Cozy Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

As the vibrant colors of autumn emerge and a comforting chill fills the air, there’s a unique joy in savoring seasonal treats. This Pumpkin Coffee Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience that captures the very essence of fall. Imagine a cake that’s incredibly tender, remarkably moist, and infused with the warm, inviting flavors of pumpkin spice. Now, picture it crowned with a gloriously sweet and irresistibly crunchy crumb topping, made extra special with the delightful texture of crushed graham crackers. This is more than just a cake – it’s your perfect companion for a brisk autumn morning, a delightful addition to any brunch, or a comforting indulgence alongside your favorite hot beverage. Get ready to bake the absolute best pumpkin cake you’ve ever tasted!

Table of Contents

• Why This Pumpkin Coffee Cake Will Be Your New Fall Favorite
• The Secret to an Unforgettable Crumb Topping
• Crafting Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix
• Essential Ingredients for Your Best Pumpkin Coffee Cake
• Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake the Perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake
• Pro Baking Tips for a Flawless Cake
• Serving Suggestions and Ideal Occasions
• Storage and Freezing for Lasting Freshness
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• More Irresistible Pumpkin Recipes
• Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe Card

Why This Pumpkin Coffee Cake Will Be Your New Fall Favorite

Following the resounding success and widespread affection for last year’s apple crumb cake, it was an absolute must to develop a pumpkin rendition that would equally capture hearts and palates. This Pumpkin Coffee Cake isn’t just another seasonal treat; it’s a meticulously crafted masterpiece designed to embody everything you could ever desire in a fall-inspired dessert. From its foundational texture to its aromatic spices, every element has been perfected to deliver an unparalleled experience.

• Unrivaled Moisture and Tenderness: The hallmark of an exceptional coffee cake is its texture, and this recipe delivers beyond expectation. Each bite reveals an incredibly moist, tender crumb that practically dissolves in your mouth. This isn’t a dry, crumbly cake; it’s a luscious, comforting embrace of pumpkin goodness.
• Perfectly Balanced Pumpkin Spice: We’ve carefully calibrated the blend of spices to offer a rich, warming aroma and taste without overwhelming the delicate pumpkin flavor. It’s that quintessential taste of autumn that evokes cozy evenings and crisp mornings. The spices are integrated seamlessly, creating a harmonious symphony of fall flavors.
• The Irresistible Graham Cracker Crumb Topping: While the cake itself is phenomenal, the star of this recipe is undoubtedly its unique crumb topping. We’ve taken the classic streusel and elevated it by incorporating crushed graham crackers. This ingenious addition introduces an extraordinary texture—a delightful sweet crunch that perfectly contrasts the soft cake below. It’s so good, you might find yourself sneaking spoonfuls of it straight from the bowl!
• Versatile Pairing for Any Moment: This coffee cake is wonderfully adaptable. It’s an ideal companion for a tall, steaming latte or a rich cappuccino, making it a sophisticated choice for breakfast or a leisurely brunch. Yet, its depth of flavor also allows it to pair surprisingly well with a glass of red wine, transforming it into a refined dessert for an evening gathering.
• Simple to Master, Impressive to Serve: Despite its gourmet appeal and incredible flavor, this recipe is straightforward and accessible for bakers of all experience levels. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to achieve spectacular results. The clear, step-by-step instructions ensure a successful bake every time, allowing you to impress friends and family with minimal fuss.

Prepare to be utterly charmed by this Pumpkin Coffee Cake. Its combination of a superbly moist cake and that phenomenal graham cracker crumb topping guarantees it will become a cherished recipe in your fall baking repertoire. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of autumn.

The Secret to an Unforgettable Crumb Topping

While the tender pumpkin cake forms a delicious foundation, what truly elevates this coffee cake into an extraordinary treat is its signature crumb topping. This isn’t just any streusel; it’s a carefully crafted layer of sweet, buttery, and utterly crunchy delight that adds an irresistible textural contrast to every bite. The innovation that sets this topping apart is the inclusion of crushed graham crackers.

Traditional streusel often relies solely on flour, sugar, butter, and spices. By adding graham cracker crumbs, we introduce a unique depth of flavor—a subtle honeyed sweetness and a distinct crispness that flour alone cannot provide. This creates a topping that is not only sweeter and richer but also offers a more complex and satisfying crunch. The graham crackers toast beautifully in the oven, intensifying their flavor and making the topping incredibly addictive.

