Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Celebrate the flavors of fall with this delightful Pumpkin Coffee Cake recipe. Moist, fluffy, and richly spiced, this cake is perfect for cozy gatherings and festive occasions. Topped with a crunchy streusel and a drizzle of glaze, it pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or tea. A must-try for dessert lovers this Thanksgiving season!

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-10-18T13:30:33.655Z

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is a delightful combination of seasonal flavors that evokes the spirit of fall. It’s perfect for serving at gatherings, or enjoyed alone with a cup of coffee. The cake is fluffy and moist, with spices that complement the pumpkin beautifully.

The Perfect Fall Dessert

As the leaves start to change and the air becomes crisp, there's no better treat than a slice of pumpkin coffee cake. This recipe encapsulates all the warm, inviting flavors of fall, from the rich pumpkin puree to the aromatic spices that fill your kitchen as it bakes. The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting dessert that will become a staple during the autumn months.

Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or looking for a simple yet impressive dish to share with family, this pumpkin coffee cake is a fantastic choice. Its moist texture and delightful aroma will impress your guests and keep them coming back for more, making it the perfect addition to your seasonal celebrations.

A Versatile Treat

One of the greatest things about this pumpkin coffee cake is its versatility. It can be enjoyed as a delightful breakfast alongside your coffee, a sweet afternoon snack, or a finishing touch to your Thanksgiving meal. The cake's moist crumb pairs beautifully with the crunchy streusel topping and smooth glaze, creating a multifaceted taste experience that's sure to satisfy any palate.

Additionally, making this coffee cake is a breeze! With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you can whip it up in no time. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy homemade baking without spending all day in the kitchen. This recipe will soon become your go-to for sweet treats during the cooler months.

Tips for Success

To ensure your pumpkin coffee cake turns out perfectly every time, consider using fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree. If you have the time, making your own from roasted pumpkins can enhance the flavor significantly. Additionally, measuring your ingredients correctly is crucial, especially with flour and sugar. Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cake.

When it comes to mixing, be careful not to overmix your batter. Mixing until just combined will help maintain the cake's fluffy texture. Lastly, keep an eye on your cake as it bakes; ovens can vary in temperature. Check for doneness with a toothpick, which should come out clean when the cake is perfectly baked.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

For the Cake

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Streusel Topping

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup cold butter, diced
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to have everything measured and ready!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your pumpkin coffee cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Prepare Streusel

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and diced butter until crumbly. Stir in walnuts if using.

Layer and Bake

Pour half the cake batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle half of the streusel on top, then pour the remaining batter. Finish with the rest of the streusel. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare Glaze

While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Cool and Glaze

Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle with glaze before serving.

Enjoy your delicious pumpkin coffee cake with a cup of coffee or tea!

Storing and Freezing

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), storing your pumpkin coffee cake is easy. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For optimal freshness, you can place it in the refrigerator, where it will last up to a week.

For longer storage, consider freezing your coffee cake. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Pairing Suggestions

This pumpkin coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of drinks. For a classic breakfast treat, serve it alongside a robust cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte. The warm flavors of pumpkin and spices complement the richness of coffee, creating a delightful morning experience.

Alternatively, for an afternoon snack, enjoy your cake with a cup of herbal tea. The light, soothing flavors of chamomile or mint will balance the sweetness of the cake perfectly, making it an ideal choice for a cozy mid-day break.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin before using.

→ Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just thaw before serving.

Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Celebrate the flavors of fall with this delightful Pumpkin Coffee Cake recipe. Moist, fluffy, and richly spiced, this cake is perfect for cozy gatherings and festive occasions. Topped with a crunchy streusel and a drizzle of glaze, it pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or tea. A must-try for dessert lovers this Thanksgiving season!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time1 hour

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 8.0

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 1 cup pumpkin puree
  2. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  3. 1 cup sugar
  4. 2 eggs
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  8. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  9. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  10. 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  11. 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Streusel Topping

  1. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  2. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  3. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  4. 1/4 cup cold butter, diced
  5. 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

For the Glaze

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons milk
  3. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 05

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and diced butter until crumbly. Stir in walnuts if using.

Step 06

Pour half the cake batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle half of the streusel on top, then pour the remaining batter. Finish with the rest of the streusel. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 07

While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 08

Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle with glaze before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 3g