Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Recipe

Cozy Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Recipe: Autumn’s Best Treat

My weekend mornings always transform when I whip up this incredible pumpkin spice coffee cake that brings autumn directly to my kitchen.

Sweet aromas drift through every room, promising something special.

Warm spices create a comforting blanket of flavor that wraps around each delicious bite.

Cinnamon and nutmeg dance together, making memories with every forkful.

Crumbly streusel tops this moist cake, adding delightful texture and richness.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this simple yet spectacular dessert that feels like a warm hug.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice and savoring each delectable moment.

FAQs

  • What gives this pumpkin spice coffee cake its unique flavor?

The combination of pumpkin pie spice in the batter and the cinnamon streusel topping creates a rich, warm autumn-inspired taste that perfectly balances sweet and spicy notes.

  • Is this cake suitable for people who aren't big pumpkin fans?

Yes! The pumpkin flavor is subtle and blends beautifully with the spices, making it appealing even to those who typically don’t enjoy pumpkin-based desserts.

  • Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe celiac-friendly while maintaining its delicious texture and flavor.

  • Simplify Seasonal Baking: Dive into a stress-free pumpkin spice adventure that transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering coffee cake with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for gatherings, this recipe delivers a warm, aromatic dessert that instantly brings people together with its inviting spiced flavors and homemade charm.
  • Master Quick Prep Technique: Blend dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine for a foolproof method that guarantees a tender, delicious cake without complicated steps.
  • Versatile Fall Treat: Enjoy as a breakfast indulgence, afternoon snack, or dessert that captures the cozy essence of autumn with its rich pumpkin and cinnamon notes.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the coffee cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Brown Sugar: Contributes a rich, caramel-like flavor and moisture to the cake.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Baking Soda: Works with acidic ingredients to create additional leavening.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Provides warm, aromatic spices that define the pumpkin spice flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, color, and a classic fall flavor to the coffee cake.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Streusel Topping:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Create a sweet and spicy crumbly topping.
  • Cold Butter: Helps form the classic streusel texture with coarse, crumbly consistency.

How to Bake Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Generously coat a 9×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Pumpkin pie spice

Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.

Step 5: Prepare Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix:
  • Flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Add cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to create crumbly texture.

The mixture should look like coarse sandy crumbs.

Step 6: Fill Baking Dish

Transfer the cake batter to the prepared baking pan.

Spread evenly across the surface using a spatula.

Step 7: Add Streusel Topping

Sprinkle the streusel mixture generously and evenly over the cake batter.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.

This helps the cake set and makes cutting easier. Slice and enjoy your delicious pumpkin spice coffee cake!

Expert Advice for Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Baking

  • Use exact measurements for flour and spices to ensure the perfect texture and flavor balance.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
  • Insert a toothpick near the center to test for moist crumbs, not completely dry.
  • Keep the coffee cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.
  • Sprinkle extra pumpkin pie spice on top or add chopped nuts to the streusel for extra crunch and depth.

Flavorful Variations of Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and swap dairy-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Spice Cake: Replace granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content for a diabetic-friendly version.
  • Dairy-Free Autumn Cake: Use coconut oil or olive oil, omit butter in streusel, replace with dairy-free margarine or coconut butter for those with lactose intolerance.

Great Food Pairings for Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

  • Complement the pumpkin spice coffee cake with a steaming mug of chai tea or a classic pumpkin spice latte, enhancing the cake's warm autumn flavors.
  • Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream and a side of vanilla Greek yogurt to balance the cake's rich, spicy notes and add a creamy texture contrast.
  • Pour a glass of crisp apple cider or a smooth caramel macchiato to elevate the cake's seasonal warmth and bring out its complex spice profile.

Proper Storage Tips for Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

  • Store covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the cake moist and fresh.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer-term storage.
  • Keep at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days, ideal for short-term enjoyment.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore the cake's original soft texture and enhance the spice flavors.
Print
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Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 17 reviews

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

Description

Warm autumn mornings sparkle with this luscious pumpkin spice coffee cake, blending rich seasonal flavors and comforting spices. Moist crumb and cinnamon streusel topping invite you to savor each delightful bite of this homemade breakfast treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Wet and Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Streusel Topping:

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan with a light coating of grease.
  2. Blend the dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, combining flour, both sugars, leavening agents, salt, and aromatic pumpkin pie spice until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Create a separate mixture with pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and uniform.
  4. Gently fold the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cake texture.
  5. Transfer the batter into the greased pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a level surface.
  6. Craft the streusel topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then incorporate cold butter by pinching and crumbling until the mixture develops a sandy, irregular consistency.
  7. Generously scatter the streusel across the cake’s surface, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
  8. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 32-37 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center which should emerge without wet batter.
  9. Rest the cake for 15 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing it to set and develop a more cohesive structure before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter texture.
  • Use fresh pumpkin pie spice to guarantee a vibrant, aromatic flavor profile in the cake.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
  • Create a dairy-free alternative by replacing butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine in the streusel topping.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2.5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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