Moist Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

Sweet Autumn Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe to Wow Your Guests

The aroma of warm spices and fresh pumpkin coffee cake wafting through the kitchen signals the arrival of cozy autumn days.

Sweet hints of cinnamon mingle with rich, buttery layers that make this dessert irresistible.

Fall baking reaches new heights with this comforting treat packed with seasonal flavors.

Moist crumbs and a delicate streusel topping create a delightful texture that melts in your mouth.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that feels like a warm embrace.

The streusel adds a delectable crunch that complements the soft, tender cake underneath.

You’ll want to brew a hot cup of coffee and savor each delicious slice of this quintessential seasonal dessert.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

What You Need for Pumpkin Coffee Cake

For Dry Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cake, providing structure and softness with its delicate protein content.
  • Baking Powder: Creates magical lift and airiness, ensuring a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
  • Salt: Amplifies all flavors, balancing the sweetness with a subtle whisper of depth.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Introduces warm, aromatic notes that embrace the entire cake with cozy autumn vibes.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Delivers a complex blend of seasonal warmth, capturing the essence of fall in every bite.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Delivers rich, earthy moisture and vibrant orange color, transforming the cake into a seasonal sensation.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel undertones and incredible moisture, creating a luxurious texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures supreme softness and prevents dryness, keeping the cake incredibly tender.
  • Maple Syrup: Introduces a sophisticated sweetness with woodsy undertones, elevating the entire flavor profile.
  • Milk: Adds smoothness and helps bind ingredients, creating a silky consistent batter.
For Crumb Topping:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the base for a crispy, crumbly crown.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers a caramelized, crunchy dimension to the topping.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Reinforces the warm spice notes throughout the cake.
  • Cold Butter: Generates those irresistible, buttery crumbles that provide textural contrast.

Tools for Pumpkin Coffee Cake Prep

  • 9×9 baking dish: Perfect for creating a nice, thick coffee cake with even baking.
  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Great for mixing wet ingredients without splashing.
  • Small mixing bowl: Ideal for preparing the crumb topping with minimal mess.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements are key to a delicious cake.
  • Whisk or wooden spoon: Helps blend ingredients thoroughly without overmixing.
  • Fork: Perfect for creating that signature crumbly topping texture.
  • Toothpick: Crucial for checking the cake's doneness accurately.
  • Cooking spray or parchment paper: Ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking.

Baking Instructions for Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Cozy Autumn Pumpkin Cake

  • Baking Preparation

Warm up your kitchen by setting the oven to a toasty temperature. Grab a square baking dish and give it a light coating so nothing sticks.

  • Dry Mixture

Gather your flour and warming spices, blending them together gently until they create a soft, fragrant powder that hints at upcoming comfort.

  • Wet Ingredients Blend

In another bowl, combine your pumpkin puree with rich brown sugar, smooth oil, sweet maple goodness, and creamy milk. Stir until everything looks harmonious and silky.

  • Cake Batter

Pour the wet mixture into your spiced flour blend. Fold gently – you want a tender texture, not a tough cake. Mix just until everything comes together.

  • Crumb Topping

Whisk together your topping ingredients. Cut in cold butter using your fingertips until the mixture looks like sandy pebbles – uneven and delightfully crumbly.

  • Assembly

Transfer your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Shower the top with your buttery crumb mixture, making sure every inch gets some love.

  • Baking Magic

Slide the pan into the waiting oven. After about 35 minutes, peek inside with a slim skewer. If it comes out mostly clean, your cake is ready to enjoy.

Tips for Pumpkin Coffee Cake Success

  • Replace store-bought pumpkin pie spice with a homemade blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for a personalized flavor profile.
  • Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter or sprinkle them on top of the crumb topping for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk to make the recipe friendlier for those with lactose sensitivities.
  • Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly treat without compromising taste or texture.
  • Wrap the cooled coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Serving Up Pumpkin Coffee Cake

  • Cozy Morning Companion: Pair this warm pumpkin coffee cake with a steaming mug of freshly brewed coffee or spiced chai tea for the ultimate autumn breakfast experience.
  • Dessert Elegance: Serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent after-dinner treat that elevates the cake's rich flavors.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Create a beautiful brunch spread by arranging slices on a rustic wooden board alongside seasonal fruits like sliced pears or caramelized apples for a stunning presentation.
  • Gift-Worthy Delight: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper with a cute ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift that captures the warmth of fall baking and spreads joy to friends and family.

Keeping Pumpkin Coffee Cake Fresh

  • Cozy Counter Storage: Keep the coffee cake at room temperature, covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. The cool, dry spot on your kitchen counter works perfectly for maintaining its delicious texture.
  • Chilled Refrigerator Extension: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then store in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. This method keeps the cake fresh for 5-7 days, ensuring every bite remains moist and delectable.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Slice the coffee cake into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. Frozen slices can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results, bringing back that just-baked softness.
  • Quick Reheating Trick: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes. This gentle heating method revives the cake's warmth and restores its original tender crumb, making each slice taste freshly baked.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Moist Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

Moist Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Delectable pumpkin coffee cake blends warm autumn spices with rich, creamy textures for a comforting seasonal treat. Sprinkling of crumbly streusel and subtle coffee undertones make this dessert perfect for morning gatherings or afternoon breaks.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) canned pumpkin
  • ½ cup (120 ml) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) canola oil or vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
  • 2 tsps (10 ml) cinnamon
  • 2 tsps (10 ml) pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 tsps (10 ml) baking powder
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Preparation: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C), positioning rack in the center for consistent heat distribution.
  2. Pan Setup: Grease a 9×9 square dish with cooking spray or line with parchment paper to prevent adherence.
  3. Dry Ingredient Blend: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl until uniformly combined.
  4. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Blend pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, maple syrup, and milk in a separate bowl until silky smooth.
  5. Batter Assembly: Gently fold wet and dry mixtures together, stirring minimally to maintain a light, airy texture.
  6. Topping Creation: Combine crumb topping ingredients, using a fork to integrate cold butter, creating a crumbly, granular mixture.
  7. Cake Composition: Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly, then generously sprinkle crumb topping across the surface.
  8. Baking Process: Slide cake into preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, testing for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center – it should emerge with minimal, moist crumbs.

Notes

  • Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation and smoother batter texture.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients to prevent developing tough, dense cake texture that can compromise the delicate crumb.
  • Crumb Topping Technique: Use cold butter and work quickly with a fork to create a flaky, crisp topping that adds delightful texture contrast.
  • Moisture Check Tip: Test cake doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should come out with minimal, not wet, crumbs for perfect baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star