Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake is the quintessential fall treat, capturing the cozy essence of autumn in every delightful bite. This recipe delivers a wonderfully moist and tender cake, bursting with authentic pumpkin flavor and perfectly balanced with warm, inviting spices. Topped with a generous layer of crunchy cinnamon streusel, it’s a versatile baked good that can be savored at any time of day – whether it’s a comforting breakfast, a delightful brunch centerpiece, or a satisfying dessert. Made with genuine pumpkin puree and a fragrant blend of pumpkin pie spice, this coffee cake promises to fill your home with an irresistible aroma, making it a must-bake for the pumpkin season.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

This Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake isn’t just another fall dessert; it’s a celebration of simplicity and rich, comforting flavors. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your autumn baking repertoire:

• Effortlessly Simple: This is truly a simple snacking cake that doesn’t demand complicated techniques or a multitude of dishes. It comes together in just one pan, minimizing cleanup, and requires only about an hour of your time from start to finish. Perfect for busy days when you crave homemade goodness.
• No Special Equipment Needed: Forget about dragging out heavy appliances! You won’t need an electric stand mixer or even a hand mixer for this recipe. A couple of mixing bowls, a whisk, and a spatula are all you need to achieve baking perfection, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Irresistible Texture & Flavor: What makes this my favorite coffee cake recipe is the incredible contrast of textures. The cake itself boasts a perfectly moist, tender crumb, rich with the deep, earthy notes of real pumpkin and a symphony of autumnal spices. This soft base is beautifully complemented by a crunchy, buttery streusel topping, creating an explosion of flavor and texture that is utterly divine.
• The Perfect Fall Aroma: As this pumpkin coffee cake bakes, your home will be filled with the most incredible scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and pumpkin. It’s an instant mood-lifter and a true signal that autumn has arrived!

Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

Crafting the perfect Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that moist crumb, rich flavor, and irresistible streusel topping. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of our pumpkin coffee cake! It’s crucial to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, which typically contains only one ingredient: pumpkin. Do NOT substitute this with pumpkin pie filling, as pie filling already has added sugars, spices, and sometimes other ingredients that will alter the flavor and texture of your cake. My personal favorite is Libby’s Pure Pumpkin, widely available in most grocery stores during the fall season and beyond. This provides the natural pumpkin flavor and essential moisture for a truly decadent cake.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: This warm and aromatic blend is what gives our cake its characteristic “pumpkin spice” flavor. It’s usually a harmonious mixture of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. You can easily find pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice in the spice aisle of almost any grocery store. However, for those who prefer a homemade touch or can’t find it readily, I’ve included instructions on how to make your own blend in the recipe card notes below. This spice blend enhances the pumpkin flavor and provides that cozy, autumnal warmth.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for both the cake and the streusel, providing structure. For best results, measure by weight using a kitchen scale.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These are our leavening agents, working together to give the pumpkin coffee cake its light and fluffy texture.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors in the cake and streusel.
• Ground Cinnamon: Used in both the cake and generously in the streusel topping for an extra layer of warm spice.
• Unsalted Butter (Melted): For the streusel, melted butter binds the dry ingredients to create those delightful, crunchy crumbs.
• Light Brown Sugar: Used in both the streusel and the cake batter, brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps keep the cake extra moist.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness to the cake, contributing to its tender crumb and golden-brown crust.
• Vegetable Oil (or other neutral oil): Adds moisture and a tender texture to the cake without imparting any distinct flavor, allowing the pumpkin and spices to shine. Canola oil is a good alternative.
• Large Eggs (Room Temperature): Eggs bind the ingredients, add richness, and help with the cake’s structure. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla complements the pumpkin and spices, adding depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and precise measurements.

Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake: Creative Substitutions & Delicious Variations

While this pumpkin spice coffee cake recipe is perfect as is, sometimes you might need to make a substitution or simply want to try a new twist. Here are some suggestions to help you adapt the recipe to your pantry or taste preferences:

