Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

Featured in: Warm Seasonal Bakes

This moist pumpkin cake highlights warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, enhanced by a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping. Blended with pumpkin puree and sour cream, it achieves a tender crumb and rich flavor. Optional maple glaze adds a touch of sweetness, perfect for cozy mornings or festive occasions. Nuts bring added texture but can be omitted for nut-free variations. Ideal for sharing, this cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or chai.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:14:00 GMT
Moist pumpkin spice coffee cake topped with crunchy streusel, perfect for brunch gatherings.  Pin It
Moist pumpkin spice coffee cake topped with crunchy streusel, perfect for brunch gatherings. | lushkettle.com

A moist and warmly spiced coffee cake layered with a cinnamon streusel and a hint of pumpkin, perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings.

This recipe has become a favorite for festive occasions and weekend breakfasts. The balance of spices and moist texture always impresses guests and family alike.

Ingredients

  • Streusel Topping: 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar packed, 1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter cold and cubed, 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Cake Batter: 1 2/3 cups (210 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar packed, 2 large eggs room temperature, 1 cup (245 g) canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling), 1/3 cup (80 ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Maple Glaze (Optional): 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar, 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, 1 2 tsp milk

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) square or round baking pan or line with parchment paper.
Prepare Streusel:
In a bowl combine brown sugar flour cinnamon and nutmeg. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using. Set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl whisk together flour baking powder baking soda salt cinnamon nutmeg ginger and cloves.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl beat softened butter granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time beating well after each. Mix in pumpkin puree sour cream and vanilla until smooth.
Combine Mixtures:
Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined do not overmix.
Layer Batter and Streusel:
Pour half batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half streusel topping over batter. Spoon remaining batter on top and gently spread. Top with remaining streusel.
Bake:
Bake for 38-43 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
Cool:
Cool in pan for 15 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Glaze:
Mix powdered sugar maple syrup and 1 teaspoon milk. Add more milk for thinner consistency. Drizzle over cooled cake before serving.
Warm and inviting pumpkin spice coffee cake served with a drizzle of maple glaze.  Pin It
Warm and inviting pumpkin spice coffee cake served with a drizzle of maple glaze. | lushkettle.com

This cake is a staple for family gatherings and always brings everyone together for a warm moment over coffee and dessert.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls hand or stand mixer 9-inch baking pan whisk spatula pastry cutter or fork wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) eggs milk (dairy) tree nuts if using Always verify ingredient labels for potential allergens if uncertain

Nutritional Information

Calories 295 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 41 g Protein 4 g per serving based on 10 servings without glaze or nuts

Delicious pumpkin spice coffee cake layered with cinnamon, ideal for cozy autumn mornings. Pin It
Delicious pumpkin spice coffee cake layered with cinnamon, ideal for cozy autumn mornings. | lushkettle.com

Serve this cake warm with your favorite hot beverage for the ultimate cozy treat.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What spices are used in this cake?

A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves gives this cake its distinctive autumnal flavor.

Can I skip the nuts in the streusel topping?

Yes, nuts are optional and can be omitted to suit nut-free preferences without affecting the overall texture much.

How do I make the streusel topping?

Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg with cold butter cut into coarse crumbs, then mix in nuts if using.

What is the purpose of sour cream in the batter?

Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang, helping create a tender, rich crumb.

How long should the cake bake?

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 38-43 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Can this cake be made in advance?

Yes, it stores well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days, making it great for planned gatherings.

Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

Warm pumpkin cake layered with cinnamon streusel offers moist texture and spiced flavor.

Time to Prep
20 mins
Time to Cook
40 mins
Full Prep Time
60 mins
Created By Samantha Reeves


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Tradition American

Portion 8 Serving Size

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You Need

Streusel Topping

01 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
02 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
06 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Cake Batter

01 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
08 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
09 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 3/4 cup granulated sugar
11 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
12 2 large eggs, room temperature
13 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
14 1/3 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
15 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Maple Glaze (Optional)

01 1/2 cup powdered sugar
02 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
03 1 to 2 teaspoons milk

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch square or round baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.

Step 02

Make streusel topping: Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Cut in cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using. Set aside.

Step 03

Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until evenly combined.

Step 04

Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in pumpkin puree, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 05

Combine wet and dry ingredients: Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture just until combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain tenderness.

Step 06

Assemble layers: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel over the batter. Add remaining batter on top and spread gently. Finish by sprinkling the remaining streusel evenly.

Step 07

Bake until done: Bake for 38 to 43 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 08

Cool before glazing: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.

Step 09

Prepare and drizzle glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon milk together. Add additional milk to reach desired consistency. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • 9-inch baking pan
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Wire rack

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to your doctor with concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, dairy, and tree nuts if used.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Details offered for informational purposes, not as a substitute for professional health guidance.
  • Calories: 295
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Proteins: 4 g