This Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake is a cozy treat perfect for fall! It’s soft and moist, with a tasty pumpkin flavor and a crunchy streusel topping that adds a sweet twist.
Every bite feels like a warm hug, especially with a cup of coffee. I love making this on lazy Sunday mornings, when the smell fills the house and everyone gathers for a slice. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin works best for this recipe, as it’s smooth and easy to mix. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also use homemade pumpkin puree from roasted sugar pumpkins!
Vegetable Oil: I love using vegetable oil for moisture, but melted butter adds a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try applesauce instead—just use 1/4 cup to replace the oil.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the best texture, but you can substitute half with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Gluten-free flour blends also work well here!
Spices: The spices bring that warm fall flavor. Feel free to adjust based on your taste—experiment with cardamom or ginger for a twist. You can also use pumpkin pie spice instead if you have it.
Nuts: Nuts add great crunch to the streusel. If you have nut allergies, simply leave them out or replace with sunflower seeds for added texture.
How Do You Make a Perfect Streusel Topping?
A key to a delicious streusel topping is achieving that crumbly texture. Here’s how to get it right:
- Mix the dry ingredients (brown sugar, flour, cinnamon) in a bowl to avoid clumps.
- Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. The smaller the pieces, the better the crunch!
- If using nuts, fold them in gently after you’ve combined the butter with the dry mixture.
- Don’t worry if it feels a bit crumbly. It will bake into a perfect topping!
With these tips, you’re ready to make a delightful Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake that everyone will love!
How to Make Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Cake:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Icing Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 40-50 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need some time to cool before drizzling on the icing. Total time from start to finish is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a bundt pan. This step is crucial to ensure your cake doesn’t stick to the pan!
2. Mix the Pumpkin Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil (or melted butter), granulated sugar, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will be the base for your tasty cake.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger). This step helps to blend the dry ingredients evenly.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet pumpkin mixture, gently stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cake to be tough.
5. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. If you’re using nuts, stir them in now.
6. Assemble the Cake:
Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the cake batter, making sure to cover it well for that delightful crunch!
7. Bake:
Put the pan in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
8. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Icing Drizzle:
While the cake cools, mix the powdered sugar with the milk and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth consistency. If it’s too thick, add a touch more milk to get it just right for drizzling!
10. Drizzle and Serve:
Once the cake is cool, drizzle the icing over the top. Slice into pieces, serve, and enjoy with a nice cup of coffee. It’s perfect for sharing or a relaxing treat just for you!
Enjoy your moist, warmly spiced Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake with its crunchy topping and sweet glaze!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh pumpkin! To do this, roast a sugar pumpkin until tender, scoop out the flesh, and puree it until smooth. This will give your cake a lovely freshness!
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg. This will help keep the cake moist.
How Should I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to wrap it properly to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. It should work just like regular flour in this recipe, maintaining the cake’s wonderful texture. Make sure to check the other ingredients like baking powder to ensure they’re gluten-free as well!
