Pumpkin Coffee Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Coffee Cake is the perfect treat for any occasion! With its warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor, it’s a delightful addition to breakfast or dessert. The crunchy sweet topping adds a satisfying texture that pairs wonderfully with your favorite hot beverage. Whether you’re celebrating fall, hosting a gathering, or simply indulging in a cozy night at home, this cake will surely impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: This pumpkin coffee cake is bursting with seasonal flavors, making it an irresistible choice for autumn.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can whip up this cake without any fuss.
• Vegan Delight: Everyone can enjoy this cake, as it’s completely vegan and dairy-free, ensuring no one feels left out.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 16 servings, it’s ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or brunch with friends.
• Moist and Tender: Thanks to the pumpkin puree and careful mixing techniques, this cake is both moist and fluffy.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure you don’t miss a beat!

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowls: A variety of sizes helps keep your wet and dry ingredients separate until they are needed.
• Whisk: This tool ensures your ingredients blend smoothly and evenly without clumps.
• 9×13 inch Cake Pan: Perfectly sized for baking this coffee cake, allowing for even cooking throughout.

Ingredients

This Vegan Pumpkin Coffee Cake features a blend of wholesome ingredients that come together to create a deliciously spiced dessert.

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 pureé
• 1/2 cup neutral flavored oil (e.g., 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). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch cake pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the pumpkin puree, oil, soy milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients:
1. Stir gently with a large spoon until just combined. Be careful not to over mix; this keeps the cake light.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Set it aside while you prepare the streusel topping.

Step 6: Make Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl:
1. Mix together the melted vegan butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice using a fork.
2. It should be crumbly; use your hands if necessary.

Step 7: Bake Your Coffee Cake

Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter:
1. Place in the oven and bake for about 40–45 minutes.
2. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean from the center.

Step 8: Optional Glaze

If desired:
1. In a small bowl, stir together all glaze ingredients until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cooled coffee cake before serving.

Step 9: Storage Tips

Store leftover coffee cake at room temperature for about 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen but is best enjoyed fresh!

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Pumpkin Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that pairs wonderfully with various beverages and snacks. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your coffee cake experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: A classic pairing, the rich flavors of coffee complement the warm spices in the cake.
• Tea: Choose a chai or spiced tea to match the pumpkin pie spices in the cake for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Apple Cider: The sweetness of apple cider adds a festive touch, perfect for fall gatherings.

As Breakfast

• With Fresh Fruit: Serve slices alongside fresh fruit like apples or pears for a refreshing contrast.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer pieces of pumpkin coffee cake with yogurt and berries for a delicious breakfast parfait.

For Dessert

• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on top makes for an indulgent dessert.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: Light and fluffy coconut cream is a delightful topping that adds a tropical twist.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake

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

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and spices are fresh for optimal flavor and rise.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking for doneness at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Cool Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts and better flavor development.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Pumpkin Coffee Cake can shine even brighter with some side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the cake.
2. Granola: Crunchy granola provides texture and can be sprinkled on top of yogurt served with the cake.
3. Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy, nutritious pudding makes an excellent accompaniment, adding healthy fats.
4. Savory Scones: Pairing with cheese scones offers a nice contrast between sweet and savory flavors.
5. Nuts & Seeds Platter: A variety of nuts and seeds can add crunch and nutrition alongside each slice.
6. Vegan Cheese Board: A selection of plant-based cheeses enhances the entire experience with different flavors and textures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Coffee Cake, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined.
• Skipping the streusel: The crunchy topping enhances flavor and texture. Always include it for a delightful contrast.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use precise measurements for consistent results. Invest in a kitchen scale if needed.
• Opening the oven door too soon: This can cause the cake to sink. Wait until at least halfway through baking before checking.
• Using old baking powder: Ensure it’s fresh for proper rising. Check the expiration date regularly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Ensure the cake is completely cooled before sealing.

Freezing Pumpkin Coffee Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Pumpkin Coffee Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one slice at a time for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Pumpkin Coffee Cake.

What makes this Pumpkin Coffee Cake vegan?

This recipe uses plant-based ingredients such as soy milk and vegan butter instead of dairy or eggs, making it suitable for vegans.

Can I use other types of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or whole wheat flour, but this may alter the texture slightly.

How do I customize my Pumpkin Coffee Cake?

Add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to the batter or streusel topping for extra flavor and texture!

How long does it take to bake Pumpkin Coffee Cake?

It typically takes around 40-45 minutes at 350°F, but always check with a toothpick for doneness.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Coffee Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various add-ins to suit your taste. Enjoy it as a dessert or paired with your morning coffee!