To ensure your crumb topping achieves that perfect, coarse, and distinct texture, it’s crucial that your melted butter is cooled to room temperature before being incorporated into the dry ingredients. Hot butter can cause the sugars and flour to “melt” prematurely, resulting in a denser, less crumbly mixture. Instead, cooled butter allows for the formation of lovely, irregular crumbs that bake up golden brown and wonderfully crisp. Mix with a fork until just combined, aiming for a texture that resembles coarse sand or small pebbles. This meticulous attention to detail ensures every piece of topping is a little burst of sugary, spiced, graham cracker goodness.

Crafting Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix: Elevate Your Flavors

A key “secret ingredient” to the profound success of this Pumpkin Coffee Cake lies in the quality of your pumpkin pie spice mix. While readily available store-bought blends offer convenience, crafting your own at home provides an unparalleled freshness and allows for a customizable flavor profile that truly makes a difference. Freshly ground spices boast a more potent aroma and vibrant taste, infusing your cake with an incomparable depth of autumnal warmth. This homemade touch can transform a good cake into an exceptional one.

If you don’t have a pre-made spice blend or wish to experience the superior flavor of a homemade version, it’s incredibly simple to prepare with common pantry spices:

• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The primary spice, providing warm, sweet, and woody notes.
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger: Adds a zesty, slightly peppery warmth.
• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg: Offers a sweet, pungent, and earthy undertone.
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground allspice: Contributes a complex flavor reminiscent of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg combined.
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves: Delivers a strong, sweet, and aromatic punch.

To make your own blend, simply measure all the ground spices into a small, airtight jar. Seal the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until all the spices are thoroughly combined. Store this mix in a cool, dark place, and it will remain fresh and potent for several months. Using this homemade blend will undoubtedly elevate your Pumpkin Coffee Cake, imparting it with an authentic, rich, and deeply comforting fall essence that’s simply unmatched.

Essential Ingredients for Your Best Pumpkin Coffee Cake

To create this incredibly flavorful and moist Pumpkin Coffee Cake, you’ll need a combination of baking basics and specific seasonal items. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of taste and texture. Ensure you gather everything before you begin, a practice known as “mise en place,” which makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

For the Irresistible Graham Cracker Crumb Topping:

• Brown Sugar (packed): Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness and helps create a chewier, more complex crumb texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Contributes a classic sweetness and promotes crispness in the topping.
• Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the topping with a warm, comforting spice that complements the pumpkin cake.
• Salt: A crucial balancer, enhancing the sweetness and bringing out the full flavor of the other ingredients.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: The secret weapon! Use plain honey graham crackers, finely crushed, to add a unique flavor and an unparalleled crunchy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a binder, helping the topping to form distinct crumbs and brown beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter (melted, cooled to room temperature): Essential for forming the perfect crumb. Cooling the butter ensures the topping remains crumbly and doesn’t become pasty when mixed.

For the Moist and Tender Pumpkin Cake Base:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake’s structure. Ensure it’s measured correctly (spooned and leveled) to avoid a dense cake.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work in harmony to give the cake its desirable rise and light, airy texture.
• Brown Sugar (packed): Adds depth of flavor, extra moisture, and a subtle molasses note, contributing to the cake’s tenderness.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps keep the cake moist by retaining moisture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the overall flavor profile of the pumpkin and spices.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Aromatic and essential, vanilla enhances the warmth and complexity of the pumpkin and spice flavors.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A generous amount for that signature fall taste. Use your homemade blend for the freshest flavor, or a high-quality store-bought version.
• 100% Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient, responsible for the cake’s rich pumpkin flavor and incredible moisture. Absolutely crucial to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Large Eggs: Act as binders, provide structure, and add richness to the cake batter. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsion.
• Vegetable or Canola Oil: Contributes significantly to the cake’s moistness and tender crumb, often yielding a more consistently moist result than butter in certain cake recipes.
• Buttermilk: Its acidity reacts with the baking soda to aid in leavening, and it also contributes to the cake’s exceptionally tender and moist texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling the rest with regular milk to ¾ cup, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

With these ingredients at hand, you’re well on your way to baking a truly unforgettable Pumpkin Coffee Cake that will delight everyone who tastes it!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake the Perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Baking this delightful Pumpkin Coffee Cake is a rewarding process that culminates in a truly spectacular autumn treat. Follow these detailed instructions carefully to ensure your cake is perfectly moist, wonderfully spiced, and topped with that irresistible crunchy crumb. Each step is designed for clarity and success, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

1. Crafting the Irresistible Crumb Topping:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, graham cracker crumbs, and all-purpose flour. Ensure all components are evenly distributed.
2. Incorporate Butter: Pour the melted butter (which should be cooled to room temperature, not hot) into the dry mixture. Using a fork, gently mix and stir the ingredients until coarse, distinct crumbs begin to form. The goal is a texture resembling wet sand or small pebbles. Be careful not to overmix, as this can create a paste rather than crumbs. Set this magnificent topping aside while you prepare the cake batter.

