Pumpkin Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe

I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe turns out every fall—it’s warm, moist, and packed with cozy spices that instantly make your kitchen smell like a little slice of pumpkin heaven. Whether you’re serving it for weekend brunch or an afternoon coffee break, this cake always hits the spot and never lasts long in my house.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by the crumb topping, which gives just the right amount of crunch and sweetness, balancing perfectly with the tender pumpkin cake underneath. You’ll find that this Pumpkin Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe is fuss-free but feels indulgent, making it perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself on a lazy morning.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pumpkin Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients that work wonderfully together to create a warm, spiced cake. I always recommend using fresh spices for the best aroma and flavor, and pumpkin puree that’s smooth and unsweetened for that authentic pumpkin taste.

• All-purpose flour: Key for structure; spoon and level it to avoid dense cake.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and depth—dark or light both work, depending on your preference.
• Ground cinnamon: Essential spice for that classic pumpkin flavor.
• Cold unsalted butter: Used in the crumb topping for that perfect crumbly texture.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Helps the cake rise nicely without getting too dense.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Ground nutmeg, cloves, and ginger: Spice trio that makes this cake taste like fall in every bite.
• Pumpkin puree: Use pure, unsweetened pumpkin for freshness and moisture.
• Canola or vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist—I sometimes swap for melted coconut oil for a twist.
• Pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Milk: Any kind you like; whole milk works best for richness.
• Confectioners’ sugar: For the smooth, sweet vanilla glaze on top.
• Pumpkin spice coffee creamer: Adds a creamy, spiced boost to the icing.
• Pure vanilla extract: Always brings out best flavor.

Variations

One of the reasons I enjoy this Pumpkin Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your mood or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and make it your own—after all, the best recipes are the ones you can personalize.

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend once, and it turned out surprisingly moist and delicious!
• Maple Pecan Topping: Adding chopped toasted pecans to the crumb topping gave it a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that my family went crazy for.
• Spice Level: If you like it bolder, I sometimes add extra cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom for a warm kick.
• Dairy-Free Icing: Use coconut milk or almond milk in the glaze, which works great if you want a vegan-friendly option.

How to Make Pumpkin Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and greasing your baking pan (a 9-inch square or springform works well). Next, make that irresistible crumb topping so it’s ready to go. Mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry blender until you get nice clumps—this makes the crumbly texture that’ll top your cake perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices in a big bowl. In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil, maple syrup, and milk. You’ll gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry—just until combined. Don’t overmix; you want to keep the cake tender, so it’s totally okay if the batter looks thick and a little lumpy.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the thick batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Then sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter and press down lightly so it clings. Pop it in the oven for 30-35 minutes—start checking at 30 minutes by poking with a toothpick. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, you’re done; otherwise, give it another 5 minutes or so.

Step 4: Whip Up the Vanilla Icing

While the cake cools just a bit, whisk together confectioners’ sugar with pumpkin spice coffee creamer and vanilla extract until smooth. You can add a splash more creamer if you want a thinner drizzle. Pour this lovely glaze over the warm (or cooled) cake for that sweet finishing touch.

How to Serve Pumpkin Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love a little extra sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped pecans on top of the drizzled icing—it adds some pretty texture and makes each slice look irresistible. Sometimes, a light dusting of powdered sugar works wonders too if you want a fuss-free garnish.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs so well with creamy coffee or a chai latte—perfect for autumn mornings. If you’re serving brunch, I like balancing it out with some fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait to keep things light alongside this rich treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve served this cake cut into small squares with a dollop of whipped cream and a caramel drizzle on top—people always ask for seconds! Layering slices between parchment paper in a pretty box makes a charming gift, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I tightly wrap the coffee cake in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature—or in the fridge if your kitchen is warm. It stays moist and fresh for up to 3 days, though it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I slice the cake first, then freeze individual pieces wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil. It freezes beautifully and defrosts quickly for a lovely grab-and-go treat.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, I microwave a slice for about 20-30 seconds or pop it in a 325°F oven wrapped loosely in foil for 10 minutes. Adding the icing after reheating makes it taste freshly baked every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s cozy, approachable, and incredibly comforting. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your home with warm aromas and brings everyone together over a slice and a cup of coffee. I can’t recommend trying this enough—you’ll enjoy how easy it is to make and how quickly it becomes a family favorite.

Print