Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Pumpkin Coffee Cake is a must-try recipe that’s sure to warm your heart on a chilly fall day. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a slice of this delightful cake while sipping a hot cup of coffee or tea. The moist texture of the cake, combined with the rich flavors of pumpkin and warming spices, creates a perfect balance that’s simply irresistible. Imagine gathering with family or friends, sharing stories, and enjoying this comforting treat together—it’s the perfect addition to your autumn routine. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to create something truly special that captures the essence of the season!

Why This Recipe Works

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake recipe achieves the perfect blend of moistness and flavor by using a combination of pumpkin puree and buttermilk, which keep the cake tender. The addition of spices and a crunchy crumb topping elevate the traditional coffee cake to something extraordinary, making it a seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Imagine enjoying a slice of this dreamy pumpkin coffee cake with a cup of coffee on a chilly fall morning. The harmonious blend of pumpkin and spices with a creamy drizzle appeals to both the taste buds and the soul, bringing warmth and comfort that resonates with the essence of autumn.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• pinch of salt
• 1 3/4 cups (219 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (244 g) canned pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
• 2 oz (56 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) pure maple syrup
• 3-4 tbsp (25-32 g) powdered sugar, adjust to sweetness preference
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) whole milk

Preparing the Streusel Topping

Start by combining softened butter and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Then, use an electric mixer on high speed to mix until well combined. After that, add in flour, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt; mix until you achieve a coarse crumb texture. While you prepare the rest of the batter, it’s best to chill the streusel topping in the refrigerator.

Mixing the Pumpkin Coffee Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, grease a 9×9 inch metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt, then set this mixture aside.

In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on high speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth and pale. Gradually add in buttermilk and pumpkin puree, mixing until combined—don’t worry if the batter appears curdled; that’s perfectly normal.

Next, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a rubber spatula until just combined. Pour the thick, luscious batter into the prepared baking pan and evenly sprinkle the chilled streusel topping over the top.

Baking the Cake

Now, it’s time to bake! Place your creation in the preheated oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center, with only a few moist crumbs attached. If the top starts to brown too much, loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack until it is safe to handle.

Making the Cream Cheese Drizzle

While your pumpkin coffee cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese drizzle. In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese and maple syrup using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually sift in powdered sugar, mixing on low until it’s fully integrated. Finally, stir in whole milk to reach the desired drizzle consistency.

Drizzling and Serving

Once the cake has cooled enough to handle, gently lift it from the pan using the parchment paper. Generously drizzle the cream cheese mixture over the top. After that, slice, serve, and enjoy every bite of this delightful cake!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your pumpkin coffee cake with a pumpkin spice latte or a warm cup of chai tea for the ultimate fall experience. It’s an excellent addition to brunch or an afternoon gathering with friends. Whether it’s a cozy get-together or a casual coffee break, this cake is bound to impress!

Tips for Success

1. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
2. Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the cake tender.
3. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for days.

Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute half of the granulated sugar with maple sugar.
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel for a bit of crunch and texture.
• Instead of buttermilk, try using apple cider for an exciting twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just ensure you cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth for the best texture.

2. How should I store leftover pumpkin coffee cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

3. Can I freeze the pumpkin coffee cake?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.

4. What if my streusel topping becomes too soft?
If your streusel top turns too soft, simply refrigerate it again for a bit before adding it to the cake.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute non-dairy butter and a plant-based milk alternative to enjoy a dairy-free version.

Indulging in this Pumpkin Coffee Cake merges delightful flavors and heartwarming aromas, making it the perfect treat for autumn. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe is bound to make your seasonal celebrations even more special. Enjoy every moist, spiced bite drizzled in creamy sweetness!

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