2. Preparing Your Baking Environment:

3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Allowing your oven to fully preheat ensures consistent heat from the moment your cake enters, promoting even baking and preventing a dense or undercooked center.
4. Prepare Baking Pan: Lightly grease and flour a 13″ x 9″ baking pan. This essential step prevents the cake from sticking and guarantees a clean release once baked. For extra assurance, you can also line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the cake out later.

3. Mixing the Moist Pumpkin Cake Batter:

5. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients for the cake: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk vigorously for approximately 30-60 seconds to ensure that all the leavening agents and spices are completely and uniformly distributed throughout the flour.
6. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the 100% pumpkin puree, large eggs, pure vanilla extract, vegetable or canola oil, and buttermilk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, homogenous, and well-emulsified.
7. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the large bowl containing the dry ingredients. Using either a sturdy whisk or a hand-held mixer set to a low speed, mix everything together just until the batter becomes smooth and no pockets of dry flour remain. It’s absolutely critical not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can lead to the development of gluten, resulting in a tough, dense cake. Mix for approximately one minute, stopping as soon as everything is incorporated.

4. Assembling and Baking Your Coffee Cake:

8. Pour Batter: Carefully and evenly pour the prepared pumpkin cake batter into your greased and floured 13″ x 9″ baking pan, spreading it gently to the corners if needed.
9. Remove Air Bubbles: Gently tap the baking pan against your counter a few times. This simple action helps to release any trapped air bubbles within the batter, which contributes to a more even crumb structure and prevents large holes in the baked cake.
10. Add Crumb Topping: Generously sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumb topping evenly over the entire surface of the cake batter. Distribute it well to ensure every slice gets a good amount of that delicious crunch.
11. Bake to Perfection: Place the cake in your preheated oven and bake for 32 to 35 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s wise to start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. The cake is fully baked when a wooden toothpick or a thin skewer inserted into a few different spots near the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter.
12. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. Allowing the cake to cool fully is essential; it allows the cake to set properly, prevents it from crumbling when sliced, and enhances its overall texture and flavor. Once cooled, slice into generous portions and serve!

By diligently following these comprehensive steps, you are guaranteed to produce a spectacular Pumpkin Coffee Cake that is not only visually appealing but also exceptionally delicious, making it a highlight of your fall season.

Pro Baking Tips for a Flawless Cake

Achieving a consistently perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake goes beyond just following the recipe steps; it involves understanding and applying a few fundamental baking principles. These expert tips will help ensure your cake is always moist, tender, flavorful, and a true delight to behold and taste.

• Accurate Flour Measurement is Key: One of the most common culprits for a dry cake is excessive flour. To measure flour correctly, avoid scooping it directly from the bag with your measuring cup, as this compacts it. Instead, lightly spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then level it off with a straight edge (like the back of a knife). This method prevents you from adding too much flour to your batter.
• Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of dry flour are visible. Overmixing is the enemy of tenderness in cakes, as it develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, rubbery texture instead of a soft, delicate crumb. A gentle minute of mixing with a whisk or a hand mixer on low speed is usually sufficient.
• Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: For ingredients like eggs and buttermilk, ensuring they are at room temperature is crucial. Room temperature ingredients emulsify more effectively, creating a smoother, more uniform batter. This leads to a better rise and a more consistent, tender texture in the final baked cake. Take them out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to start baking.
• Use 100% Pure Pumpkin Puree: Always double-check your canned pumpkin! Make sure you are using 100% pure pumpkin puree and NOT pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will disrupt the carefully balanced flavor profile and sweetness level of this recipe.
• Cool Melted Butter for the Crumb Topping: When preparing the crumb topping, it’s vital that the melted butter is cooled down before you mix it with the dry ingredients. Hot butter can dissolve the sugars and flour, resulting in a greasy, pasty topping rather than distinct, coarse, and crunchy crumbs.
• Preheat Your Oven Thoroughly: Always allow your oven ample time to fully preheat—at least 15 to 20 minutes—before placing your cake inside. A properly preheated oven ensures that the cake starts baking at the correct temperature from the outset, which is essential for proper rise and even baking. Placing a cake into a cool oven can result in a dense, unevenly baked product.
• Do Not Overbake: Overbaking is a surefire way to dry out your cake. Begin checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking in short intervals (2-3 minutes) and retest.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing: Patience is a virtue when it comes to cooling. Allow the cake to cool entirely in the pan on a wire rack. This allows the cake’s internal structure to fully set and helps to lock in moisture. Slicing a warm cake can cause it to crumble or collapse, and it also prevents the crumb topping from crisping up properly.

