Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Pumpkin Coffee Cake is the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert. With its moist texture and rich pumpkin spice flavor, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of warm spices and the sweet streusel topping makes it a standout choice that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist Texture: This pumpkin coffee cake stays incredibly moist from the addition of sour cream and canned pumpkin.
• Rich Flavor: The blend of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg infuses each bite with cozy flavors.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this cake ready in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert; serve it plain or with a drizzle of icing.
• Perfect for Sharing: Makes 18 pieces, so it’s great for gatherings or meal prep throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Pumpkin Coffee Cake, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly in your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch baking pan: This size ensures even baking and gives ample space for rising without overflow.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to combine dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing.
• Whisk: Ideal for incorporating air into your batter, leading to a lighter texture in your finished cake.

Ingredients

Pumpkin, spice & everything nice come together in this easy pumpkin coffee cake with streusel topping. It’s incredibly moist with the perfect pumpkin spice flavor.

For the Cake Base

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams) (melted)
• 1 and 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (167 grams)
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar (79 grams)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (67 grams)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Spice Mix

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 grams)
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

For the Batter

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil (180 ml)
• 1 and 1/2 cups packed brown sugar (315 grams)
• 3 large eggs, whisked together
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream (120 ml)
• 2 cups canned pumpkin

For the Icing

• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (30-45 ml) (or milk)
• 1 – 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (110 – 165 grams)

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). This step is crucial to ensure even baking throughout your cake.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Lightly flour the pan as well. Ensure that its sides are at least 2 inches tall to prevent any overflow during baking.

Follow these steps for a delicious Pumpkin Coffee Cake that will soon become a favorite!

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Pumpkin coffee cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve it at breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, it pairs beautifully with different accompaniments.

With Coffee

• Enjoy a slice alongside your favorite brew, whether it’s a bold espresso or a smooth latte.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each piece with homemade whipped cream for an extra creamy texture and sweetness.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve slices with seasonal fruits like apples or pears to enhance the cake’s flavors and add freshness.

As a Dessert

• Pair the pumpkin coffee cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert experience.

With Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake

To achieve the best results with your pumpkin coffee cake, keep these tips in mind. They will help you enhance both flavor and texture.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Let eggs, sour cream, and butter sit out for about 30 minutes before using. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
• Don’t overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the desired light and fluffy texture.
• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
• Add spices generously: For more flavor, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon or add other spices like allspice or cardamom according to your taste preference.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Pairing side dishes with pumpkin coffee cake can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea pair wonderfully with the pumpkin flavors in the cake.
2. Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang, balancing out the sweetness of the cake.
3. Maple Syrup: Drizzle maple syrup over slices for an added layer of sweetness that enhances pumpkin’s natural flavors.
4. Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad offers freshness that cuts through the richness of the coffee cake.
5. Cinnamon Sugar Toast: Simple cinnamon sugar toast adds a crunchy texture that’s reminiscent of the streusel topping.
6. Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate makes for a cozy pairing, especially on chilly days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Coffee Cake, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Boldly skipping the preheating step: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps your cake rise properly.
• Boldly overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for a lighter texture.
• Boldly using cold ingredients: Make sure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle and affect consistency.
• Boldly neglecting the flour measurement: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour. Scooping directly with a cup can lead to too much flour, making the cake dry.
• Boldly ignoring baking times: Ovens vary in temperature. Check your cake a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Pumpkin Coffee Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Coffee Cake

• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Pumpkin Coffee Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake slices for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds intervals until warm. Be careful not to overdo it as it may dry out.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat. Cover with a lid, and heat gently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making or enjoying Pumpkin Coffee Cake, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree as long as it’s well-cooked and smooth. Just make sure it has a similar moisture content.

How do I make my Pumpkin Coffee Cake more flavorful?

Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. You can also increase spices if you enjoy a stronger taste.

What is the best way to store leftover Pumpkin Coffee Cake?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

Can I substitute oil with applesauce?

Yes, substituting half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce can reduce fat while keeping the cake moist.

Is this recipe suitable for brunch?

Absolutely! Pumpkin Coffee Cake makes an excellent addition to any brunch spread, offering warmth and sweetness with coffee.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that combines warm spices and moist textures, perfect for any occasion. This versatile recipe allows you to customize flavors by adding nuts or chocolate chips. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or as dessert, give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!