Name: Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 tsp. ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup cubed butter, cold; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp. baking powder; 1 tsp. baking soda; 1 tsp. ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice; 1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1/3 cup milk; 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups confectioner's sugar; 1 tsp. ground cinnamon; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 2-3 Tbsp. milk

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Pumpkin season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a warm, spiced pumpkin coffee cake? This delicious cake pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or as a sweet treat any time of day.

Close-up of nine square slices of orange pumpkin crumb cake drizzled with white icing, arranged neatly on parchment paper. The cakes have a crumbly top and moist interior, with visible layers and texture.

How To Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line a 9″ x 9″ square pan with parchment paper, leaving enough hanging over the sides for easy removal later.
Make the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugars, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter, and use a fork or your hands to break it down into small pieces until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Place the bowl in the freezer while you prepare the batter.
Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender crumb in your cake.
Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Add the Icing: Once the cake has cooled, whisk together the confectioner’s sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and milk. Drizzle the icing over the cake, slice, and enjoy!

A close-up of several slices of moist pumpkin coffee cake with crumb topping and glaze. One slice is being lifted with a spatula, while others are stacked in the background. A checkered cloth wraps around some of the slices in the background.

Why Is It Called Coffee Cake

Despite what the name suggests, coffee cake doesn’t actually have coffee in it. The name comes from the tradition of enjoying a slice of cake with a cup of coffee. The mild sweetness and crumbly topping makes it the perfect companion to a delicious cup of hot coffee.

A square metal baking pan filled with a freshly baked crumb cake, featuring a golden-brown, crumbly topping. The cake remains in the pan, resting on a parchment paper lining, with a light background barely visible around the edges.

What’s In Pumpkin Pie Spice?

Pumpkin pie spice is a deliciously warm blend of spices that bring the essence of fall into every bite. Each spice in the blend contributes a unique flavor and aroma, making it an essential ingredient in many autumn recipes, including pumpkin coffee cake.
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is the star of pumpkin pie spice, known for its sweet and woody flavor with a slightly spicy kick. It adds warmth and depth to baked goods, enhancing the natural sweetness of pumpkin.
2. Nutmeg
Nutmeg is another key component, offering a slightly sweet and nutty flavor with hints of earthiness. It has a more subtle presence compared to cinnamon but is essential for adding complexity to the spice blend.
3. Ginger
Ginger contributes a mild spiciness and a hint of citrusy freshness to pumpkin pie spice. Its slightly peppery flavor brightens up the blend, balancing the sweetness of the other spices.
4. Cloves
Cloves add a strong, pungent flavor with a sweet and slightly bitter undertone. They have a bold, aromatic presence that enhances the richness of pumpkin pie spice.
5. Allspice
Despite its name, allspice is not a blend of spices but a single spice that tastes like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It has a warm, sweet, and peppery flavor that ties together the other spices in pumpkin pie spice.

A close-up of pumpkin coffee cake squares topped with crumbly streusel and drizzle icing, arranged on a wooden surface. Some pieces are stacked in the background, while one piece sits on a plate with a fork. A checkered cloth is partially visible in the background.

Recipe Tips

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Chill the Crumb Topping: Keeping the crumb topping in the freezer while you prepare the batter helps keep the butter cold, which creates a perfect crumbly texture when baked.
Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking your cake around the 30-minute mark. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How To Store Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Pumpkin coffee cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.