• Oil Alternatives: The vegetable oil in this recipe can be easily substituted with an equal amount of canola oil or another neutral-flavored oil. Neutral oils are preferred as they won’t interfere with the delicate pumpkin and spice flavors. Olive oil, for example, would not be a suitable substitute due to its strong flavor profile.
• Pumpkin Puree vs. Pumpkin Pie Filling: It’s crucial to reiterate: the pumpkin puree cannot be substituted with pumpkin pie filling. Pure pumpkin puree is simply cooked and blended pumpkin, while pie filling typically includes added sugars, spices, and sometimes thickeners. Using pie filling would drastically alter the sweetness, spice level, and moisture content of the cake, leading to an unpredictable and likely less delicious result. Always check the ingredient list to ensure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin.
• Enhanced Streusel Spice: For those who truly adore pumpkin spice, consider replacing the ground cinnamon in the streusel topping with an equal amount of pumpkin pie spice. This will amplify the warm, autumnal flavors throughout the entire cake, giving the crunchy topping an extra layer of complexity.
• Nutty Streusel Addition: Elevate your streusel by adding ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts. Fold them into the streusel mixture before sprinkling for an added crunch and rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Drizzled Glazes and Icings: While the cake is delicious on its own, a drizzle of icing can add an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
  • Cream Cheese Icing: For a tangy and sweet complement, a simple cream cheese icing would be absolutely divine. My Cinnamon Roll Donuts recipe includes a fantastic cream cheese glaze that would work perfectly here, adding a rich, creamy finish.
  • Maple Syrup Glaze: If you prefer a more subtle, earthy sweetness, the maple syrup glaze from my Maple Chai Donuts would also be a delicious addition. The maple notes harmonize wonderfully with pumpkin and cinnamon.
  • Simple Powdered Sugar Glaze: For a quick and easy option, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk (or cream) and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
• Add Chocolate Chips: For a delightful treat, fold 1 cup of mini chocolate chips or regular chocolate chips into the pumpkin cake batter just before pouring it into the pan. Chocolate and pumpkin are a surprisingly delicious combination!

This recipe has not been tested using any other substitutions or modifications beyond those listed. If you experiment with other ingredients, please be aware that the outcome may vary from the intended result. We encourage you to leave a comment below letting us know if your substitutions worked out well – your insights can help other bakers!

How to Make the Best Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

Get ready to bake a truly sensational Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake! This recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it a fantastic project for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. The steps are designed to be quick and easy, ensuring you’ll have a delicious, warm cake ready in no time.

Quick Recipe Video

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake

This pumpkin streusel coffee cake recipe is remarkably simple and comes together very quickly, proving that impressive results don’t always require complex steps. It’s a forgiving recipe, great for bakers of all experience levels!

1. Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel Topping

Step 1: Make the streusel topping. This crumbly topping is incredibly easy to prepare and requires no special tools like a pastry cutter. Begin by melting your unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until they are thoroughly combined. Pour the melted butter into the dry mixture and stir everything together with a fork or spatula until a coarse, crumbly mixture forms. Set this aside to allow the butter to firm up slightly while you prepare the pumpkin cake batter. This resting period helps create more distinct crumbs.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients. In another medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly for about 30 seconds. This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is key for an even rise and consistent flavor in your finished pumpkin coffee cake.

3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients

Step 3: Whisk the wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until the mixture is lightened and well combined. This step helps dissolve the sugars and creates a smooth base. Next, add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until fully incorporated. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and the pure pumpkin puree. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and vibrant orange, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

4. Combine the Dry & Wet Ingredients

Step 4: Combine the dry & wet ingredients. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Using your whisk, carefully add the dry ingredient mixture into the pumpkin mixture. Stir gently until all the flour streaks just disappear. Be careful not to overmix, as overmixing can lead to a tough cake. A few small lumps are perfectly fine. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth, thick batter.

Assemble and Bake Your Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

With your batter and streusel ready, assembling this pumpkin spice coffee cake is the final step before baking, and it’s super easy!

Before adding the batter, properly prepare your baking pan. Use a round 9-inch cake pan and spray it thoroughly with a nonstick baking spray that contains flour (like Baker’s Joy or Pam Baking). For extra insurance against sticking, place a round piece of parchment paper flat on the bottom of the pan. This will make removing your delicate coffee cake much easier later. Once the pan is ready, pour the rich pumpkin cake batter evenly into the prepared pan, spreading it gently with a spatula to reach the edges.

By now, your cinnamon streusel topping should have slightly dried and become perfectly crumbly. Gently sprinkle it evenly across the entire surface of the pumpkin cake batter. Aim for an even distribution to ensure every slice gets a delightful crunch. Place the pan into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake until the top is golden brown, the center feels firm to the touch, and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. This usually takes about 42-48 minutes. Once baked, let your delicious pumpkin spice coffee cake cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

Achieving a bakery-worthy pumpkin spice coffee cake is easier than you think with these expert tips:

