Name: Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed light or dark); 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold); 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed light or dark); 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil); 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1/4 cup milk; 1 cup confectioners’ sugar; 2 tablespoons pumpkin spice coffee creamer (or half-and-half or milk); 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Introduction to Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Why Pumpkin Coffee Cake is the Ultimate Comfort Food

There's something undeniably cozy about a slice of Pumpkin Coffee Cake. With its warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor, it invites you to take a moment and savor life’s simple pleasures. Perfect for those crisp autumn mornings or as a delightful afternoon treat, this cake brings a sense of nostalgia, evoking memories of family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

The combination of soft, moist cake and a crunchy crumb topping creates an irresistible texture contrast, while the added drizzle of vanilla icing takes it to a whole new level. It pairs wonderfully with your favorite coffee, making it a go-to dish for brunches or casual get-togethers.

But what makes this Pumpkin Coffee Cake even more appealing is its versatility; you can easily adapt the recipe to fit your dietary needs. Whether you're using coconut oil for a dairy-free option or adding in chocolate chips for a fun twist, this cake proves to be a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

Ready to embrace the flavors of fall? Let’s get baking! For more autumn-inspired recipes, check out sources like Epicurious and The Kitchn for additional inspiration.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Coffee Cake

When you're ready to bake a delicious Pumpkin Coffee Cake, having the right ingredients makes all the difference. Let's break it down into three parts!

Essential Ingredients for the Crumb Topping

To achieve that irresistible crumb topping, you will need:

½ cup (63g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
1 and ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup (4 Tablespoons; 56g) unsalted butter, cold

This combination offers a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the moist cake underneath.

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Coffee Cake

For the main event, gather these essential items:

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 and ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup (226g) pumpkin puree
½ cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
½ cup (120ml) canola or vegetable oil
¼ cup (82g) pure maple syrup
¼ cup (60ml) milk

These ingredients create a tender, spiced cake that’s bound to be a hit at your next brunch.

Ingredients for the Vanilla Icing

For the finishing touch, don’t forget the icing:

1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
2 Tablespoons pumpkin spice coffee creamer, half-and-half, or milk
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

This sweet drizzle elevates your Pumpkin Coffee Cake to a whole new level, adding a creamy finish that everyone will love.

Get your baking essentials ready to transform your kitchen into a pumpkin paradise! If you're new to baking, check out sources like Sally's Baking Addiction for tips on measuring ingredients accurately.

Step-by-step Preparation of Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Preparing a Pumpkin Coffee Cake with crumb topping is not just about bringing deliciousness to your table; it’s about enjoying the methodical process of baking. Let’s embark on this delightful journey together!

Preheat your oven and prepare your baking pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). While it warms up, take a moment to grease your chosen baking pan—whether it’s a 9-inch square pan or a springform pan—with nonstick spray. This little step ensures your cake pops out perfectly after baking.

Crafting the crumb topping

A crucial element of our Pumpkin Coffee Cake is the crumb topping that adds delightful texture and flavor. In a medium bowl, whisk together:

½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1 and ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Now comes the fun part! Cut in ¼ cup of cold unsalted butter using a pastry blender or a fork until the mixture resembles clumps and crumbs. Set this aside; it’ll be the crowning glory of your cake later.

Making the pumpkin coffee cake batter

In a large bowl, blend together your dry ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 and ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground ginger

In a separate medium bowl, combine the wet ingredients like 1 cup of pumpkin puree, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup canola oil, ¼ cup maple syrup, and ¼ cup milk.

Pro Tip: A splash of buttermilk works wonders for texture. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid an overmixed batter—this ensures a tender cake. Spread the thick batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface before adding the crumb topping on top and gently pressing it down.

Assembling the cake

Now that you have your batter in the pan, add the prepared crumb topping evenly across the surface. This step not only enhances appearance but also introduces a wonderful crunch when baked.

Baking the cake to perfection

Place your cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. At the 30-minute mark, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready! If not, give it another 5 minutes and check again.

Creating the delicious vanilla icing

While your Pumpkin Coffee Cake is baking, you can whisk together a simple icing that adds a lovely finish. Combine:

1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons pumpkin spice coffee creamer (or half-and-half)
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

If needed, add a little more liquid to achieve your desired consistency. Drizzle it over your warm or cooled cake for that extra touch!

