light and airy texture as it incorporates air during mixing.
1 tablespoon baking powder
A leavening agent, baking powder helps the cake rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.

3/4 teaspoon baking soda
Works alongside baking powder to create a tender crumb and gives the cake a beautiful rise.
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt for cake
Again, salt plays a critical role in flavor enhancement, ensuring the cake is well-balanced.
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice for cake
Adds more depth to the flavors in the cake, ensuring pumpkin is the star ingredient.

1 teaspoon cinnamon for cake
Reiterates the spiced notes, ensuring a consistent flavor throughout the layers of this decadent treat.
1/2 cup butter (1 stick, softened but still cool)
Provides richness and moisture, creating a tender texture in the cake batter.
1 (15-oz) can pumpkin puree (divided)
This star ingredient imparts the rich pumpkin flavor and moisture that is essential for a perfectly luscious cake.

4 large eggs
Eggs act as binders and provide structure, contributing to the overall richness and moisture of the cake.
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Enhances moisture and tenderness in the cake, keeping it fresh and soft.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Adds a lovely aroma and flavor that complements the spices and pumpkin perfectly.

1/4 cup butter (half stick, very soft)
Incorporates easily into the streusel, ensuring a crumbly yet cohesive texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract for icing
This adds sweetness and rounds out the flavors of the frosting nicely.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt for icing
A pinch of salt in the icing helps to balance the sweetness and enhance overall flavor.

3 tablespoons milk (more to taste)
Adjusts the consistency of the icing, ensuring it’s drizzle-worthy without being too runny.
2 cups powdered sugar
Forms the base of the icing, giving it sweetness and a smooth texture.

Directions & Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch cake pan with nonstick spray or rub with butter.
Preheating ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises properly. Proper greasing prevents sticking, providing a clean release, which is vital for maintaining the integrity of the cake.

Make the streusel: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups flour, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice.
Mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly incorporates air, which is crucial for texture; the spices blend to create a cohesive flavor experience, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Melt 1 cup of butter in a medium bowl in the microwave. Pour it into the flour mixture and stir to combine.
Melting the butter allows it to integrate seamlessly into the streusel, ensuring it forms a crumbly topping that will provide texture and flavor contrast to the moist cake.
For the cake: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together 2 & 1/4 cups flour, 1 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Combining the dry ingredients first ensures they’re uniformly distributed in the batter, which results in an even rise and consistent flavor throughout.

Chop 1/2 cup softened butter into chunks and add it to the flour mixture.
Having small chunks of butter allows for a flaky texture, ensuring that the cake remains moist and tender when baked.
In a separate bowl, mix half of the pumpkin puree, 4 eggs, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 1 tablespoon vanilla. Beat well until blended.
Mixing the wet ingredients separately allows for an even incorporation of flavors and ensures that everything will blend smoothly into the dry ingredients when combined.
Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture in 3 additions, beating after each addition. Beat until light and fluffy.
Adding the wet ingredients gradually helps to emulsify the batter, promoting the development of air pockets, which result in a light, airy texture in the finished cake.

Spread 2 cups of batter into the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle 1 cup of streusel on top, followed by another 2 cups of batter and then the remaining streusel.
Layering the batter and streusel creates alternating pockets of moist cake and crunchy topping, ensuring each slice is an adventure of texture and flavor.
Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes, then sprinkle remaining streusel on top and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Total bake time should be 45-50 minutes.
Maintaining a consistent baking temperature is key to allowing the batter to rise evenly, while adding streusel halfway ensures a crispy top without burning.
Let the cake cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes.
Allowing the cake to cool slightly prevents it from continuing to cook in the pan and helps to set the crumb structure, making for a more enjoyable texture.

Make the icing: Beat 1/4 cup butter until smooth, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 3 tablespoons milk, and 2 cups powdered sugar. Beat until smooth.
This step creates a silky icing that will drizzle beautifully and infuse every slice with a sweet finish.
Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake and serve warm.
Drizzling when the cake is warm allows the icing to melt slightly, creating an inviting sheen and enhancing the dessert experience with that warm, gooey goodness.

Baking a Perfect Pumpkin Experience

The Importance of Fresh Spices

Using fresh spices instead of pre-ground options elevates your pumpkin coffee cake. Freshly ground spices release their essential oils and flavors, ensuring that the distinct fragrances of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice shine through, giving your cake an irresistible aroma and taste.

Choosing Quality Pumpkin Puree

Opting for high-quality pumpkin puree can make all the difference in flavor. Brands that showcase pure pumpkin without additives will enhance the taste of your cake, making it a standout. When possible, try to find organic or all-natural options to ensure you’re baking the best quality dessert.

Storing Leftovers Wisely

To thrive beyond the first day, store any leftovers properly. Keep the cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for a week. If you notice it drying out, a slice warmed in the microwave for a few seconds can refresh its moist texture, making it delightful once more!

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works splendidly! Just make sure it’s thick and not too watery for the best results.

What if my cake is too thick?
If the batter feels overly thick, adding a splash more vegetable oil or milk can help achieve the right consistency.
How do I prevent my cake from burning?
Always check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer, as oven temperatures vary. If necessary, rotate the cake halfway through baking for even cooking.
Can I substitute a different flour for a gluten-free version?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and remember that baking times might vary.

Why is my cake too dense?
This could be due to overmixing the batter or packing the flour too tightly. Aim for light mixing only until incorporated.
Can I add nuts to the streusel?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a delightful crunch and pair beautifully with the warm spices.
Can I adjust the spices to my liking?
Yes, feel free to modify the spices. If you prefer more cinnamon or want to add nutmeg, go for it!

Will my cake freeze well?
Yes, you can freeze the uneaten cake for up to three months. Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic and foil before freezing.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is more than just a dessert; it embodies the spirit of cozy gatherings and crisp autumn days. Each bite brings together the heavenly flavors of pumpkin and spices, topped with a buttery streusel that perfectly rounds out the experience. Whether enjoyed with a morning cup of coffee or at a festive table, this cake is sure to win hearts and satisfy cravings.

Baking should be a joyful experience, and this recipe is designed to be both approachable and rewarding. So gather your ingredients, take in that sweet smell wafting through your kitchen, and enjoy the smiles that come with sharing this delightful pumpkin creation!

Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Hi I'm Stacy

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Ingredients

Directions & Preparation

Baking a Perfect Pumpkin Experience

The Importance of Fresh Spices

Choosing Quality Pumpkin Puree

Storing Leftovers Wisely

FAQs

Conclusion