There’s something undeniably comforting about fall baking—the soft hum of the oven, the cozy scent of cinnamon, and the warmth of a freshly brewed Pumpkin Spice Coffee. Among the season’s best Pumpkin Recipes Dessert, the Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe from The Food Charlatan stands out for its moist crumb and buttery streusel topping. It’s the kind of cake that fills your kitchen with autumn magic, making it an instant favorite for chilly mornings or weekend brunches. In this feature, we’ll walk through the full recipe, including ingredients, baking methods, and expert tips for success—an ideal pick for Easy Homemade Recipes this season.
Memories of Fall Mornings and Pumpkin Spice Coffee
There’s a particular stillness to early autumn mornings—the kind that invites comfort and nostalgia. The cool air drifts through open windows, the trees whisper change, and the smell of Pumpkin Spice Coffee fills the kitchen. That aroma—warm, spiced, and sweet—always takes me back to the first time I baked the Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe from The Food Charlatan.
I remember pulling the pan from the oven, the golden crumb glistening with cinnamon streusel, and thinking, “This is what fall tastes like.” It quickly became a family tradition. We’d gather at the table wrapped in soft sweaters, coffee mugs in hand, waiting for the first slice to cool just enough to cut. Each bite delivered the perfect balance of tender pumpkin cake and buttery crumble—a Pumpkin Recipes Dessert that somehow made even the coldest morning feel inviting.
Through the years, the scent of that cake has become a seasonal signal, marking the start of cozy weekends and gatherings that stretch into slow, laughter-filled afternoons. Whether served alongside coffee, tea, or a mug of hot cider, it’s the kind of bake that brings people together effortlessly—reminding us that fall is for savoring, one sweet, spiced piece at a time.
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Pumpkin Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 9x9 inch cake 1x
Description
This moist pumpkin coffee cake features warm spices and a buttery streusel topping perfect for fall mornings or weekend brunch. The easy baking method yields tender layers of spiced pumpkin cake and crisp crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch pan, lining with parchment.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, melted butter, sugars, eggs, milk and vanilla until smooth.
4. Fold dry ingredients into wet just until combined.
5. Mix streusel ingredients with butter until crumbly, stir in nuts if using.
6. Spread half the batter in pan, sprinkle half the streusel, top with remaining batter and streusel.
7. Bake 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in pan 15 minutes, transfer to rack and drizzle glaze if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 55
Keywords: pumpkin coffee cake, fall baking, streusel topping, easy homemade recipes, pumpkin dessert, coffee cake, autumn recipes
Why This Pumpkin Coffee Cake Wins Every Time
What makes the Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe from The Food Charlatan so special is its simplicity. It’s unfussy yet incredibly satisfying—a true star among Easy Homemade Recipes. The cake stays moist thanks to pumpkin puree, while a ribbon of cinnamon sugar and crumbly streusel topping provide texture and warmth. It’s equally at home as a breakfast treat, a brunch centerpiece, or an after-dinner dessert.
The golden hue of the cake itself perfectly mirrors autumn’s palette, and its spiced aroma lingers long after baking. Pair it with Pumpkin Spice Coffee for the ultimate cozy indulgence, or serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for guests. However you enjoy it, this cake guarantees the comforting flavors of fall in every forkful.
Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe Details
Ingredients You’ll Need
To recreate the Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe from The Food Charlatan right in your own kitchen, you’ll need a mix of everyday pantry staples and a few fall favorites. Here’s a complete breakdown to keep you organized as you prep.
| For the Cake Batter | Measurements |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground ginger | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground cloves | ¼ teaspoon |
| Pumpkin puree (not pie filling) | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Brown sugar, packed | ½ cup |
| Unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil) | ½ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Whole milk or buttermilk | ½ cup |
| For the Streusel Topping | Measurements |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | ¾ cup |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Melted butter | ¼ cup |
| Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts | ½ cup |
| For the Optional Glaze | Measurements |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | ½ cup |
| Milk or cream | 1–2 tablespoons |
| Maple syrup or vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon |
Ingredient Notes:
Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for authentic flavor and texture. Coconut oil can replace butter for a lighter, dairy-free version without losing richness. For extra spice, add a pinch more cinnamon or a dash of cardamom—it deepens the autumn aroma beautifully. Always check your leavening agents for freshness to ensure the cake rises evenly.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking pan. Line with parchment paper for easy lifting. Tool tip: Use an oven thermometer to verify temperature accuracy for even baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Set aside.
