Pumpkin Coffee Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. It’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a sweet crunchy streusel that adds the perfect texture. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a cozy day at home, this cake is sure to impress. Pair it with your favorite hot beverage for the ultimate fall experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices and pumpkin create a comforting taste that embodies the season.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and perfect for any skill level.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made without animal products, this cake caters to various dietary preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as dessert or enjoy it for breakfast; it fits perfectly into your fall gatherings.
• Great for Leftovers: Store it easily at room temperature or in the fridge, making it perfect for snacking throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Vegan Pumpkin Coffee Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make baking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your dry and wet ingredients efficiently.
• Whisk: Perfect for ensuring your batter is smooth and well-blended without lumps.
• 9×13 inch cake pan: Provides ample space for the cake to rise beautifully without spilling over.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Vegan Pumpkin Coffee Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake Batter

• 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 pureé
• 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 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 and lightly grease your 9×13 inch cake pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients:
* Stir with a large spoon until just combined. Be careful not to over mix, as this can lead to a dense cake.

Step 5: Pour into Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan:
* Set aside while you prepare the streusel topping.

Step 6: Make Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl:
* Mix melted vegan butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice using a fork. You can use your hands if necessary; it should be crumbly.

Step 7: Add Streusel Topping

Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cake batter:
* Place in the oven and bake for about 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean from the center.

Step 8: Drizzle Optional Glaze

If using glaze:
* Mix all glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over cooled coffee cake before serving.

Step 9: Storage Tips

Store any leftovers at room temperature covered well for about two days. In the fridge, it can last up to five days. Freezing is possible but best enjoyed fresh!

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Serving Pumpkin Coffee Cake is all about enhancing its delightful flavors and making it a cozy treat for any occasion. Here are some creative ideas to enjoy this delicious cake.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair your cake with a hot cup of coffee for a classic morning or afternoon treat.
• Tea: Enjoy with herbal or chai tea that complements the spices in the cake.
• Cider: A warm apple cider brings out the fall flavors beautifully.

For a Festive Brunch

• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the rich flavors of the cake.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer some dairy-free yogurt with granola and berries for a satisfying brunch option.
• Savory Breakfast Quiche: Serve alongside a light quiche for a delightful contrast in flavors.

As a Dessert

• Topped with Whipped Cream: Add dollops of dairy-free whipped cream on top for extra creaminess.
• Ice Cream Scoop: A scoop of non-dairy ice cream makes for an indulgent dessert experience.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake

To ensure your Pumpkin Coffee Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Bold Mixing Technique: Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense cake.
• Bold Quality Ingredients: Use fresh pumpkin puree and high-quality spices to enhance flavor.
• Bold Streusel Topping: Don’t skip the streusel! It adds crunch that complements the moist cake beautifully.
• Bold Baking Time Check: Start checking your cake at 40 minutes. An inserted toothpick should come out clean when it’s done.
• Bold Cooling Method: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding glaze, ensuring it sets nicely without melting away.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Coffee Cake can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Bold Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and grapes adds freshness.
2. Bold Chia Pudding: Creamy chia pudding made with almond or coconut milk provides health benefits and texture.
3. Bold Nut Mix: A simple blend of roasted nuts offers crunch and protein that pairs well with sweet cake.
4. Bold Vegan Sausages: Savory vegan sausages complement the sweetness of the coffee cake effectively.
5. Bold Green Smoothie: A nutrient-packed smoothie helps balance out the richness of the dessert.
6. Bold Oatmeal Cookies: Chewy oatmeal cookies provide another sweet option that pairs nicely with coffee or tea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Coffee Cake, it’s easy to make minor mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for.

• Overmixing the batter – This can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until ingredients are combined for a light texture.
• Skipping the streusel – The crunchy topping adds flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for the perfect coffee cake.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Use proper measuring tools for dry and wet ingredients to ensure consistency in your cake.
• Ignoring baking time – Ovens vary, so check your cake a few minutes early. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s done.
• Using cold ingredients – Bring your soy milk and pumpkin puree to room temperature for better mixing and consistency in your batter.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before sealing it to maintain moisture.

Freezing Pumpkin Coffee Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with the date for easy reference.

Reheating Pumpkin Coffee Cake

• Oven – Preheat at 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-30 seconds as needed.
• Stovetop – Place in a covered skillet over low heat for several minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making Pumpkin Coffee Cake.

Can I make this Pumpkin Coffee Cake gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper structure.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can easily make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Just use equal parts of each spice.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Coffee Cake is done?

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in nuts or vegan chocolate chips into the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Coffee Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. It makes a great breakfast treat or dessert option during fall gatherings. Feel free to customize with different spices or add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips! Enjoy this delightful cake with your favorite warm beverage, and share it with friends and family!