By integrating these baking tips into your process, you’ll consistently achieve a Pumpkin Coffee Cake that is not only delicious but also boasts a perfectly moist crumb and a wonderfully crunchy topping, making you feel like a seasoned baker every time.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Occasions

This incredibly versatile Pumpkin Coffee Cake is more than just a seasonal delight; it’s a perfect treat for a multitude of occasions and can be enjoyed in various ways. Its comforting flavors and satisfying textures make it a welcome addition to any table, from casual family meals to more festive gatherings.

• The Ultimate Morning Indulgence: Begin your day with a touch of warmth and sweetness. A generous slice of this coffee cake pairs exquisitely with your favorite morning beverage. Imagine it alongside a freshly brewed cup of strong coffee, a creamy and frothy latte, or a soothing herbal tea. It transforms an ordinary breakfast into a luxurious, café-style experience.
• Elevated Brunch Centerpiece: For weekend brunches, this Pumpkin Coffee Cake serves as a magnificent centerpiece. It’s substantial enough to feel like a treat but light enough to complement other brunch items. Its aesthetic appeal, with the golden crumb topping, makes it incredibly inviting.
• Perfect Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: When that mid-afternoon craving strikes, a slice of this cake is just the ticket. It provides a satisfying sweetness and a comforting boost without being overly heavy, making it an ideal companion for a quiet moment.
• Elegant and Cozy Dessert: Don’t limit this gem to just coffee time! It makes a fantastic dessert after any meal. Serve it simply on its own, or elevate it with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a warm drizzle of homemade caramel sauce for an extra layer of decadence. Surprisingly, its robust flavors also harmonize wonderfully with a glass of dry, spiced red wine, offering an unexpected yet delightful pairing for an adult palate.
• Holiday Feast Essential: This coffee cake is a quintessential addition to any fall or winter holiday celebration. It’s particularly well-suited for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any seasonal gathering where comforting, spiced flavors are cherished. Its crowd-pleasing appeal ensures it will disappear quickly!
• Potlucks, Parties, and Bake Sales: Easy to transport and universally loved, this Pumpkin Coffee Cake is a superb choice for potlucks, church gatherings, office parties, or bake sales. It holds up well and remains delicious, making it a stress-free contribution that always earns compliments.

No matter the occasion or the time of day, this Pumpkin Coffee Cake promises to deliver warmth, comfort, and sheer culinary delight to everyone who experiences it. It’s a true celebration of autumn, baked with love.

Storage and Freezing for Lasting Freshness

One of the many wonderful attributes of this Pumpkin Coffee Cake is its excellent keeping quality, allowing you to extend the enjoyment of its delectable flavors for days, or even months! Proper storage is crucial to maintain the cake’s desirable moistness, tender crumb, and aromatic taste, ensuring every piece tastes as delightful as the first.

• Room Temperature Storage (2-3 Days): For immediate consumption within two to three days, the cooled cake can be perfectly stored at room temperature. To prevent it from drying out, place the entire cake (or individual slices) in an airtight container, such as a cake dome with a lid, or wrap it snugly in plastic wrap. Keep it away from direct sunlight, warm kitchen appliances, or any excessively humid spots in your kitchen.
• Refrigeration for Extended Freshness (5-7 Days): If you wish to extend the cake’s freshness beyond a few days, refrigerating it is an excellent option. Transfer the cooled cake to an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator. While refrigeration effectively preserves the cake for up to 5-7 days, be aware that the cold environment can sometimes make the cake’s texture slightly firmer. For the best eating experience, allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving.
• Freezing the Baked Cake for Long-Term Enjoyment (Up to 4 Months): This Pumpkin Coffee Cake freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prepping or simply having a delicious treat on standby! Ensure the cake is completely cooled to room temperature before freezing to prevent condensation and ice crystals from forming.
• Freezing a Whole Cake: For a whole cake, wrap it meticulously in at least two layers of plastic wrap, followed by a final layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. This triple layer protects against freezer burn and preserves moisture.
• Freezing Individual Slices: For ultimate convenience, slice the cooled cake into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped slices into a large, freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. This method allows you to thaw only the amount you need, whenever a craving strikes.
• Thawing Frozen Cake: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cake, simply transfer the desired amount (either the whole cake or individual slices) from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. For individual slices, you can also let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. Once thawed, the cake will retain its delightful texture and flavor, tasting almost as fresh as the day it was baked! Frozen cake can be safely stored for up to 4 months without significant loss of quality.

