Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Recipe

“`html

If you are dreaming of a cozy treat that instantly evokes the essence of autumn, look no further than this Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake. This delightful dessert captures the perfect harmony of warm pumpkin spices, tender crumb, and a buttery streusel topping that will have you reaching for seconds every time. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a chilly morning, or simply craving something sweet and comforting with your coffee, this Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake is an absolute essential for your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together a few simple yet essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create the rich flavors, moist texture, and inviting colors that make this cake so irresistible.

• Light brown sugar (100 grams): Adds a deep molasses sweetness and moistness, perfect for both the cake and streusel.
• All-purpose flour (total 286 grams): Provides structure while keeping the crumb soft and tender.
• Finely chopped pecans (60 grams): Offers a delightful crunch and nutty depth in the streusel topping.
• Ground cinnamon (1 ½ teaspoons): Infuses the cake and streusel with that signature warm spice note.
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Brings richness and helps bind the streusel crumbs perfectly.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Leavens the cake for a light texture.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Provides gentle rise and balances acidity.
• Fine sea salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the cake.
• Ground ginger and nutmeg (¼ teaspoon each): Adds complexity and festive warmth to the spice blend.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the pumpkin batter without weighing it down.
• Pumpkin puree (1 cup): The star ingredient delivering vibrant color, moisture, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
• Vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps the cake irresistibly moist and tender.
• Sour cream (4 ounces, room temperature): Contributes to a luscious texture and subtle tang.
• Large eggs (2, beaten): Bind everything together and add richness.
• Powdered sugar (½ cup) and maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Combine for a luscious finishing drizzle that makes every bite shine.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature to bake your cake evenly. Grease the bottom of an 8-inch square metal pan with nonstick cooking spray to keep your cake from sticking and to achieve a golden crust.

Step 2: Make the Streusel

In a small bowl, blend the brown sugar, flour, pecans, ground cinnamon, and melted butter using a fork until you get a crumbly mixture that’s full of buttery, nutty goodness. This streusel will add a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the moist cake beneath.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In your large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. This fragrant mixture forms the flavorful base of your cake and balances sweetness with that classic pumpkin spice warmth.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, sour cream, and beaten eggs until smooth and well blended. These wet ingredients contribute moisture, creaminess, and richness to your cake, making each bite tender and luscious.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in your wet mixture. Gently stir until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep your cake light and fluffy.

Step 6: Layer the Batter and Streusel

Spread half of the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel evenly over the batter. Next, dollop the remaining batter on top, gently spreading it out without disturbing the streusel too much. Finally, sprinkle the remaining streusel over the top for that irresistible, crunchy topping.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Keep in mind that metal pans bake faster than glass or ceramic, so adjust accordingly. Once done, allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes before moving on to the final flourish.

Step 8: Drizzle with Maple Glaze

Stir together the powdered sugar and maple syrup until a thick, pourable glaze forms. Drizzle this beautifully sweet topping over the warm cake—it adds a subtle sheen and a touch of extra warmth that’s impossible to resist.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

Garnishes

Elevate your Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake by adding a light dusting of cinnamon powder or a few extra chopped pecans on top. A spoonful of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds an indulgent touch, especially if you’re serving it slightly warm.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with classic autumn beverages like spiced chai tea, hot apple cider, or your favorite freshly brewed coffee. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs and crisp bacon to balance sweet and savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, cut the cake into small squares and serve on a rustic wooden board with seasonal fruits like sliced pears and figs. Try layering it with cream cheese frosting for a twist or assembling mini trifle cups featuring cake chunks, cinnamon-spiced pudding, and whipped cream for a festive dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake keeps beautifully at room temperature. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to four days. This makes it ideal for gifting or enjoying during a busy week.

Freezing

If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze leftover slices. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Warm your Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low-temperature oven for 5-7 minutes. Reheating enhances the pumpkin spices and brings back that freshly baked experience you love.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually the most common choice for such recipes. Just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

Is this cake suitable to make ahead for a party?

Definitely. This Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it a fantastic option to bake a day before your event.

Can I substitute nuts in the streusel topping?

Yes! While pecans add great flavor and texture, walnuts or even pistachios can be wonderful substitutes depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

What’s the best way to prevent the cake from drying out?

Be careful not to overbake and keep the cake covered once cooled to maintain moisture. The vegetable oil and sour cream in this recipe also ensure a tender, moist crumb.

How spicy is the Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake?

The spice blend is pleasantly warm and aromatic without being overpowering. If you prefer a stronger spice kick, feel free to increase cinnamon or add a pinch of cloves.

Final Thoughts

There truly is something magical about baking a Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake that fills your kitchen with the scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin—signals of cozy moments and happy gatherings. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your go-to autumn favorites to share with friends and family. You deserve that delicious slice, so go ahead and bake this comforting, moist, and perfectly spiced cake soon!

“`

Print