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Pumpkin Coffee Cake! It's perfect for gatherings or just a cozy day at home—either way, it’s bound to be a hit! For more delicious recipes, check out other favorites to elevate your baking game.

Variations on Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Healthier Alternatives

If you're looking to make a healthier version of your Pumpkin Coffee Cake, consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or using unsweetened applesauce in place of some oil. This adds moisture and reduces calories. Additionally, you can decrease the amount of sugar by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a guilt-free treat!

Dairy-Free Options

For a scrumptiously dairy-free Pumpkin Coffee Cake, swap out the milk with almond milk or coconut milk. You can easily replace butter in the crumb topping with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. Don’t forget to check your creamer for the icing; choose a dairy-free creamer for the perfect drizzle!

Adding Mix-Ins for Extra Flavor

Want to elevate your Pumpkin Coffee Cake? Try mixing in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried cranberries to the batter. These additions will not only enhance the texture but also add delightful bursts of flavor in every bite. A little creativity can transform your cake into something truly unique!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Ensuring the Perfect Moisture Level

To achieve that delightful moisture in your Pumpkin Coffee Cake, it’s important to measure your ingredients accurately. Using spooned and leveled flour is key—this prevents you from adding too much, which can result in a dense texture. Also, incorporating pumpkin puree not only brings flavor but also adds moisture. Remember, over-mixing can lead to a tougher cake, so stir the batter until just combined!

Storing Your Cake for Freshness

To keep your Pumpkin Coffee Cake fresh and tasty, store it at room temperature in an airtight container. It will last for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it for longer, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge. For best results and a bit of spontaneity, enjoy it warm, perhaps with a cup of coffee! For more tips on storage, check out this guide.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Pairing with your favorite coffee or tea

When enjoying Pumpkin Coffee Cake, there’s nothing quite like a warm cup of coffee or tea to complement its rich flavors. For coffee lovers, a smooth latte or a spiced cappuccino will enhance the cake’s warm spices, while tea enthusiasts might prefer a soothing chai or a light green tea to balance the sweetness. Consider a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of your drink for an extra touch!

Ideal occasions for serving

This delightful coffee cake is perfect for a variety of occasions. Imagine serving it at a cozy brunch with friends, a festive fall gathering, or simply as an afternoon treat with family. It’s versatile enough to shine at holiday celebrations, book club meetings, or even casual weeknight desserts. No matter the occasion, Pumpkin Coffee Cake adds a warm touch to any table.

Time Breakdown for Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Preparation time
Get ready to bake! In about 15 minutes, you can prep all the ingredients for your delicious Pumpkin Coffee Cake.

Baking time
Once your cake is in the oven, it will need about 30-35 minutes to bake to golden perfection.

Total time
Overall, from start to finish, you’re looking at a delightful 45-50 minutes before you can enjoy this scrumptious treat!

Now that you know the time commitment, are you ready to dive into baking? It’s worth every minute!

Nutritional Facts for Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Calories
This delightful Pumpkin Coffee Cake typically contains around 250 to 300 calories per slice, making it a satisfying treat for those mid-morning cravings or afternoon coffee breaks.

Sugar Content
With about 12 to 14 grams of sugar per slice, the Pumpkin Coffee Cake strikes a wonderful balance between sweetness and fall flavors, thanks to ingredients like brown sugar and maple syrup.

Protein
Each slice packs in approximately 3 grams of protein. While it may not be a protein powerhouse, pairing it with Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts on the side can easily boost your intake!

Enjoy every delicious bite knowing you’re treating yourself to a slice of autumn!

FAQs about Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Using fresh pumpkin can add a delightful flavor to your Pumpkin Coffee Cake. Just make sure to cook it first: steam or roast the pumpkin until it's tender, then puree it. You’ll want about one cup of fresh pumpkin, so be sure to adjust proportionally.

How do I make the cake gluten-free?

No problem! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend with xanthan gum included, or add one teaspoon yourself to help maintain the cake’s structure.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover pumpkin coffee cake?

To keep your cake moist, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. If you prefer the oven, wrap the cake in aluminum foil and heat it at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method will help maintain that delightful crumbly texture!

For more tips on using fresh ingredients, check out Minimalist Baker for some great ideas!

Conclusion on Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Enjoying every bite of this homemade treat!

With its delightful flavors and cozy aroma, your Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is the perfect addition to any gathering or cozy afternoon. Enjoy every bite, whether paired with a warm beverage or shared among friends. This cake is sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!