Pumpkin spice coffee cake is a
delightful dessert. This flavorful blends the pumpkin and spices with the
richness of a moist cake, topped with a buttery streusel that adds a satisfying
crunch.
Key Takeaways
The recipe offers:
Festive Flavors:
Combines pumpkin and spices to create an aromatic dessert perfect for
Thanksgiving.
Versatile Enjoyment:
Ideal as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert, pairing well with coffee or
tea.
Ease of Preparation:
Straightforward steps and accessible ingredients make it beginner-friendly
while still impressive for guests.
Customization Options:
Adaptable for dietary needs with substitutions like gluten-free flour, vegan
alternatives, and reduced sugar.
Thanksgiving is about food
that brings loved ones together. Its blend of pumpkin purée, cinnamon, nutmeg,
and cloves creates an aroma that fills the house as it bakes. The pumpkin spice
phenomenon traces its roots back to traditional pumpkin pie, a Thanksgiving
staple.
Pumpkin spice coffee cake is
one of the beloved adaptations. Pumpkin spice coffee cake is the ultimate
seasonal indulgence. Its cozy flavors and festive flair make it an essential
recipe for your Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
for Thanksgiving Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Recipe
To create a pumpkin spice coffee cake, you’ll need a mix of
high-quality ingredients. Below is a comprehensive list of what you’ll need for
both the cake batter and the crumbly streusel topping.
Main Ingredients and Their Role
For the
Coffee Cake
Pumpkin
Purée (1 cup): The star of the recipe, pumpkin purée adds
natural sweetness, moisture, and a velvety texture. Use pure pumpkin purée, not
pumpkin pie filling, to control the flavor.
All-Purpose
Flour (2 cups): Provides structure to the cake while keeping
it light and fluffy.
Granulated
Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake and enhances the natural
flavors of pumpkin and spices.
Brown
Sugar (½ cup): Adds depth and a caramel-like richness to the
flavor profile.
Butter
(½ cup, melted): Creates a tender crumb while enhancing the
richness of the cake.
Eggs
(2 large): Act as a binding agent and add structure to the cake.
Milk
(½ cup): Helps achieve the right batter consistency for a moist and
tender cake.
Baking
Powder (1½ teaspoons): Ensures the cake rises properly for a
fluffy texture.
Baking
Soda (½ teaspoon): Reacts with the acidity of the pumpkin to
provide additional lift.
Pumpkin
Spice (2 teaspoons): The quintessential blend of cinnamon, nutmeg,
ginger, and cloves adds cozy flavors.
Vanilla
Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor and aroma.
For the Streusel Topping
All-Purpose
Flour (¾ cup): Forms the base of the crumbly topping.
Brown
Sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and a slightly caramelized
crunch.
Ground
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the topping with a spicy flavor.
Butter
(½ cup, chilled and cubed): Ensures the streusel has a crumbly
texture that bakes to golden perfection.
Substitutions and Adjustments for Dietary Needs
Gluten-Free
Alternative: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free
baking mix to cater to gluten-intolerant guests.
Vegan
Adaptation: Replace butter with plant-based margarine, eggs
with flaxseed or chia seed eggs, and
milk with almond or oat milk.
Reduced
Sugar Option: Substitute half of the granulated sugar with a
natural sweetener like coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener.
Nutty
Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra
crunch and flavor.
Why Pumpkin
Spice Coffee Cake is a Thanksgiving Favorite?
Pumpkin spice coffee cake has
become a quintessential addition to Thanksgiving celebrations. Its rise in popularity
is tied to its adaptability, heartwarming flavors, and the cultural
significance of pumpkin spice in the autumn season.
Pumpkin spice has long been
associated with fall and the Thanksgiving holiday. Its origins date back to
early American settlers who used seasonal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and
ginger to enhance the flavor of pumpkin-based dishes.
The modern pumpkin spice
craze, propelled by lattes and other seasonal treats, has solidified its place
as an essential element of autumn.
A Versatile Dish: Pumpkin
spice coffee cake fits into Thanksgiving menus, whether served as a breakfast
item, a mid-day snack, or a dessert. Its light sweetness pairs well with coffee
or tea.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavors:
The combination of spices and tender cake appeals to a wide range of palates.
Even picky eaters find comfort in the familiar, aromatic spices and crumbly
streusel topping.
Ease of Preparation:
Compared to elaborate desserts like pies, pumpkin spice coffee cake is simple
to make. Its straightforward recipe makes it an accessible option for both
novice and experienced bakers.
Feedback from Guests and Family: Families enjoy pumpkin spice coffee cake comforting aroma
as it bakes. Guests remark on its balance of flavors:
It’s the perfect complement to our Thanksgiving brunch.
Everyone loved it, from the kids to the grandparents!
The pumpkin spice coffee cake was gone before the pie - everyone
asked for the recipe!
A Nostalgic Yet Modern Twist: While the flavors of pumpkin spice are rooted in tradition,
coffee cake offers a modern and approachable twist. It’s less formal than pie
but equally festive.
Storing and
Reheating Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake
To maintain pumpkin spice coffee
cake moist texture, rich flavor, and crispy streusel topping, follow these
storage and reheating tips.
Best
Practices for Storing Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake
At Room Temperature
If you plan to eat the cake
within 1–2 days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This
keeps the cake fresh and prevents it from drying out. Line the container with
parchment paper to absorb any excess moisture, especially if your kitchen is
humid.
