Cozy Pumpkin Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe

Cozy Autumn Pumpkin Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe

When autumn’s crisp breeze whispers through golden-hued trees, nothing beats a warm slice of pumpkin pecan coffee cake that captures the season’s essence perfectly.

Spices dance through each tender crumb, creating a symphony of flavors that warm the soul.

Rich pumpkin mingles with crunchy pecans, delivering a dessert that feels like a comforting embrace.

Layers of sweet, nutty goodness promise a delightful experience from the first bite.

The aroma alone will draw you into the kitchen, enticing you with its warm, inviting scent.

Bakers and dessert lovers unite – this recipe delivers pure seasonal magic on a plate.

One slice will transport you to a cozy autumn afternoon filled with delectable memories.

Instructions for Pumpkin Pecan Coffee Cake

  • Oven Warmup

Set the oven to a cozy 350°F and grab a 9×9-inch baking pan. Give the pan a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

  • Batter Magic

Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl – flour, sugar, and spices create the base. Fold in pumpkin, milk, oil, and vanilla until everything blends smoothly. Pour the silky mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

  • Pecan Crown

Melt butter and mix with brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top, creating a delightful crunchy layer. Gently press some of the topping into the batter for extra texture.

  • Baking Moment

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out nearly clean. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible autumn aroma.

  • Serving Delight

Let the cake cool slightly, then slice into squares. Enjoy with a steaming mug of coffee or tea, savoring the warm, nutty flavors of this seasonal treat.

Pumpkin Coffee Cake Tips to Remember

  • Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or applesauce for extra richness and moisture without changing the cake's delicate texture.
  • Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds for a unique crunch and personalized flavor profile that matches your taste preferences.
  • Enhance the pumpkin pie spice by adding a pinch of ground cardamom or freshly grated nutmeg to create a more sophisticated and layered spice experience.
  • Use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can still enjoy this delectable coffee cake without compromising taste or texture.
  • Prepare the cake batter and streusel topping separately the night before, storing them covered in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast treat.

Serve Pumpkin Pecan Coffee Cake Anytime

  • Cozy Morning Indulgence: Serve this warm pumpkin pecan coffee cake alongside a steaming mug of freshly brewed coffee or aromatic chai tea for the ultimate breakfast treat.
  • Dessert Elegance: Transform this coffee cake into a delightful dessert by topping each slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with extra cinnamon.
  • Gifting Delight: Package individual slices in cute parchment paper or small gift boxes for a homemade present that spreads autumn warmth to friends, family, or neighbors during holiday gatherings.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Create a stunning brunch spread by arranging slices of this coffee cake on a beautiful wooden board, complemented by fresh seasonal fruits and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Save Pumpkin Coffee Cake for Later

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and freshness for 3-4 days at room temperature.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store the entire coffee cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, which helps extend its delectable shelf life.
  • Freezing Magic: Carefully wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention when properly sealed.
  • Room Temperature Tips: Keep the coffee cake covered with a clean kitchen towel or cake dome at room temperature for optimal taste and texture during the first 2 days after baking, allowing the flavors to develop fully.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 9

What’s in Pumpkin Pecan Coffee Cake

For Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and tender crumb for the classic coffee cake texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, delicate cake consistency.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and maintains a light, airy composition.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile of the cake.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Infuses warm, autumnal notes that complement the pumpkin's richness.
For Moisture and Flavor:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Brings creamy texture, vibrant orange color, and earthy undertones to the cake.
  • Milk: Creates a smooth batter and adds richness to the cake's interior.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender, preventing dryness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces a sweet, aromatic depth that elevates the entire dessert.
For Streusel Topping:
  • Butter: Provides rich, golden flavor and helps bind the streusel ingredients.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers caramel-like sweetness and creates a crispy, crackling top.
  • Flour: Helps absorb moisture and create a crumbly streusel texture.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy notes that complement the pumpkin perfectly.
  • Chopped Pecans: Brings delightful crunch, nutty flavor, and visual interest to the topping.

Kitchen Tools for Pumpkin Coffee Cake

  • Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for combining dry and wet ingredients.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for perfect baking.
  • 9×9-inch Baking Pan: Recommended pan size for this recipe.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting butter and mixing streusel.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For mixing cake batter and streusel.
  • Toothpick: To check cake doneness.
Print
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Cozy Pumpkin Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe

Cozy Pumpkin Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Rich and indulgent Pumpkin Pecan Coffee Cake blends warm autumn spices with nutty pecans. Moist crumb and streusel topping promise delightful comfort for weekend brunches you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups (473 ml) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (177 ml) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (118 ml) milk
  • ½ cup (118 ml) vegetable or canola oil
  • 2 tsps baking powder
  • 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (118 ml) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (118 ml) pecans, chopped
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter, melted
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) flour
  • 2 tsps cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan thoroughly with oil or butter to prevent adhesion and ensure easy cake removal.
  2. Dry Mixture: Whisk flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a large mixing bowl until completely blended and lump-free.
  3. Batter Creation: Gently fold pumpkin puree, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth, cohesive batter forms without overmixing to maintain tender texture.
  4. Streusel Construction: Melt butter, then combine with brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans, mixing until a crumbly, fragrant topping develops.
  5. Assembly: Pour cake batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly. Liberally scatter pecan streusel across the top, gently pressing some topping into the batter to create a delectable, textured crust.
  6. Baking Process: Place in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, checking doneness with a skewer that should emerge with minimal, moist crumbs clinging to it.
  7. Finishing: Remove from oven and allow cake to cool briefly, enabling the streusel to set and the cake to stabilize before slicing and serving warm, potentially paired with a complementary beverage.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently to maintain a tender, light cake texture without developing tough gluten strands.
  • Ensure Even Baking: Use a spatula to distribute batter uniformly, creating a level surface for consistent cooking and perfect streusel coverage.
  • Test for Doneness: Insert a skewer near the cake’s center; minimal moist crumbs indicate ideal baking, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
  • Topping Technique: Softly press streusel into batter to create a delicious integrated layer that adds crunch and prevents topping from falling off during serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts, Drinks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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