Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe is a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin spice with the comforting texture of coffee cake. Perfect for fall gatherings, brunches, or cozy evenings at home, this cake offers a unique twist on traditional coffee cake. With its rich layers and buttery streusel topping, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a rich, aromatic taste that is perfect for any season.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with a cup of coffee, or serve it as a dessert at your next gathering.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With 16 servings, this cake is great for sharing at parties or family events.
• Leftover Friendly: The cake stays fresh for several days, allowing you to savor it over time.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Large mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9×13 inch cake pan
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ensures that your batter gets mixed evenly and achieves the right fluffiness.
• Large mixing bowls: Provides ample space to combine ingredients without the risk of spilling.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring no ingredient gets left behind during mixing.

Ingredients

For this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Streusel Topping

• 3 cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup butter (2 sticks, melted)

For the Cake

• 2 & 1/4 cups all purpose 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
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, softened but still cool)
• 1 (15-oz) can pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling, divided)
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (I use light-flavor olive oil)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Icing

• 1/4 cup butter (half stick, very soft)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (use less if all you have is table salt)
• 3 tablespoons milk (more to taste)
• 2 cups powdered sugar

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch cake pan with nonstick spray or rub it with butter.

Step 2: 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.
Melt 1 cup butter in a medium bowl in the microwave. Pour into the larger bowl and stir until combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand with big chunks.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

In another large bowl or using a stand mixer:
Combine 2 and 1/4 cups flour, 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.
Chop 1/2 cup softened butter into chunks and add it to the flour mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate Pumpkin Purée

Add half of the can of pumpkin purée to the flour and butter mixture. Mix until combined; do not over mix. If necessary, add more pumpkin purée until it forms a ball.

Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients

In the same medium bowl used for melting butter:
Add remaining pumpkin purée along with eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
Whisk well until fully combined.

Step 6: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add egg mixture into the flour mixture in three additions:
Beat for about 20 seconds after each addition.
Once all egg mixture is added, beat for an additional minute until fluffy.

Step 7: Layering in Cake Pan

Spread half of the batter into your prepared cake pan:
Sprinkle with half of the streusel topping.
Add remaining batter on top followed by more streusel topping.

Step 8: Bake Your Cake

Bake at 350 degrees F for approximately:
Initial bake time of about 35 minutes. When done remove from oven quickly sprinkle remaining streusel on top.
Bake again for an additional 10–15 minutes. The total bake time should be around 45–50 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick.

Step 9: Cool and Ice

Let cool on a wire rack for at least:
Allow cooling for about 15–20 minutes before cutting.
To make icing:
In a medium bowl beat together softened butter until smooth then mix in vanilla extract followed by milk and powdered sugar until smooth.

Drizzle icing over cooled cake before serving! Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Coffee Cake!

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

Serving your Pumpkin Coffee Cake can be a delightful experience. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, here are some suggestions to elevate your serving game.

Pair with Coffee

• A classic pairing: Enjoy your cake with a hot cup of coffee. The rich flavors of the coffee complement the pumpkin spice beautifully.

Add Whipped Cream

• Light and fluffy: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for added sweetness and creaminess.

Serve with Ice Cream

• A warm treat: Serve slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The melting ice cream creates a deliciously indulgent dessert.

Garnish with Nuts

• Crunchy contrast: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added texture and flavor that pairs well with the cake.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• Sweet finish: Drizzle caramel sauce over each piece to enhance the sweetness and create a beautiful presentation.

Enjoy with Fresh Fruit

• Brighten up the dish: Serve alongside sliced apples or pears to add freshness and balance out the richness of the cake.

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How to Perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

To ensure your Pumpkin Coffee Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients – Make sure your pumpkin puree is fresh and not expired for the best flavor.
• Check oven temperature – Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures; this helps achieve even baking.
• Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined when adding wet ingredients to avoid dense cake; this keeps it light and fluffy.
• Cool properly – Allow the cake to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack; this prevents sogginess.
• Store correctly – Keep leftover cake covered at room temperature or refrigerated to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Adjust spices – Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Coffee Cake can enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing contrast.
2. Chai Tea – The spices in chai complement the pumpkin flavors beautifully, making it a perfect drink choice.
3. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad adds brightness and freshness, balancing out the rich cake.
4. Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast that works well with sweet desserts.
5. Breakfast Sausages – Serve alongside savory breakfast sausages for a hearty brunch option that contrasts nicely with sweetness.
6. Granola Bars – These can be served as an additional snack option alongside coffee cake, providing crunch and health benefits.
7. Muffins – Offer mini muffins in complementary flavors such as apple or cinnamon for variety at breakfast or brunch.
8. Savory Biscuits – Flaky biscuits can be enjoyed on the side, providing a different texture that pairs well with sweet coffee cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe, some common pitfalls can affect the final outcome. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Using the wrong type of pumpkin: Ensure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to achieve the best flavor and texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a fluffy result.
• Skipping the streusel: The streusel topping adds crucial texture and flavor. Don’t skip it if you want that delightful crunch!
• Incorrect oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). An incorrect temperature can alter baking time and consistency.
• Not testing for doneness: Always check your cake with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready; this prevents overbaking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep your Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days in the fridge.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before sealing it in the container to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 10-20 seconds until heated through.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat until warmed, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about the Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe, we’ve got answers!

Can I make this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe without eggs?

You can substitute eggs with applesauce or flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement.

How do I enhance the flavor of the Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe?

Adding nuts or chocolate chips can elevate the taste while providing added texture.

What should I serve with this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe?

Pair it with coffee or tea for a cozy treat, or enjoy it with vanilla ice cream for dessert.

How long does this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe last?

Properly stored, it lasts 2-3 days at room temperature or longer when refrigerated or frozen.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with nuts, chocolate chips, or additional spices. Give it a try; you won’t regret indulging in this warm and comforting treat!