1. Even Streusel Distribution: When sprinkling the cinnamon streusel topping onto the cake batter, use your fingers to break up any larger clumps. This helps ensure that the streusel is distributed evenly across the entire surface of the cake. An even layer prevents any single spot from becoming too heavy and sinking into the batter, ensuring a consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
2. Parchment Paper is Your Best Friend: Never skip lining your cake pan with parchment paper on the bottom! This simple step is an absolute game-changer, making it significantly easier to flip the cake out of the pan without any worries of it sticking. Once the cake is out of the oven, allow it to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. The pan should still be slightly warm but cool enough to handle comfortably. To unmold, place a serving plate or a flat cooling rack over the cake pan, then carefully but confidently invert the pan so the cake lands upside-down on the plate. Gently peel off the parchment paper. Then, place another plate or wire rack over the bottom of the cake and flip it one more time so it’s right-side-up, with the streusel topping facing up.
3. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a dense and tough cake rather than a tender, moist one.
4. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature. Room temperature eggs emulsify more easily with the other wet ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a better overall texture in the finished cake.
5. Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test to determine if your cake is fully baked. Insert a wooden toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is done. If it comes out wet with raw batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again.
6. Precision with a Kitchen Scale: For the most accurate and consistent results, especially when it comes to flour, consider weighing your dry ingredients using a digital kitchen scale rather than measuring cups. This eliminates inconsistencies that can arise from different packing methods and ensures your cake has the perfect texture every time.
7. Creative Uses for Leftover Pumpkin Puree: If you find yourself with extra pumpkin puree after making this delightful pumpkin spice coffee cake, don’t let it go to waste! It’s fantastic in other fall treats. Try making my Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup for your coffee or whip up a batch of my Decadent Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins for another delicious snack.

Transform Your Coffee Cake into Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

While this recipe is designed for a delightful coffee cake, it’s incredibly versatile and can easily be adapted into individual pumpkin streusel muffins! This is a fantastic option if you’re looking for portion-controlled treats that are perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or lunchbox snacks. I actually created a muffin version of this recipe to celebrate the first day of Fall 2024 because I was craving this moist pumpkin cake for weeks but wanted easy individual servings to enjoy throughout the week. The halved recipe made exactly 6 generously sized muffins, perfect for a smaller batch!

To make 12 pumpkin streusel muffins (using the full recipe measurements):

1. Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to a slightly higher temperature of 400°F (200°C). This initial blast of heat helps create those beautiful domed muffin tops.
2. Prepare Batter & Streusel: Follow the instructions exactly as written for making both the pumpkin coffee cake streusel topping and the cake batter.
3. Fill Muffin Liners: Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each muffin liner with the pumpkin batter so they are almost full, ensuring you get nice, tall muffins.
4. Add Streusel: Generously sprinkle the prepared cinnamon streusel topping over the top of each muffin.
5. Bake (Two Temperatures): Place the muffin tin on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for the first 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, without opening the oven door too much, lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue baking until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with only moist crumbs attached.

Total bake time: Expect the muffins to bake for approximately 20-25 minutes in total. The higher initial temperature helps with the rise, while the lower temperature ensures they cook through without burning.

If you prefer the comforting simplicity of donuts over cake and muffins for your fall treats, be sure to give my baked pumpkin donut recipe a try – they’re equally delicious and easy to make!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

Here are answers to some common questions you might have when making this delicious Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake:

Storage Tips for Your Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

Properly storing your Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake ensures that every slice remains as fresh and delicious as the first. Here’s how to keep your cake tasting great for longer:

Room Temperature Storage: Once the cake has cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep the cake moist and flavorful for up to 5 days. For best results, avoid direct sunlight or warm areas, as this can affect freshness.

Freezing Instructions: This pumpkin coffee cake freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or enjoying later.

1. First, ensure the cake is completely cool before freezing. Warm cake will create condensation, leading to soggy results.
2. For individual servings, slice the cake into desired portions.
3. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap again in aluminum foil. This double layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn.
4. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container.
5. Freeze for up to 1 month.
6. To Thaw: When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or warm it gently in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until heated through.

More Delightful Pumpkin Recipes to Explore

If you’re like me and can’t get enough of the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin, then you’ll love these other fantastic recipes from my kitchen. From muffins to loaves and bars, there’s a pumpkin treat for every craving this fall season and beyond:

Did you try this irresistible Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake recipe?

I hope you loved baking and enjoying this comforting fall treat as much as I do! Your feedback and shared experiences are incredibly valuable to me and the Broken Oven Baking community.

Please let us know what you thought by leaving a comment below. Share your baking triumphs, any creative twists you tried, or questions you might have! Don’t forget to spread the fall baking joy by sharing your creations on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest! Tag @brokenovenbaking so I can see and celebrate your delicious pumpkin spice coffee cake masterpieces!

Happy Baking!
-Kayla

Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

Kayla Burton