Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, flavorful treat that feels like autumn in every bite, the Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe is exactly what you need. This cake blends the rich, earthy warmth of pumpkin with a tender crumb and a perfectly crumbly streusel topping that adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. It’s an absolute joy to bake and even more delightful to share over a steaming cup of coffee or tea, bringing a comforting touch to your breakfast or afternoon snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each component plays an essential role in building the cake’s signature texture, spice profile, and mouthwatering aroma. From the earthy pumpkin puree to the warm spices and buttery elements, every ingredient contributes something special.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for your cake that gives it structure and fluffiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds that subtle lift for a light texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to ensure your cake rises just right.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warming spice that brings out the best pumpkin flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing that balances the sweetness.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A cozy spice essential for that fall cake vibe.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through sweetness.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and tenderness to every bite.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough to complement the pumpkin.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients for a moist and cohesive texture.
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that lends moisture, color, and depth.
• 1/4 cup milk: Adds softness and keeps the cake moist.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a subtle floral note.
• For the Streusel Topping:
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the crumbly base of the topping.
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and richness.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Spices the topping to complement the cake.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Binds the topping crumbs and adds buttery indulgence.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper—this makes for an effortless cleanup and helps your cake slide right out once baked. Setting this up ahead of time means the next steps will flow easily.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. This step ensures your spices are evenly distributed and the leavening agents are activated appropriately. Setting this aside lets you focus on the wet ingredients next.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly two minutes. This creaming process incorporates air, helping the cake develop a tender crumb and slight rise.

Step 4: Add the Egg

Beat in the egg until it’s completely mixed in. This addition binds the sugar and butter together while also contributing to the cake’s rich texture.

Step 5: Incorporate Pumpkin and Liquid Ingredients

Stir in the pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly blended. The pumpkin adds moisture and depth, while the milk and vanilla round out the batter’s consistency and flavor.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually fold in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—overworking the batter could make the cake dense and tough instead of tender and soft.

Step 7: Transfer Batter to Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly so the cake will bake uniformly. This simple step sets the stage for your cake to rise and cook perfectly.

Step 8: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle the melted butter on top, then mix until the mixture becomes crumbly but holds together a bit when pressed. This topping is what gives the cake that irresistible crunchy sweet finish.

Step 9: Add Streusel Over Batter

Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake batter. This layered topping creates a delightful contrast between the soft cake beneath and the crumbly, buttery topping above.

Step 10: Bake the Cake

Bake your cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it near the end so it doesn’t overbake—you want a moist crumb and golden streusel.

Step 11: Cool Before Serving

Let the cake cool in the baking dish for at least 10 minutes. This resting period lets the flavors settle and the cake firm up slightly for easier slicing.

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, but if you want to get a bit fancy, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream by each slice will elevate the presentation and flavor even further. Freshly chopped pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top can add a handcrafted feel.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or chai tea, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. For an extra comforting combo, serve alongside a creamy latte or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the pumpkin spices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices on rustic wooden boards or pastel ceramic plates for a cozy vibe. You can also cut the cake into squares and serve on a tiered dessert tray for parties, inviting guests to indulge multiple times. Adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme nearby gives an unexpected fresh aroma that plays nicely with the spices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe keeps well at room temperature for up to 2 days if stored in an airtight container. To maintain moisture and flavor, wrapping the cake tightly or covering it with plastic wrap is ideal, so nothing dries out or absorbs unwanted odors.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooled cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving. This way, you get that fresh-baked taste any time you crave pumpkin goodness.

Reheating

Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to revive the cake’s tender texture and melt the buttery streusel slightly. Reheating enhances the comforting spices and makes every bite taste like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is what you want to use for this Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that could alter the cake’s flavor and texture.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup, you can make this cake gluten-free. Just check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well for best results.

Can I substitute the streusel topping with chopped nuts?

You can, but the streusel topping is what gives this cake its signature crumbly sweetness and texture. If you prefer nuts, consider mixing them with the streusel ingredients rather than replacing them entirely to keep the balance between sweet crumble and crunch.

What is the best way to measure pumpkin puree?

For accuracy, spoon the pumpkin puree into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly with the cup. This avoids packing the puree too tightly and ensures you have the correct amount for the perfect cake consistency.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Definitely! Adding a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips, can bring an extra layer of flavor and texture to your Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe. Just fold them in gently at the end before pouring the batter into the pan.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe is a heartwarming classic that’s perfect for anytime you want to cozy up with something sweet and spice-infused. Its simplicity combined with rich pumpkin flavor and crunchy topping makes it an instant favorite, no matter the occasion. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy every comforting bite as much as I do!

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