Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe | A Perfect Fall Dessert

If you love the cozy vibes of fall and the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice, then you absolutely have to try this Pumpkin Coffee Cake. I recently made a batch, and it’s quickly become my go-to treat for the season. The cake is soft, moist and packed with that perfect pumpkin flavor. It’s topped with a crunchy streusel that adds just the right amount of sweetness and texture. The best part? It’s great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert after a fall meal.

The layers of pumpkin and cinnamon come together to create a flavor that feels like a hug in cake form, and it pairs so well with a cup of coffee (or tea) on a crisp autumn day. Trust me, once you bake this, your kitchen will smell like heaven, and you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

Why Pumpkin Coffee Cake is Perfect for Fall

Pumpkin Coffee Cake is exactly what you want for the fall season. It’s full of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and of course, that wonderful pumpkin flavor. The cake is light yet moist, and the streusel topping adds that irresistible crunch with just a hint of sweetness. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch or enjoying it with your afternoon coffee, this cake is perfect for any fall occasion.

The added pumpkin gives it a delicious moistness that other coffee cakes just can’t match, and the warming spices make it the ultimate fall comfort food. Pair it with a hot drink and you’ve got the perfect cozy treat!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Pumpkin Coffee Cake:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)

These ingredients will give you a soft, moist cake with a crunchy sweet streusel topping that’s perfect for fall.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this amazing pumpkin coffee cake!

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or an 8×8 square pan. Set it aside while you prepare the cake batter.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This will ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until creamy and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree, then add the buttermilk and mix until fully combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cake dense.

5. Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl combine the flour, oats, brown sugar and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

6. Assemble the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the top of the batter.

7. Bake the Cake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cake warm or at room temperature and enjoy a slice with your favorite hot drink. This cake is perfect for any fall occasion, from a cozy brunch to an afternoon snack.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Coffee Cake

To make sure your Pumpkin Coffee Cake turns out perfectly, here are a few tips:

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that the butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature to help the batter come together smoothly.
• Store the cake properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months.

Storing and Freezing Pumpkin Coffee Cake

This cake is great for leftovers! You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave it out at room temperature for a few hours or heat it in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Make sure to choose a blend designed for baking.

Q: Can I add nuts to the streusel topping?
A: Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would make a great addition to the streusel topping for added texture and flavor.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! This cake actually tastes better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make it ahead and store it at room temperature.

Why You Should Try Pumpkin Coffee Cake

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is the perfect combination of moist spiced pumpkin cake and a crunchy, sweet streusel topping. It’s a fall treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack. It’s easy to make, comforting, and absolutely delicious. Once you bake this, you’ll want to make it every fall season.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a comforting fall treat, this Pumpkin Coffee Cake is the answer. With its spiced pumpkin flavor, fluffy texture and crunchy streusel topping, it’s the perfect way to embrace the cozy vibes of fall. Serve it at your next gathering or enjoy it on a chilly morning with a hot cup of coffee. Either way, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!