Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

The Best Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe for Cozy Fall Mornings

Pumpkin coffee cake revolutionizes ordinary mornings into extraordinary culinary adventures with its warm, inviting essence.

Autumnal spices dance through each delectable bite, promising comfort and nostalgia in every slice.

Soft, moist textures blend harmoniously with rich, deep flavors that tantalize the senses.

Home bakers cherish this seasonal delight for its remarkable ability to capture crisp fall memories.

Crumbly streusel toppings provide delightful contrast against smooth, velvety cake foundations that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

Sweet aromas waft through kitchens, creating an irresistible atmosphere of cozy anticipation.

Effortless preparation ensures anyone can craft this delightful treat that celebrates seasonal ingredients and cherished baking traditions.

Baking Your Pumpkin Coffee Cake to Golden Perfection

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a delightful baking adventure.

Step 2: Prepare The Baking Dish

Grab a 9×9 inch square baking dish and coat it with cooking spray or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 3: Create The Dry Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Pumpkin pie spice

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 4: Mix The Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, blend together:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Brown sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Maple syrup
  • Milk

Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir carefully until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and tender.

Step 6: Prepare The Batter

Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Create The Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix the crumb topping ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Add cold butter and use a fork to create a crumbly texture.

Step 8: Add The Crumb Topping

Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the cake batter, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If the toothpick is very wet, bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 10: Cool And Serve

Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Slice and enjoy your warm, comforting pumpkin coffee cake!

Baker Secrets for Moist Spiced Coffee Cake

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour, spices, and other ingredients to ensure the perfect texture and flavor balance.
  • Mix Gently: Stir wet and dry ingredients just until combined to maintain a light, tender crumb and prevent a tough, dense cake.
  • Check Butter Temperature: Use cold butter for the crumb topping to create a crispy, crumbly texture that contrasts beautifully with the moist cake.
  • Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick near the center and look for moist crumbs, not wet batter, to guarantee a perfectly baked coffee cake.
  • Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing to help it set and prevent crumbling.

Wake Up to Warm Pumpkin Coffee Cake

  • Autumn Flavor Explosion: This pumpkin coffee cake bursts with warm, cozy seasonal spices that capture the essence of fall in every single bite. The combination of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon creates a rich, comforting aroma that instantly makes your kitchen feel like a autumn paradise.
  • Super Simple Baking: Designed for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum deliciousness. With straightforward mixing steps and basic ingredients, even novice bakers can confidently whip up a bakery-worthy treat in under an hour.
  • Texture Perfection: The cake strikes a magical balance between moist, tender crumb and crispy crumb topping. Soft pumpkin-infused cake gets crowned with a buttery, crumbly streusel that adds delightful crunch and extra layers of flavor, making each bite a textural adventure.
  • Quick Weekend Treat: Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or unexpected guests, this coffee cake comes together faster than running to a bakery. Serve warm with a steaming cup of coffee for an instant mood-lifting breakfast or afternoon snack that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients for Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the coffee cake, choose unbleached flour for better texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy consistency.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, classic autumn spice to the cake.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Provides traditional pumpkin dessert flavor profile.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, rich color, and signature pumpkin flavor, use pure canned pumpkin.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the cake.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures cake remains tender and moist.
  • Maple Syrup: Contributes natural sweetness and complementary fall flavor.
  • Milk: Helps bind ingredients and create smooth batter consistency.
Crumb Topping Ingredients:
  • Flour, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates sweet and spicy crumbly layer on top of cake.
  • Cold Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create classic streusel texture.

Store and Reheat Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Care

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover pumpkin coffee cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months to preserve freshness and flavor.
  • Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This will help restore the cake's soft texture and bring out its warm, comforting spices.

Beverage Matches for Pumpkin Coffee Cake

  • Brew the Perfect Companion: Pair this pumpkin coffee cake with a steaming mug of chai latte, which complements the warm spices and enhances the cake's cozy autumn flavors.
  • Elevate Your Taste Buds: Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream to add a creamy, cool contrast to the cake's rich, spiced profile.
  • Create a Comfort Combo: Match the cake with a hot apple cider or mulled wine, bringing out the deep, warming notes of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice for a delightful sensory experience.
  • Balance with Beverage Bliss: A strong espresso or cappuccino cuts through the cake's sweetness, providing a robust flavor counterpoint that makes each bite more enjoyable.

Flavor Variations for Pumpkin Coffee Cake

  • Nutty Crunch Pumpkin Cake: Replace crumb topping with chopped pecans and walnuts, adding extra texture and rich, earthy flavor to the classic recipe.
  • Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Delight: Mix dark chocolate chips into the batter and create beautiful chocolate swirls before baking for a decadent chocolate-pumpkin combination.
  • Maple Cream Cheese Pumpkin Cake: Blend softened cream cheese with maple syrup and dollop small sections across the batter before baking, creating delicious pockets of creamy goodness.
  • Spiced Apple Pumpkin Fusion: Incorporate finely diced fresh apples into the batter and sprinkle additional cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, autumnal flavor profile.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Seasonal pumpkin coffee cake brings warmth and comfort to autumn mornings. Fragrant spices blend with moist crumb, creating a delightful treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) canned pumpkin
  • ½ cup (120 ml) canola oil or vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (120 ml) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an optimal baking temperature for the pumpkin coffee cake.
  2. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×9 square dish with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  3. Create the dry mixture by thoroughly combining flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a large mixing bowl, whisking until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Develop the wet component by blending pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, maple syrup, and milk in a separate medium bowl until smooth and homogeneous.
  5. Merge the wet and dry mixtures, gently folding until just incorporated, taking care to avoid overmixing which could result in a dense texture.
  6. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a level surface.
  7. Craft the crumb topping by mixing dry ingredients, then incorporating cold butter using a fork to create a textured, granular consistency.
  8. Generously scatter the crumb topping across the batter’s surface, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
  9. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick reveals significant moisture, continue baking for an additional 5 minutes.

Notes

  • Prep ahead by measuring and organizing all ingredients before starting to make the baking process smooth and stress-free.
  • Ensure butter is cold when making the crumb topping for the perfect crumbly texture that adds delightful crunch to the cake.
  • Use fresh pumpkin pie spice to maximize the warm, aromatic flavors that make this coffee cake extra special.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
  • Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs for the most perfect, moist result.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain maximum freshness and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 289
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 118 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star