Pumpkin coffee cake is the perfect treat for fall. With its ultra-moist crumb, warm spices, and sweet cream cheese glaze or streusel topping, this cake will satisfy your craving for all things pumpkin.
It's the ideal breakfast or snack cake to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee on a chilly autumn day. Plus, it makes for a festive dessert at Thanksgiving dinner.
History and Origin of Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Pumpkin coffee cakes originated in North America and became especially popular in Amish and Mennonite communities. These groups frequently grow pumpkins and wanted to find delicious ways to use them in baking.
The first recipes emerged in the early 1900s. They combined pumpkin puree with traditional coffee cake flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Baked in loaf pans or bundt pans, these cakes were perfect to serve at breakfast or enjoy with afternoon tea.
Over time, pumpkin coffee cakes evolved with creative twists like streusel, cream cheese frosting, and layered designs. But the essence of moist pumpkin cake and warm spice flavor remains the same.
Ingredients for Making Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Pumpkin coffee cake has a simple ingredient list. Key components include:
Flour
An all-purpose flour acts as the base for the cake structure. Whole wheat flour can also be used for more nutrition.
Sugar
Granulated white sugar or brown sugar provides sweetness. The sugar balances out the pumpkin flavor.
Eggs
Eggs help bind the batter together and add protein. Allowing the eggs to reach room temperature before baking improves the cake's rise.
Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin puree gives the cake its signature pumpkin flavor and orange color. Make sure to use pure pumpkin rather than pre-mixed pumpkin pie filling.
Spices
A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice adds warmth. Cloves and cardamom can also be used.
Toppings
Though optional, streusel, icing, or glaze take the cake to the next level. Brown sugar, nuts, oats, and cinnamon make classic streusel. Cream cheese frosting is also delicious.
Types of Pumpkin Coffee Cakes
There are a few main ways that pumpkin coffee cakes are assembled.
Loaf Style
This simple cake is baked in a standard loaf pan. It has a tender crumb and often a crunchy streusel topping.
Bundt Style
For a pretty presentation, pumpkin batter is baked in a fluted bundt pan. A glaze adds shine and moisture.
Layered
Thin layers of cake alternate with cream cheese frosting or pumpkin mousse for a showstopping treat.
Basic Recipe for Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Making pumpkin coffee cake is easy as pie! Just follow these simple steps:
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar. Then add the pumpkin puree, oil or melted butter, milk, and vanilla.
Fold the Batter Together
Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently fold together just until combined. Overmixing will make the crumb tough.
Pour into the Pan
For a loaf, pour the batter into a greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. For a bundt cake, use a 10 inch bundt pan instead.
Bake
Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Fun Variations to Try
Once you master the basic recipe, try these delicious tweaks:
Streusel Topping
For a crunchy topping, sprinkle streusel over the batter before baking. Use brown sugar, oats, nuts, and cinnamon.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar for a tangy frosting.
Nuts
Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter or streusel for nutty flavor.
Dried Fruit
Try raisins, cranberries, apricots, cherries, or blueberries for bursts of fruity flavor.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use room temperature eggs for maximum rise.
- Don't overmix the batter to prevent denseness.
- Grease the pan well so the cake doesn't stick.
- Bake until completely done - test with a toothpick.
- Let cool completely before adding any frosting or glaze.
Storing and Freezing Pumpkin Coffee Cake
- Store unfrosted cake tightly wrapped at room temperature up to 4 days.
- Frosted or glazed cake should be refrigerated, up to 1 week.
- Wrap slices or whole cake tightly in plastic then foil and freeze up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen cake overnight in the fridge before serving.
The Perfect Finish to a Fall Meal
With its moist pumpkin cake, heavenly spice flavors, and decadent textures, pumpkin coffee cake is a quintessential fall treat. Bake one for your family and enjoy this cozy cake with a steaming cup of joe. Customize it with your favorite mix-ins and toppings. Pumpkin coffee cake is sure to become your new autumn tradition.
FAQs
What's the difference between pumpkin bread and pumpkin coffee cake?
Pumpkin bread is more like a quick bread with a dense, cake-like crumb. Pumpkin coffee cake has a fluffier texture like traditional butter cake. Coffee cake also usually contains spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Can I make pumpkin coffee cake with fresh pumpkin?
Yes, you can substitute fresh pumpkin puree. Bake, peel, and mash or puree 1 small sugar pumpkin to yield about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups puree.
What kind of pan should I use?
For loaf style, use a standard 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. Bundt cakes need a 10-12 cup fluted bundt pan. Layer cakes work in 8 or 9 inch round cake pans.
How do I get clean slices of pumpkin coffee cake?
Use a serrated knife to gently cut through the tender crumb. Wipe the knife between cuts for super clean slices. Chill the cake first for firmer slicing.
Can I leave out the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg?
The spices are essential for pumpkin coffee cake flavor. Leaving them out would result in a very plain cake. If you don't like certain spices, use less of them. But don't omit them completely.
Conclusion
Pumpkin coffee cake brings the perfect balance of flavors and textures to welcome the fall season. With its ultra-moist crumb, warm spice palette, and variety of crunchy or creamy finishes, this cake satisfies cravings and comforts the soul. Easy to make following a simple recipe, be sure to enjoy pumpkin coffee cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea. And feel free to get creative with adaptations – add nuts, fruit, different pan styles, and more. Pumpkin coffee cake can become your new favorite cozy treat for chilly autumn days and a festive dessert for gatherings. Welcome fall with a slice of spiced pumpkin cake perfection.
