If you’re craving a cozy, warmly spiced treat that feels like a hug in dessert form, this Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Moist pumpkin-infused cake meets a satisfyingly crunchy streusel topping that brings just the right balance of sweet and spice. Whether you’re baking for a chilly fall morning, a weekend brunch, or a comforting afternoon snack, this cake delivers layered flavors and textures that make every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting together the ingredients for this Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in bringing that perfect flavor and texture harmony. From the smooth pumpkin puree that guarantees moistness and a beautiful color to the fragrant spices that make it irresistibly autumnal, every item on this list is essential.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient providing moisture, natural sweetness, and that lovely orange hue.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake structure ensuring a tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For balanced sweetness without overwhelming the spices.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and a touch of molasses richness.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Your secret to a light, fluffy texture.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: A warm spice that complements pumpkin beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle, aromatic kick.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): For binding ingredients and adding richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Enhances flavor and ensures moistness throughout.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A little vanilla goes a long way in rounding out the flavors.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for streusel topping): Sweet crunch to contrast the soft cake.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel topping): Helps to create the crumbly texture of the topping.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, for streusel topping): Binds the streusel ingredients, giving it that perfect crispness.
How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure your cake comes out effortlessly without sticking. This step sets the stage for your cake to bake evenly with that perfect edge-to-center rise.
Step 2: Mix the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and melted butter for the streusel topping. Stir until crumbly. This topping will add a sweet, buttery crunch to your cake and lends a delightful contrast in texture once baked. Set it aside for now while you work on the batter.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Take a large bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. This blend of spices and leavening will infuse the cake with warm flavor notes and ensure a light texture. Mixing them well prevents lumps and ensures even distribution of taste.
Step 4: Create the Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl, blend the pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. These wet ingredients are what bring moisture, richness, and that irresistible pumpkin flavor to your cake. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into this mixture just until combined—overmixing can make the cake tough, so be gentle.
Step 5: Layer Batter and Streusel
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan, then sprinkle half of the streusel topping over it. Layer the remaining batter evenly on top, followed by the rest of the streusel. This layering technique means every forkful will have that lovely balance of soft cake and crunchy topping, making the eating experience oh-so-satisfying.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. The aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes is the perfect promise of the deliciousness to come.
How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe

Garnishes
To elevate your Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe, consider sprinkling a dusting of powdered sugar or lightly scattering chopped toasted pecans on top. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream also adds an indulgent touch that perfectly complements the spices and pumpkin.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with hot beverages like a strong cup of coffee or chai tea, both of which echo the warmth of the spices. For a more substantial brunch setup, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of creamy yogurt to balance the cake’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into rustic squares and stack them for a casual brunch vibe or cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for a party platter. Serve with mini jars of maple syrup or honey on the side to drizzle over. For a cozy autumn celebration, accompany with a warm mulled cider for an ambient touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this wonderful Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The cake stays moist and the streusel crisp for a surprising length of time.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake for up to three months by wrapping individual slices or the whole cake securely in foil and placing it in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving; this way you get to enjoy your fall favorite whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
Warm your slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes to refresh the cake and bring back that melt-in-your-mouth softness. Reheating brings out the buttery notes in the streusel and revives the cake as if freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is convenient. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened and spiced.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum, you can enjoy this Pumpkin Coffee Cake without gluten. Just keep in mind texture may slightly differ but the flavor remains delicious.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with very few moist crumbs. The edges will begin to pull away from the pan slightly, and the streusel topping will be golden and crisp.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips into the batter before baking is a fantastic way to add texture and flavor dimensions to your Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe.
What’s the best way to make the streusel topping crumbly?
Make sure to cut the cold melted butter into the dry ingredients and mix just until crumbly—overmixing or adding too much butter can result in a gummy topping rather than the desired crisp texture.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe truly embodies the flavors of the season and the comfort we all crave from homemade baked goods. Whether you’re new to pumpkin desserts or a seasoned fan, this cake has that magic combination of moist cake and crunchy topping that will have everyone asking for seconds. So don your apron, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a slice of cozy deliciousness—you won’t regret it!
Print
Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring a spiced pumpkin batter layered with a crumbly brown sugar streusel topping. Perfect for fall gatherings, it combines warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with rich pumpkin puree for a deliciously comforting treat baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Streusel Topping
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Make Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until crumbly. Set the streusel mixture aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined for an even flavor distribution.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, blend the pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into this until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Layer Batter and Streusel: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over it. Layer the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle with the rest of the streusel topping.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature eggs to ensure better mixing and texture.
- You can substitute canned pumpkin puree if fresh pumpkin is not available.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing to let the flavors set.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.


