Fall is the perfect time to enjoy warm, spiced treats, and this Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake is a must-try! With a soft, moist crumb and a sweet streusel topping, it’s an easy delight to whip up. You only need a few simple ingredients to create a cozy dessert that pairs beautifully with your morning coffee. Let’s dive into baking this delicious cake together!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Ingredients
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
– Streusel topping ingredients:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
The dry ingredients form the base of your cake. They provide structure and flavor. You’ll mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. The wet ingredients add moisture and sweetness. You’ll combine pumpkin puree with sugars, butter, eggs, and vanilla.
If you want some crunch, add chopped nuts. They bring a nice texture to the cake. The streusel topping adds sweetness and a crumbly texture. It uses more flour, brown sugar, oats, and butter mixed with cinnamon.
This blend of ingredients creates a delightful cake perfect for fall. Each bite brings warmth and flavor, making it a cozy treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Dish
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Mixing the Batter
– In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
– Use an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
– Add the eggs one by one. Mix well after each addition.
– Stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients
– In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
– Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently, avoiding overmixing.
– If using nuts, fold them in gently at this stage.
Preparing and Adding Streusel Topping
– To make the streusel, mix flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, and cinnamon in a bowl.
– Pour in melted butter. Mix until crumbly with a fork or your fingers.
– Evenly sprinkle the streusel over the batter for a tasty crunch.
Baking Instructions
– Bake for 30-35 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center.
– Watch closely during the last few minutes for perfect doneness.
– After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To make a soft and fluffy coffee cake, avoid overmixing the batter. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. Stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour. This helps keep the cake tender.
Using room temperature ingredients is key. When butter, eggs, and pumpkin are at room temperature, they blend better. This helps create a smooth batter and a nice rise in your cake.
Enhancing Flavor
You can add fun spice variations to your coffee cake. Try using ginger or allspice for a warm kick. If you want a different taste, almond or maple extract can work wonders, too. Just a small amount will add a lovely depth of flavor.
Presentation Suggestions
Serve your coffee cake warm and dust it with powdered sugar. This gives it a nice look and adds a sweet touch. For a cozy treat, pair each slice with your favorite coffee or a spiced chai. The warmth of the drink complements the cake perfectly.
Variations
Alternate Flavors
You can make this coffee cake even more fun. Try adding chocolate chips to the batter. The sweet chocolate will blend well with the pumpkin. It makes each bite a treat! You can also swap out pumpkin for other purees. Applesauce or sweet potato puree work great. Each choice gives a new taste and texture.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. It works well in this recipe. Just make sure it has a 1:1 ratio for best results. For vegan substitutions, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. You can also use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
Seasonal Twists
Fall is a great time for fun flavors! Consider adding cranberries or diced apples to the mix. They add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness. You can also spice things up with holiday-themed spices. Adding ginger or cloves gives a warm, festive touch. These small changes bring a new twist to this delicious cake.
Storage Info
Proper Cooling
Allow your pumpkin streusel coffee cake to cool fully before storage. This step keeps moisture from building up, which can make the cake soggy. Let it sit in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a cooling rack.
Storage Methods
You can store the cake in two ways: refrigerate it or keep it at room temperature. For room temperature, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap. Place it in an airtight container. This method works well for short-term storage. If you want to save it for longer, opt for refrigeration. Wrap it tightly in plastic and then foil. This helps it last longer. You can also freeze the cake. Slice it first, then wrap each piece in plastic. Place the slices in a freezer bag.
Shelf Life
To keep your cake fresh, eat it within 3-5 days. If stored at room temperature, the cake stays good for about 2-3 days. Look for signs of spoilage, like mold or a sour smell. If it seems dry or hard, it’s best to toss it out. Enjoying it fresh will give you the best flavor and texture!
FAQs
How long does pumpkin streusel coffee cake last?
Pumpkin streusel coffee cake lasts about 3 to 5 days. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and moist. If you store it in the fridge, it may last a bit longer.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. It tastes great even after a day or two. Bake it and let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps lock in moisture.
What is the best way to reheat pumpkin coffee cake?
The best way to reheat pumpkin coffee cake is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake in for about 10 minutes. This warms it evenly and keeps it soft. You can also use the microwave for a quick heat-up.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just roast or steam it first, then mash it well. Make sure it is smooth like canned puree. This adds a nice, fresh flavor to your cake.
What drinks pair well with pumpkin streusel coffee cake?
Great drinks to enjoy with pumpkin streusel coffee cake include coffee or chai tea. A spiced cider also makes a cozy match. These drinks enhance the warm spices in the cake.
This blog post covered all you need to make pumpkin streusel coffee cake. We explored the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting your bake. I shared variations to match your tastes and dietary needs. Remember to cool your cake before storing for the best quality. Keep it fresh for longer with proper storage. Baking can be fun and rewarding, so give this recipe a try! Enjoy your delicious masterpiece with friends or family.
