Pumpkin Coffee Cake

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is not just a dessert; it’s the perfect companion for chilly fall days. With its rich pumpkin flavor and delightful spices, this cake brings warmth to any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy afternoon, this cake is sure to impress with its crunchy topping and moist texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Delight: The blend of pumpkin and warm spices creates an irresistible aroma and taste that captures the essence of fall.
• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this coffee cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made without any animal products, this cake is suitable for vegan diets while still being delicious and satisfying.
• Make Ahead Option: Bake it in advance for gatherings and enjoy the convenience of having a tasty treat ready to serve.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Pumpkin Coffee Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining dry and wet ingredients separately, ensuring even mixing.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a light texture by incorporating air into your batter.
• 9×13 inch cake pan: The perfect size for even baking and easy serving of your coffee cake.

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) while you prepare the cake batter.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients:
* Stir gently with a large spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.

Step 5: Prepare Streusel Topping

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

Step 6: Assemble in Pan

Pour the batter into your greased cake pan:
* Spread evenly before sprinkling the streusel topping over it.

Step 7: Bake

Place in preheated oven:
* Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Glaze (Optional)

If desired:
* Mix powdered sugar, soy milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over cooled coffee cake before serving.

Step 9: Storage Tips

Store any leftovers at room temperature covered for about two days. Refrigerate for up to five days or freeze if necessary; it’s best served fresh!

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Pumpkin Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages and accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Coffee

• Enjoy a slice of Pumpkin Coffee Cake alongside a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee. The rich flavors complement each other perfectly, making it an ideal morning or afternoon snack.

With Tea

• Pair the cake with your favorite herbal or chai tea. The warmth and spices in the tea will accentuate the pumpkin spice flavor of the cake.

With Non-Dairy Milk

• Serve with a glass of chilled almond or oat milk for a refreshing contrast to the warm cake. This combination is both satisfying and nourishing.

Topped with Whipped Coconut Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream on top for extra creaminess. The light sweetness will balance the spiced flavors beautifully.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve slices with fresh fruit like apples or pears. Their crispness provides a nice texture contrast, making each bite more enjoyable.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake

To achieve the best results when making Pumpkin Coffee Cake, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your baking skills.

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Freshly made pumpkin puree can elevate the flavor significantly compared to canned options.

• Check Measurements Carefully: Accurate ingredient measurements are crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor in your cake.

• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.

• Cool Before Glazing: Allow the coffee cake to cool completely before adding any glaze. This prevents it from melting into the cake too quickly.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Coffee Cake can create a more balanced meal or snack. Here are some great options that work well together.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and fruits for a nutritious side that complements the cake’s flavors.
3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and nutty richness, balancing out the softness of the coffee cake.
4. Applesauce: A small bowl of unsweetened applesauce is a comforting choice that pairs nicely with pumpkin flavors.
5. Chia Pudding: Prepare chia pudding as a healthy side dish; its creamy texture contrasts well with the crumbly coffee cake.
6. Fruit Compote: Serve warm fruit compote on the side; its sweetness enhances the spiced notes in your coffee cake.
7. Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars offer an easy-to-eat option that can be enjoyed alongside your slice of coffee cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Coffee Cake, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final product. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Boldly mixing wet and dry ingredients: Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake. Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
• Boldly skipping the streusel: The crunchy topping is crucial for texture. Don’t skip it; make sure to prepare and sprinkle it generously on top before baking.
• Boldly ignoring bake time: Baking too long can dry out your cake. Keep an eye on it, checking for doneness with a toothpick around the 40-minute mark.
• Boldly using cold ingredients: Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing. Allow your soy milk and other ingredients to come to room temperature before mixing.
• Boldly neglecting storage tips: Proper storage keeps your cake fresh. Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Pumpkin Coffee Cake stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Pumpkin Coffee Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; ensure they’re well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Pumpkin Coffee Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the cake on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Pumpkin Coffee Cake that might help you during preparation.

What makes this Pumpkin Coffee Cake vegan?

This recipe uses plant-based ingredients like unsweetened soy milk and vegan butter instead of dairy or egg products.

Can I use another type of milk instead of soy?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with almond milk or oat milk; both work well in this recipe.

How do I customize my Pumpkin Coffee Cake?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips for added flavor and texture!

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can create your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice if necessary.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Coffee Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a dessert. You can easily customize it with nuts or chocolate chips to suit your taste. Don’t hesitate—try this delightful recipe today!