Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping

As autumn’s crisp air arrives, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of baking spices filling your home. This irresistible Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is your perfect seasonal indulgence, delivering moist pumpkin goodness topped with a buttery, sweet crunch. It’s truly a slice of fall heaven!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Coffee Cake

• Moist & Flavorful: Every bite is infused with real pumpkin and warming spices for a truly satisfying experience.
• Perfectly Spiced: Enjoy a harmonious blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, delivering that classic, cozy fall taste.
• Irresistible Crumb Topping: A generous, buttery streusel layer adds a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the soft cake.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, you’ll spend less time prepping and more time savoring this delicious treat.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, a festive holiday gathering, or simply a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
• Festive & Seasonal: This cake embraces the spirit of autumn, making it a perfect addition to your seasonal baking repertoire.
• Versatile Treat: Delicious on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with your favorite hot beverage, like coffee or tea.

Ingredients Needed

Gather your seasonal pantry staples and a few fresh items to create this spectacular Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping. Quality ingredients make all the difference, so opt for fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor!

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus 1/2 teaspoon for crumb topping
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, plus 1/4 cup (50g) for crumb topping
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree (not pie filling!)
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature for best results
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (56g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, for crumb topping
• 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar, for crumb topping

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Essential Equipment

Preparing this delightful pumpkin coffee cake requires just a few basic kitchen tools. Having them ready ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking process!

• 9×13 inch baking pan: Essential for baking an evenly cooked cake that feeds a crowd.
• Medium & Large bowls: Perfect for keeping your wet and dry ingredients separate before combining.
• Whisk: To perfectly combine dry ingredients and achieve a smooth, lump-free wet mixture.
• Pastry blender or your fingers: Crucial for cutting in cold butter to create that ideal coarse crumb topping texture.
• Wooden skewer (or toothpick): Your go-to tool for testing doneness without ever overbaking your cake.

Recipe Overview

Ready to bake? Here’s a quick glance at what to expect for this indulgent treat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own warm, aromatic Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping, perfect for any occasion!

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan for an easy release.

2. Whisk Dry Ingredients:In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures uniform flavor.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar and vegetable oil until smooth. Incorporate pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract; beat until well blended.

4. Fold Batter:Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

5. Prepare Crumb Topping:In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until coarse crumbs form.

6. Assemble & Bake:Pour cake batter into the prepared pan, then evenly sprinkle the crumb topping. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer comes out clean.

7. Cool & Serve:Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows it to set, preventing crumbling. Enjoy!

   
   

CHECK OUT: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins – If you love pumpkin, you’ll adore these delightful muffins!

Tips for Success

Achieve coffee cake perfection with these expert tips!

• Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure eggs are at room temperature for a smoother, more emulsified batter, leading to a lighter cake texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid developing the gluten too much, which can result in a dense, tough cake.
• Cold Butter for Crumb: Use very cold, diced butter for the crumb topping to ensure distinct, crunchy crumbs that don’t melt into the batter too quickly.
• Measure Pumpkin Carefully: Always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as pie filling contains added spices and sugar that will alter the recipe.

Variations & Substitutions

Customize your pumpkin coffee cake to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences.

• Gluten-Free: Easily substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a delicious gluten-free version.
• Nutty Crunch: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding 1/4 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to your crumb topping.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Create a luxurious cream cheese swirl by mixing softened cream cheese, a touch of sugar, and an egg yolk, then swirl it into the batter before adding the topping.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter in the crumb topping for a plant-based butter alternative to make this recipe dairy-free.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping experience with these delightful pairings.

• Classic Coffee or Tea: The perfect companion, enhancing the warm spices of the cake.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Whipped Cream: A light and airy dollop of fresh whipped cream provides a beautiful contrast in texture and richness.
• Maple Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup over the cooled cake for an extra layer of sweetness.

Health Benefits

Beyond its deliciousness, this pumpkin coffee cake offers some delightful nutritional aspects in moderation.

• Fiber Rich: Pumpkin puree contributes dietary fiber, which is important for supporting healthy digestion and satiety.
• Vitamin A: Pumpkin is an excellent source of Vitamin A (from beta-carotene), essential for good vision and a robust immune system.
• Energy Boost: Provides carbohydrates for sustained energy, making it a wonderful start to your day or a midday treat.
• Protein: The eggs in the cake batter add a touch of protein to this scrumptious and satisfying baked good.

Storage & Reheating

Keep your Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping fresh and delicious for days to come.

• At Room Temperature: Store the cooled cake tightly covered in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
• Refrigerated: To extend freshness, keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual slices or the entire cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen slices at room temperature, then warm gently in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a preheated oven (300°F/150°C) for 10-15 minutes until just heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

• • No, always use pure pumpkin puree. Pie filling contains added spices and sugar, which will alter the cake’s flavor and texture significantly.

Can I make this pumpkin coffee cake ahead of time?

• • Absolutely! This cake is excellent made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Store it covered at room temperature for optimal taste.

What if I don’t have a pastry blender for the crumb topping?

• • Your fingertips work perfectly! Simply rub the cold butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form. Just work quickly to keep the butter cold.

Why is my coffee cake dense?

• • A dense coffee cake often happens from overmixing the batter. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined, leaving a few small lumps is fine.

Can I add nuts to the cake batter?

• Yes, feel free to fold in about 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the cake batter along with the dry ingredients for extra crunch and flavor.

More Delicious Dishes

If you loved this autumnal delight, explore these other fantastic recipes from our kitchen:

• Classic Pumpkin Bread with Streusel Topping and Maple Glaze – A comforting loaf bursting with fall flavors and a lovely streusel finish!
• Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping – Another delightful coffee cake, showcasing the sweet-tart goodness of apples for apple season.
• Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping – A wonderfully moist and tangy coffee cake classic that’s perfect any time of year.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is more than a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a slice. We hope you enjoy baking and sharing this delightful fall treat with loved ones! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.

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