Name: Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for crumb topping); 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar (plus extra for crumb topping); 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup butter, melted (plus 1/4 cup cold butter for crumb topping); 1/4 cup milk; 1 tsp ground cinnamon (plus extra for crumb topping); 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This pumpkin coffee cake with crumb topping is the perfect fall treat. It’s moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a buttery crumble that pairs beautifully with the soft pumpkin base. I enjoy serving it with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a comforting afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this pumpkin coffee cake combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with warm spices and a delightful crumb topping. The cake is tender, the crumble is perfectly buttery, and the flavors make me feel cozy. I also like that it’s simple to prepare and works just as well for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
pumpkin puree
sugar
brown sugar
baking powder
baking soda
eggs
butter
milk
ground cinnamon
ground nutmeg
ground ginger
ground cloves
salt
vanilla extract

Directions

I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
In a bowl, I whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices.
In another bowl, I mix pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
I slowly combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
To make the crumb topping, I mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter until crumbly.
I spread the batter evenly in the pan, sprinkle the crumb topping over it, and bake for about 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
I let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prepare and 35–40 minutes to bake, so in under an hour, I have a delicious pumpkin coffee cake ready to enjoy.

Variations

I like to add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch. Sometimes I drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake for added sweetness. If I want a slightly healthier twist, I replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

storage/reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for about 5 days. To reheat, I warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, which brings back the fresh-from-the-oven taste. I can also freeze individual pieces for up to 2 months and thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping

FAQs

Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake it the day before serving. It stays moist and flavorful, especially when stored in an airtight container.

Do I have to use canned pumpkin puree?

I prefer canned pumpkin puree for convenience, but homemade pumpkin puree works just as well as long as it’s thick and not watery.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, I sometimes swap melted butter for vegetable oil or coconut oil in the batter. It makes the cake extra moist, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

I insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and it turns out just as delicious.

Conclusion

I find this pumpkin coffee cake with crumb topping to be one of my favorite fall bakes. It’s simple, comforting, and versatile enough to enjoy any time of day. The combination of spiced pumpkin and buttery crumble always feels special, and I love sharing it with family and friends.