Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake

Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of fall with a moist cake and a crunchy streusel topping. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon snack with your favorite coffee or tea.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

For the Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix in the sour cream until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
3. Make the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans if using.
4. Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Optional Glaze: If desired, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings. The prep time is about 15 minutes, while the cooking time is between 35-40 minutes, making the total time around 1 hour.

Variations

• Nut-Free: Omit the pecans from the streusel topping for a nut-free option.
• Spices: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for extra warmth.
• Frosting: Instead of a glaze, consider using cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor.
• Add-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips or dried cranberries into the batter for additional flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin puree?
   Yes, fresh pumpkin puree can be used in place of canned pumpkin.
2. Is it necessary to use sour cream?
   Sour cream adds moisture and richness, but you can substitute it with plain yogurt.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature.
4. How do I know when the cake is done?
   A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, adjusting the baking time as necessary.
6. Can I leave out the glaze?
   Absolutely! The cake is delicious on its own without the glaze.
7. What can I serve with this cake?
   This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
8. Is it possible to substitute whole wheat flour?
   Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser.
9. Can I use a different type of nut?
   Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans.
10. What if I don’t have a round cake pan?
    You can use a square or rectangular baking dish; just adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake is a delightful and flavorful treat that brings the essence of autumn to your table. Its moist, spiced cake paired with a crunchy topping makes it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with coffee in the morning or as a dessert, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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