Pumpkin Coffee Cake

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is the perfect treat for any fall gathering or cozy morning at home. Bursting with rich pumpkin flavor and warm spices, it features a delightful crunchy topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving it at brunch or enjoying a piece with your afternoon coffee, this cake is sure to impress. Plus, it’s vegan, making it suitable for a variety of diets!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Flavorful: The blend of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice creates a deliciously warm taste that embodies the essence of autumn.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this cake with ease.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack paired with your favorite beverage.
• Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is completely plant-based, so everyone can enjoy it without worry.
• Great for Meal Prep: It stores well at room temperature and in the fridge, making it an excellent option for make-ahead meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking this delicious Pumpkin Coffee Cake, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13 inch cake pan
• Fork or pastry cutter

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Having various sizes allows you to easily separate dry and wet ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: A good whisk helps combine ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a light and fluffy cake texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key in baking; they ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

This Vegan Pumpkin Coffee Cake is the ultimate fall dessert! It’s perfectly spiced, full of pumpkin flavor, and the crunchy sweet topping is to die for. Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

For the Cake

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup neutral flavored oil (I used avocado oil)
• 1 cup unsweetened soy milk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup vegan butter, melted
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

For the Optional Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened soy milk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch cake pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and granulated sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the pumpkin puree, oil, soy milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture:
– Stir gently with a large spoon until just combined. Be careful not to over mix; doing so will result in a denser cake.

Step 5: Prepare the Batter

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan:
– Set aside while preparing the streusel topping.

Step 6: Make Streusel Topping

In another medium bowl:
– Mix together melted vegan butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice using a fork until crumbly. Use your hands if necessary.

Step 7: Assemble & Bake

Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake batter:
– Place in preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Optional Glaze

If desired:
– In a small bowl, stir together powdered sugar, soy milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over cooled coffee cake before serving.

Step 9: Storage Tips

The coffee cake can be stored at room temperature covered well for about two days:
– In the refrigerator for up to five days. It can also be frozen but tastes best when enjoyed fresh!

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Pumpkin Coffee Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious cake to elevate your dessert experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pairing pumpkin coffee cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee enhances the rich flavors.
• Tea: A warm herbal or chai tea complements the spices in the cake beautifully.

As a Breakfast Item

• Morning Delight: Serve warm slices as part of your breakfast spread for a cozy start to your day.
• Brunch Treat: Include it in a brunch buffet alongside fruit and yogurt for a balanced meal.

Garnished with Extras

• Whipped Coconut Cream: Top each slice with whipped coconut cream for added richness and flavor.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an extra crunch.

With Seasonal Fruits

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the cake, making for a refreshing side.
• Apple Compote: Serve warm apple compote alongside the cake for a comforting fall theme.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake

To achieve the best texture and flavor in your Pumpkin Coffee Cake, keep these tips in mind:

• Bold Measuring: Always measure your ingredients accurately for consistent results.
• Bold Mixing Technique: Mix only until combined to avoid dense cake; overmixing can ruin the texture.
• Bold Oven Temperature Check: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures, as ovens can vary.
• Bold Ingredient Quality: Opt for fresh pumpkin puree and high-quality spices for maximum flavor impact.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Coffee Cake can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup brings out the autumn flavors perfectly.
3. Greek Yogurt: Creamy yogurt provides protein and a tangy contrast to the sweet cake.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer crunchy texture and complement the cake’s spices.
5. Vegan Ice Cream: A scoop of vegan ice cream makes an indulgent dessert pairing.
6. Herbal Tea Selection: Offer a variety of herbal teas to complement the flavors of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pumpkin Coffee Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to avoid dense or overly dry cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a tough texture. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended for the best results.
• Skipping the streusel topping: The crunchy topping adds flavor and texture. Don’t skip it; it enhances the whole cake experience!
• Not preheating the oven: Ensure your oven is fully heated before baking. This helps the cake rise properly and bake evenly.
• Ignoring cooling time: Allow the cake to cool before adding any glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting away and helps maintain its appearance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Pumpkin Coffee Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Pumpkin Coffee Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a non-stick pan over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Coffee Cake.

Can I substitute another type of milk?

Yes, you can use almond milk or oat milk as substitutes for soy milk without affecting the flavor significantly.

How long will Pumpkin Coffee Cake last?

When stored properly, it lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator and about 3 months in the freezer.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version of Pumpkin Coffee Cake.

What can I add to enhance flavor?

Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits like cranberries for added texture and taste in your Pumpkin Coffee Cake.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Coffee Cake is not only perfect for fall but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it with various toppings or mix-ins, making it your own. Try this delightful dessert today—your friends and family will love it!