There’s something magical about baking a Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Recipe on a cool autumn morning. The comforting scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin drifting through the kitchen instantly feels like fall has arrived. In this guide, you’ll find everything needed to bring that warmth to your table — a step-by-step recipe, baking essentials, and serving ideas perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or festive gathering. Whether you’re planning a small family breakfast or a seasonal get-together with friends, this Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake will add the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and comfort to your fall celebrations.
The Fall Memory That Inspired This Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe
Every baker has a memory that sparks the love for seasonal flavors, and for many, fall brings a flood of cozy nostalgia. Picture a crisp October morning — the leaves are swirling outside, mugs of steaming coffee rest on the counter, and the kitchen hums with warmth from the oven. I remember whisking together pumpkin puree and brown sugar while the air filled with the sweet notes of cinnamon and clove. It was the aroma that signaled the start of sweater weather. That very moment inspired this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe — a soft, spiced creation topped with a crumbly streusel that captures everything comforting about autumn.
This cake was soon woven into family brunch traditions. It became the centerpiece of lazy Saturday mornings, paired with rich coffee and light conversation. Every bite still brings back the soft crunch of the topping, the tender pumpkin interior, and the cozy feeling of fall in every crumb. Creating and sharing this recipe is about recreating that same warmth — a way to savor the season, one slice at a time.
Pumpkin and spice have a natural harmony — earthy, sweet, and aromatic all at once. When blended in a tender coffee cake, they transform an ordinary morning into something special. The moist texture of pumpkin balances beautifully with the buttery crumble topping, while the mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice embodies everything autumn stands for. It’s hearty enough to serve as a brunch centerpiece yet light enough to enjoy as a mid-morning treat.
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Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Recipe for Fall Brunch
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 9x9-inch cake 1x
Description
A moist and spiced pumpkin coffee cake topped with a buttery crumble, perfect for autumn brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
3. In a separate bowl beat pumpkin puree, oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth.
4. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
5. In another bowl mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for topping, then stir in melted butter until coarse crumbs form.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and sprinkle crumb topping evenly over it.
7. Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
8. Allow cake to cool in pan 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack and cool 10–15 minutes before slicing.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee or a drizzle of glaze.
10. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature up to three days or freeze slices up to two months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: breakfast
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
Keywords: pumpkin spice coffee cake, fall brunch, pumpkin crumb coffee cake, autumn baking, cozy brunch, pumpkin brunch recipe, fall coffee cake, seasonal dessert
This Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Recipe fits seamlessly into fall gatherings. Imagine placing it on a rustic table lined with mugs of cider, freshly brewed coffee, and cozy blankets close by. It connects people over shared stories, laughter, and the timeless scent of baked pumpkin spice. Whether served warm out of the oven or the next morning with a drizzle of maple glaze, this Fall Coffee Cake proves that the best brunch dishes are those that comfort the heart as much as the palate. It’s not just dessert — it’s nostalgia baked to perfection.
Ingredients for the Perfect Pumpkin Crumb Coffee Cake
Every great Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Recipe starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that deliver those iconic fall flavors. The combination of pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and aromatic spices creates a moist, tender crumb with just the right amount of sweetness. To keep your baking experience easy and organized, use this ingredient list as your go-to shopping guide.
| Category | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Dry Ingredients | 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ¼ teaspoon allspice |
| Wet Ingredients | 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter ½ cup brown sugar ½ cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract ½ cup buttermilk or milk |
| Crumb Topping | ¾ cup brown sugar ¾ cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon cinnamon ¼ cup melted butter |
| Optional Glaze | ½ cup powdered sugar 1–2 tablespoons milk or maple syrup ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract |
Pro Tip: For an even deeper fall flavor, sprinkle in a pinch of ginger or cardamom. Each spice brings its own character, helping your Pumpkin Crumb Coffee Cake taste bakery-level fresh and perfectly seasonal.
Must-Have Tools for Easy Fall Baking
When baking a Fall Coffee Cake, having the right tools makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Before you begin mixing, take a moment to gather everything you’ll need. Each item below plays a role in creating an even texture, airy crumb, and that irresistibly crisp topping.
- Mixing bowls – one large and one medium for wet and dry ingredients
- Whisk and rubber spatula – for combining and folding batter gently
- Electric mixer or stand mixer – helps blend evenly
- Measuring cups and spoons – precision ensures perfect results
- 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch cake pan – ideal size for even baking
- Parchment paper – easy lift-off and clean edges
- Cooling rack – keeps the cake from getting soggy
Prepping Tips: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your pan with parchment paper. Make the crumb topping before mixing the batter, so it’s ready to sprinkle. Use a stand mixer on low, or fold dry ingredients by hand to keep the crumb light.
Preparing the Batter and Crumb Topping
Making this Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Recipe is as comforting as it is rewarding. Each step builds toward that soft, spiced interior and buttery top that defines a great coffee cake. Follow these steps for the perfect bake:
- Combine dry ingredients. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices together so the flavor distributes evenly.
- Mix wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, blend pumpkin puree, sugars, eggs, oil, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth and thick.
- Combine everything. Add the dry mixture into the wet, folding until just combined — overmixing can make it dense.
- Make the crumb topping. Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon, then stir in melted butter until big crumbles form.
- Assemble. Pour batter into the pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly without pressing it down.
- Optional additions. Add chopped nuts or rolled oats for extra flavor and crunch.
Your kitchen will soon smell like pure autumn — pumpkin, spice, and buttery crumble blending in the air. All that’s left is to bake and enjoy.
Baking Time, Serving Tips & Variations
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35–40 minutes. The edges should be golden, and a toothpick should come out clean. If the topping browns too fast, cover loosely with foil for the last few minutes.
Let the cake cool 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack for another 10–15 minutes. Serve warm for the best texture. Enjoy with coffee, a drizzle of maple glaze, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Try these easy variations:
- Mini loaves: Bake smaller portions for gifts (20–25 minutes).
- Pumpkin muffins: Bake in muffin tins for 18–20 minutes.
- Cream cheese swirl: Add a sweet layer for bakery flair.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.
Storage: Store at room temperature for three days, refrigerate up to a week, or freeze slices up to two months. Reheat gently to restore the fresh-baked texture. The flavor deepens overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead pumpkin brunch recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake
Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the cake one day in advance and store covered at room temperature. The spices deepen overnight. Or, mix the batter and crumble separately, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning.
What’s the best way to store leftover coffee cake?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature up to three days or refrigerated up to a week. Reheat briefly for a soft, aromatic crumb.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Absolutely — just ensure it’s smooth and drained to avoid excess moisture. Both versions deliver that signature moist texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum. Confirm your baking powder and spices are gluten-free too.
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes. Slice and wrap portions tightly, then freeze up to two months. Thaw or reheat gently for fresh flavor whenever you crave it.
Final Thoughts – Bringing Fall Flavor to Your Table
A Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Recipe is more than a dessert — it’s the warmth of autumn captured in buttery layers. Each bite mingles cozy spices with tender pumpkin for a brunch centerpiece that celebrates the season. Whether served on a crisp morning or during a family gathering, it brings people together over shared comfort and joy.
This Pumpkin Brunch Recipe shines in its simplicity and spirit. Mixing, baking, and savoring it fresh from the oven fills the home with nostalgia and happiness. Pair it with coffee, drizzle maple glaze, or add whipped cream — every version captures fall’s heartwarming essence.
As leaves turn and mornings cool, make this Pumpkin Crumb Coffee Cake your go-to treat. Slow down, gather loved ones, and enjoy a slice of autumn one cozy moment at a time — the true flavor of fall brunch perfection.