By following these comprehensive storage and freezing guidelines, you can ensure that every single bite of your homemade Pumpkin Coffee Cake is as delicious and fresh as possible, allowing you to savor the taste of autumn whenever you desire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree in this recipe?

A: No, it is critically important to use 100% pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling is a pre-mixed product that contains added sugars, spices, and sometimes other ingredients. Using it would significantly alter the sweetness level, spice balance, and overall texture of this cake recipe, likely leading to an overly sweet or unevenly baked result.

Q: Is it necessary to make my own pumpkin pie spice mix, or can I use a store-bought one?

A: While a homemade blend offers unparalleled freshness and allows you to customize the spice intensity, a good quality, fresh store-bought pumpkin pie spice mix will work perfectly fine. The key is to ensure your store-bought mix isn’t old or stale, as this can dull the flavor of your cake.

Q: My crumb topping didn’t turn out crunchy; it was a bit soft. What might have gone wrong?

A: Several factors could affect the crispness of your crumb topping. Firstly, ensure your melted butter for the topping was completely cooled to room temperature. Hot butter can dissolve the sugars and flour too much, leading to a denser, less crumbly texture. Secondly, make sure your oven temperature is accurate and that the cake is baked sufficiently for the topping to achieve its golden-brown crispness. An underbaked topping will naturally be softer.

Q: Can this Pumpkin Coffee Cake be prepared in advance for an event?

A: Absolutely! This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can bake it a day or two in advance. Store it at room temperature in an airtight container; many find the flavors even more developed and delicious the next day. For longer preparation in advance, refer to our freezing instructions above.

Q: I only have a smaller baking pan. Can I halve the recipe?

A: Yes, you can easily halve this recipe! If you opt to do so, bake the cake in an 8″ x 8″ baking pan instead of a 13″ x 9″. Be sure to also adjust the baking time accordingly; it will likely be slightly less than the full recipe. Always perform the toothpick test to confirm doneness.

More Irresistible Pumpkin Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting taste of pumpkin, just like we have, you’ll be delighted to explore these other fantastic pumpkin-themed creations. Perfect for extending your fall baking repertoire or simply enjoying the rich, earthy sweetness of pumpkin throughout the year, these recipes offer diverse and delicious ways to celebrate this beloved seasonal ingredient.

If you embark on the delightful journey of making this recipe and find yourself enchanted by its flavors, we would be absolutely thrilled to hear about your experience! Please take a moment to share your thoughts in the comments section below and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Your valuable feedback is incredibly helpful to us and inspires other home bakers in their culinary adventures!

Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe Card

Pumpkin Coffee Cake

This recipe delivers the ultimate fall dessert: an incredibly tender and moist pumpkin cake base topped with an unbelievably sweet and crunchy graham cracker crumb topping. It’s truly irresistible and perfect for any autumn occasion!

Author: Anna

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (Based on 29 votes)

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Recipe Details:

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

35 minutes

Total Time:

50 minutes

Course:

Dessert

Cuisine:

American

Servings:

12 servings

Calories:

461 kcal

Ingredients for the Crumb Topping:

• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs (I used plain honey graham crackers)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup + 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature (not hot!)

Ingredients for the Cake:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup 100% pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
• ¾ cup buttermilk

Instructions:

To Make the Crumb Topping:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together both sugars, cinnamon, salt, flour, and graham cracker crumbs. Add cooled, melted butter and stir with a fork until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.

To Make the Cake:

2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Grease and flour a 13″ x 9″ baking pan. Set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and pumpkin spice.
5. In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla, oil, and buttermilk.
6. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk together until smooth. Whisk for about a minute (a whisk or hand-held mixer can be used). Be careful not to overmix.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Tap the pan gently against your counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
8. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly all over the surface of the cake batter.
9. Bake the cake for 32 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in a few places near the center comes out clean.
10. Cool the cake completely to room temperature in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes:

• You can halve this recipe if you wish. If doing so, bake the cake in an 8″ x 8″ baking pan and adjust baking time accordingly.
• Please be aware that the provided nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and products you use.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 461 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 68 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 49 mg
• Sodium: 353 mg
• Potassium: 188 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 39 g
• Vitamin A: 3480 IU
• Vitamin C: 0.9 mg
• Calcium: 77 mg
• Iron: 2.3 mg

Enjoy the rich flavors of autumn with this homemade Pumpkin Coffee Cake!