Refrigeration
For longer storage (up to a
week), wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in the
refrigerator. This helps preserve the flavors and keeps the cake moist. Cut the
cake into individual servings before storing for convenience.
Freezing
Pumpkin spice coffee cake
freezes exceptionally well, making it a top option for preparing ahead of time.
To freeze:
- Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date for easy tracking; it can be stored for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat
Without Losing Texture or Flavor?
For Room
Temperature Cake
If stored at room temperature,
the cake is often ready to enjoy without reheating. However, if you prefer it
warm:
Place a slice on a
microwave-safe plate and microwave for 10–15 seconds.
For
Refrigerated Cake
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the cake on a baking sheet and cover it lightly with foil to prevent the streusel from burning.
- Heat for 10–15 minutes or until warm.
- Alternatively, use a microwave for 15–20 seconds, though this may slightly soften the streusel topping.
For Frozen
Cake
- Remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 1–2 hours.
- Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions above for refrigerated cake.
- You can reheat directly from frozen by placing the wrapped slice in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Read Also: How to
Bake An Old-Fashioned Coffee Cake At Home?
Nutritional
Breakdown of Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake
Understanding the nutritional
content of pumpkin spice coffee cake can help you enjoy this indulgent treat in
moderation while staying informed about its contributions to your daily dietary
intake. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving, assuming the recipe
yields 12 servings.
|
Nutrient |
Amount per serving |
% Daily Value
(Based on a 2000-calorie diet) |
|
Calories |
280 – 320 |
14 – 16 |
|
Total fat |
12 – 14 g |
18 – 22 |
|
Saturated fat |
7 – 8 g |
35 – 40 |
|
Cholesterol |
45 – 50 MG |
15 – 17 |
|
Sodium |
180 – 220 MG |
8 – 10 |
|
Total carbohydrates |
40 – 45 g |
13 – 15 |
|
Dietary fiber |
1 – 2 g |
4 – 8 |
|
Sugars |
22 – 25 g |
--- |
|
Protein |
3 – 5 g |
6 – 10 |
|
Vitamin A |
80 – 100 MCG |
8 – 10 |
|
Calcium |
40 – 50 MG |
3 – 5 |
|
Iron |
1 – 2 MG |
5 – 10 |
Approximate Nutritional
Information (Per Serving)
Key
Nutritional Highlights
Pumpkin Purée Contributions: The pumpkin purée is a good source of Vitamin A,
contributing to better vision, immune support, and skin health.
Carbohydrates and Sugars:
The cake provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates, mainly from flour and
sugars. It’s a source of quick energy but should be enjoyed in balance with
other foods.
Fats and Calories: Butter
and the streusel topping add richness and flavor, contributing to the calorie
and fat content. Opt for portion control if you’re watching your fat intake.
Dietary Fiber: Though
modest, the fiber from pumpkin and flour aids in digestion. Adding whole wheat
flour or nuts can increase the fiber content.
Protein: While
not a high-protein food, the eggs and milk contribute some protein, making the
coffee cake satisfying.
FAQs: Thanksgiving
Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Recipe
Here are answers to some
commonly asked questions about pumpkin spice coffee cake. Whether you're a
seasoned baker or a beginner, these tips will help you master the recipe and
make it perfect every time.
Can I use
fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin purée?
Yes, you can use fresh
pumpkin! Roast or steam a small sugar pumpkin, then blend it until smooth. Be
sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid making the batter too runny. Fresh
pumpkin offers a slightly lighter flavor compared to canned purée.
Can I prepare
the batter or topping ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and topping in advance:
For the batter:
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
For the topping:
Keep it in a separate container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What’s the
best way to keep the streusel topping crunchy?
To keep the streusel topping
crunchy, avoid overmixing the topping ingredients. Use chilled butter and mix
until crumbly. If you’re reheating the cake, cover the bottom with foil but
leave the top exposed to maintain the topping’s texture.
Why is my
coffee cake too dense or dry?
This can happen for several
reasons:
Overmixing:
Stir the batter just until combined to avoid activating too much gluten.
Overbaking:
Check for doneness early and use a toothpick to test. Remove the cake from the
oven as soon as it comes out clean.
Improper measuring:
Ensure accurate measurements, especially for flour and liquids.
Can I use a
different spice blend if I don’t have pumpkin spice?
Yes! You can create a homemade
blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. A simple mix is 2 teaspoons cinnamon,
½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ginger, and a pinch of cloves.
Does pumpkin
spice coffee cake actually contain coffee?
No, the coffee in coffee cake refers to how it pairs with coffee or tea,
not an actual ingredient. However, you can add 1–2 teaspoons of instant coffee
or espresso powder to the batter for a unique flavor twist.
Conclusion:
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Recipe
With its spices, moist
texture, and crumbly streusel topping, pumpkin spice coffee
cake brings festivity to any Thanksgiving gathering. This versatile recipe fits
into different parts of the day, whether as a cozy breakfast alongside coffee,
a mid-afternoon treat, or a delightful dessert after a hearty Thanksgiving
meal.
With helpful tips on storage, reheating, and customization, you can tailor the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. So, as Thanksgiving approaches, consider adding this pumpkin spice coffee cake to your menu. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable, and sure to impress your family and friends.
