Nothing says cozy like the rich flavor of pumpkin, especially when it’s baked into a delicious coffee cake. Whether you are looking for a comforting snack or a sweet treat to share with friends, Pumpkin Coffee Cake is the perfect choice. This cake is soft, moist, and packed with flavorful spices that make it ideal for any occasion. Combined with a crunchy streusel topping and a drizzle of creamy icing, this dessert will surely impress everyone! Let’s dive into the reasons why you should make this cake and how to create it step by step.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Pumpkin Coffee Cake is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about creating cherished moments with loved ones. This cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. The rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices evoke the feeling of fall all year round.
The process of baking is also a joyful experience. It fills your home with delightful aromas, transporting you to a cozy kitchen filled with warmth and love. This cake is not overly complicated, making it a great option for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, it’s a versatile dessert that pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk.
Bringing people together over delicious food is what makes this Pumpkin Coffee Cake a winner. Whether sharing slices at a gathering or savoring a piece during a cozy evening at home, this cake provides a sense of comfort and togetherness.
How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Baking Pumpkin Coffee Cake is a simple yet rewarding process. Follow these steps to create a delightful dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
To get started, gather the following ingredients. You’ll need:
For the streusel:
- 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 batter:
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 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, divided
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable 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
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Directions
Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to bake! Follow these detailed steps:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your cake bakes evenly.
Prepare the Cake Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch cake pan with butter or nonstick spray. This step is important to prevent the cake from sticking.
Make the Streusel: In a bowl, mix together the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Pour in the melted butter and stir the mixture until it looks like wet sand. Set this mixture aside as it will be used later for topping.
Prepare the Cake Batter: In another large mixing bowl, combine the 2 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 and 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and the remaining spices: pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon. Add the softened butter and mix until well combined.
Add Pumpkin: Incorporate half of the pumpkin puree into the batter until well blended.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry flour mixture in three parts, mixing well after each addition. This will help to create a smooth and even batter.
Layer Your Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter. Then, add the remaining batter on top and finish with the remaining streusel mixture.
Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes. After 35 minutes, check if it is done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. If not, add it back in for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Prepare the Icing: While the cake is baking, you can prepare the icing. In a bowl, mix the very soft butter, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and milk together. Slowly add the powdered sugar, whisking until smooth.
Let It Cool: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan. After it has cooled completely, drizzle the icing over the top.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve warm, and watch how quickly it disappears!
How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Serving Pumpkin Coffee Cake is straightforward. You can enjoy it fresh from the oven with a cup of coffee or tea. It also makes a perfect addition to brunch tables or holiday gatherings.
For a special touch, consider dusting the top with additional powdered sugar or serving it with a dollop of whipped cream. The cake can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it an indulgent dessert.
If serving at a party, you can cut the cake into squares and arrange them on a large platter. It creates a delightful spread that invites your guests to enjoy a piece of this delicious cake.
How to Store Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Proper storage of Pumpkin Coffee Cake helps keep it fresh for longer. Here are some simple tips for storing your cake:
Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before storing it. If you put warm cake in an airtight container, it will trap moisture and make the cake soggy.
Cover Well: Place the cake in an airtight container. If you don’t have one, you can wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.
Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within a few days, it can be stored at room temperature. However, if you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it.
Freezing Options: For longer storage, Pumpkin Coffee Cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and enjoy!
Tips to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Here are some handy tips to ensure your Pumpkin Coffee Cake turns out perfect:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check the freshness of your baking powder and spices. Old ingredients can affect the cake’s rise and flavor.
Room Temperature Ingredients: To achieve a smooth batter, make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients blend better.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry mixtures, mix just until combined. Overmixing can create a dense cake.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If not, give it a few more minutes.
Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice based on your taste preferences. Some like it spicier, while others prefer a milder flavor.
Variations
While the traditional Pumpkin Coffee Cake is already delightful, feel free to make it your own with these variations:
Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans in the streusel or batter can add a nice crunch and flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Adding chocolate chips to the batter can create a rich pairing with the pumpkin flavor.
Glaze Options: Swap out the icing for a cream cheese glaze for a tangy twist.
Other Flavors: Consider using different extracts like almond or maple instead of vanilla to change the flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! You can use fresh pumpkin puree. Make sure to steam or roast the pumpkin until soft, then mash it to get a smooth puree.
2. How long does the Pumpkin Coffee Cake last?
When stored correctly, it can last about 3-4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. If frozen, it can last for up to 3 months.
3. Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it an excellent choice for beginner bakers.
Making Pumpkin Coffee Cake is a delightful experience that brings a taste of fall to your kitchen. With its warm spices, creamy icing, and cozy flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Gather your ingredients and enjoy the process of baking this beautifully moist cake that everyone will love!
Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch cake pan with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Pour in the melted butter and stir until it looks like wet sand. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.
- Add softened butter and mix until well combined.
- Incorporate half of the pumpkin puree into the batter until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together remaining pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture in three parts, mixing well after each addition.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter on top and finish with the remaining streusel mixture.
- Place the cake in the oven and bake for 35 minutes.
- Check if done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, it's ready. If not, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Mix very soft butter, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and milk together.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar, whisking until smooth.
- Let the cake cool in the pan completely.
- Drizzle the icing over the top, slice, and serve warm.