Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

By:

Ava

October 17, 2025

Moist and spiced pumpkin coffee cake served with a warm cup of coffee.

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📑 Table of Contents ▶

The Pumpkin Coffee Cake Fundamentals
Fundamentals
Preparation/Setup
Directions
Elevating Your Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Technique
Tips/Tricks
Perfecting the Results of Your Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Perfecting Results
Troubleshooting/Variations
Serving and Storing Your Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Serving/Presentation
Pairings/Storage
Conclusion
Pumpkin Coffee Cake
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Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

The scent of a freshly baked coffee cake can instantly transform a chilly morning into something magical. I fondly remember baking pumpkin coffee cake with my family on autumn weekends. The warmth of the oven, mingling with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, filled our home with comfort and joy. This pumpkin coffee cake recipe became a cherished tradition, a symbol of cozy moments spent together.

With every slice, the cake’s moist, tender crumb paired beautifully with the crisp streusel topping. Each family member brought their unique twist, whether it was a little extra spice or a thicker layer of streusel. Over the years, I’ve perfected the art of creating this delightful treat, balancing the pumpkin flavor with just the right amount of sweetness.

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Join in on this celebration of flavors with the ultimate pumpkin coffee cake recipe. It’s simple, delicious, and creates a sense of togetherness around the kitchen table. Let’s dive into the details of crafting this fantastic dish that will make every gathering special.

The Pumpkin Coffee Cake Fundamentals

Fundamentals

Creating the perfect pumpkin coffee cake involves a deep understanding of its components. The base consists of flour, sugar, spices, and pumpkin puree, which work together to create a rich, flavorful cake. The key to a luscious texture lies in the balance of ingredients. The combination of all-purpose flour provides structure while the pumpkin adds moisture and a unique flavor.

Using the right spices brings out the warm, inviting tones of pumpkin. Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice enhance the flavors, making your kitchen smell irresistible while baking. Knowing how to layer the batter and streusel will yield a stunning cake that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Preparation/Setup

Preparation is crucial for a successful pumpkin coffee cake. Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out accurately. Preheating your oven to 350 degrees F ensures that the cake rises evenly. Grease your 9×13 inch cake pan generously to prevent sticking.

Creating the streusel topping enhances the cake’s flavor and texture. Take the time to whip it up in a separate bowl before assembling the cake. This streusel topping, made from flour, sugars, and melted butter, will provide that perfect crunch.

Ingredients

For your pumpkin coffee cake, gather the following ingredients:

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:
- 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)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or light-flavor olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup butter (half stick, very soft)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons milk (more to taste)
- 2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

To prepare your pumpkin coffee cake, follow these simple steps:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch cake pan with nonstick spray or rub it with butter.
For the streusel, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl.
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Melt 1 cup of butter in a medium bowl and pour it into the streusel mixture. Stir until you achieve a texture resembling wet sand.
For the cake, in a large bowl or stand mixer, combine 2 & 1/4 cups of flour, 1 & 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Add chopped 1/2 cup of softened butter to the flour mixture and mix until crumbly.
Add half of the 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree to the mixture and beat until it combines well.

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In the bowl where you melted the butter, whisk together the remaining pumpkin, 4 eggs, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
Gradually incorporate the egg mixture into the flour mixture, mixing until fluffy.
Spread 2 cups of the batter into the prepared cake pan; sprinkle 1 cup of streusel over the top. Add another 2 cups of batter and then another cup of streusel.
Repeat with the remaining batter and streusel, ensuring the top has a generous streusel layer.
Bake for 35 minutes, then quickly sprinkle any remaining streusel on top and return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. The total baking time should be between 45-50 minutes.
Check for doneness using a toothpick. It should come out clean, indicating your coffee cake is perfectly baked.
Let the cake cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before icing.

Elevating Your Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Technique

Techniques matter in baking, especially when it comes to making a pumpkin coffee cake. The method of mixing is critical; overmixing can lead to dense results. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.

Creating the streusel topping requires careful attention too. Using melted butter ensures that each crumb remains chunky and flavorful, adding depth to the cake.

Tips/Tricks

For the best flavor, make sure your spices are fresh. Older spices can lose their potency.
Room temperature ingredients blend more easily, so let your butter and eggs sit out for a bit.
Don’t skip cooling the cake before icing it. Warm cake can cause icing to run off.

Perfecting the Results of Your Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Perfecting Results

To ensure your pumpkin coffee cake turns out perfectly, focus on the ratio of wet to dry ingredients. Measuring accurately will yield consistent results. For additional moisture, you can add a bit more pumpkin puree if desired.

Every oven behaves a little differently, so adjust baking times as necessary. If you find your cake browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Troubleshooting/Variations

Common issues can arise when making pumpkin coffee cake. If your cake looks dome-shaped, you might need to adjust your oven temperature next time. An undercooked center may indicate that your cake required extra time, so always perform the toothpick test.

Feel free to experiment! Adding nuts or chocolate chips can elevate your coffee cake beyond the classic recipe. Swapping in buttermilk for a portion of the liquid can enhance the cake’s tenderness as well.

Serving and Storing Your Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Serving/Presentation

A beautifully presented pumpkin coffee cake can be the star of any brunch or family gathering. Cut it into squares and place them on a charming platter, perhaps garnishing with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Drizzling your cake with a vanilla glaze adds a sophisticated touch, elevating the visual appeal and adding another layer of flavor. Serve it warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Pairings/Storage

While pumpkin coffee cake pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, it also shines on its own. Cover leftover cake and store it at room temperature for 2-3 days. After that, move it to the refrigerator to keep it fresh longer.

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 10-20 seconds to restore warmth before serving. Enjoying pumpkin coffee cake should be a delightful experience, so take the time to savor it!

Conclusion

Baking a pumpkin coffee cake is a delightful journey that brings warmth and joy into your home. The layers of moist pumpkin cake, combined with the crunchy streusel topping, create a comforting dessert lovingly crafted for gatherings or quiet moments alone. Each bite provides a reminder of cherished times spent in the kitchen, creating lasting memories. Embrace the tradition, share with loved ones, and allow this recipe to brighten your days.

Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Author: emily
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful pumpkin coffee cake with a moist crumb and a crunchy streusel topping, perfect for cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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:
- 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)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or light-flavor olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup butter (half stick, very soft)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons milk (more to taste)
- 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch cake pan with nonstick spray or rub it with butter.
For the streusel, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl.
Melt 1 cup of butter in a medium bowl and pour it into the streusel mixture. Stir until you achieve a texture resembling wet sand.
For the cake, in a large bowl or stand mixer, combine 2 & 1/4 cups of flour, 1 & 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Add chopped 1/2 cup of softened butter to the flour mixture and mix until crumbly.
Add half of the 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree to the mixture and beat until it combines well.
In the bowl where you melted the butter, whisk together the remaining pumpkin, 4 eggs, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
Gradually incorporate the egg mixture into the flour mixture, mixing until fluffy.
Spread 2 cups of the batter into the prepared cake pan; sprinkle 1 cup of streusel over the top. Add another 2 cups of batter and then another cup of streusel.
Repeat with the remaining batter and streusel, ensuring the top has a generous streusel layer.
Bake for 35 minutes, then quickly sprinkle any remaining streusel on top and return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. The total baking time should be between 45-50 minutes.
Check for doneness using a toothpick. It should come out clean, indicating your coffee cake is perfectly baked.
Let the cake cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before icing.