- Blend the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, melted butter or coconut oil, both sugars, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the crumb tender.
- Make the Streusel: Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then add melted butter. Mix with a fork until crumbly. Fold in nuts if using.
- Layer and Bake: Spread half the batter into the prepared pan, add a light layer of streusel, then top with remaining batter and streusel. Bake 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Add Glaze (Optional): Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a rack. Drizzle glaze while slightly warm for a glossy finish.
Pro Tip: To keep your Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe from The Food Charlatan soft and moist, don’t skip the cooling step. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate to enjoy longer. This straightforward approach ensures a flavorful Pumpkin Recipes Dessert that fully captures the spirit of Easy Homemade Recipes during fall.
Baking Tips & Variations
Baking Like a Pro—Tips for the Perfect Crumb
The beauty of any Pumpkin Coffee Cake lies in its texture—a tender, fluffy base paired with a perfectly crisp crumble. Achieving a bakery-style bite comes down to a few smart techniques. Use a spoon to fill measuring cups with flour and level them off with a knife; packed flour makes the cake dense. Mix the batter only until the flour disappears to avoid developing the excess gluten that toughens your Pumpkin Recipes Dessert.
Temperature is crucial. Always bake in a fully preheated oven and verify the temperature with a thermometer. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, you’re done. For make-ahead convenience, cool the cake entirely before wrapping tightly. It keeps for three days at room temperature or two months frozen. Reheat slices in the oven at 300°F for ten minutes or briefly microwave before serving. A drizzle of warm glaze or melted butter revives the crumb beautifully.
Fun Variations to Try
Once you master the base Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe from The Food Charlatan, get creative. Add chopped nuts for crunch or swirl sweetened cream cheese through the batter for richness. A maple or caramel glaze elevates the fall flavors even further.
To go gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 blend. For a dairy-free cake, use coconut oil and almond milk. These adjustments ensure it remains one of the easiest, most flexible Easy Homemade Recipes around.
Bake it in muffin tins for adorable personal servings or double the recipe for larger gatherings. Serve warm with Pumpkin Spice Coffee at brunch or add whipped cream for dessert. However it’s served, the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin will make your kitchen feel like autumn’s heart—showing how a simple Pumpkin Coffee Cake turns even ordinary mornings into something special.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh pumpkin puree works beautifully in the Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe from The Food Charlatan. Drain well and puree until smooth for the best texture—just as cozy as any Pumpkin Recipes Dessert.
2. How long does the Pumpkin Coffee Cake last?
Stored properly, this Pumpkin Coffee Cake stays moist for three days at room temperature or five in the fridge. Freeze individual slices up to two months.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! As one of the best Easy Homemade Recipes, it keeps its flavor beautifully overnight. Bake, cool, cover, and warm slices gently before serving.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Wrap cooled cake tightly in plastic or foil to prevent drying. Refrigerate for extended freshness and reheat gently.
5. What pairs best with this cake—coffee or tea?
Both work well, but Pumpkin Spice Coffee captures fall’s full charm. For a lighter choice, try vanilla chai or black tea with honey.
Conclusion
The Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe from The Food Charlatan is a love letter to fall—richly spiced, tender, and wrapped in a buttery crumb. It represents what we adore about Pumpkin Recipes Dessert: warmth, simplicity, and the pleasure of a truly Easy Homemade Recipe. Each slice radiates comfort, perfect for brunches, family mornings, or lazy weekends. Brew a pot of Pumpkin Spice Coffee, preheat your oven, and let the scent of cinnamon and pumpkin fill your home. Bake it this weekend and celebrate autumn’s sweetest moments.
