Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Spiced Crumb Topping and Maple Glaze Recipe

If you’re looking to capture the essence of cozy autumn mornings in a single dessert, this Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Spiced Crumb Topping and Maple Glaze Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, moist pumpkin cake folded with warm spices and crowned by a crisp, aromatic crumb that gives way to a luscious maple glaze drizzled on top. Every bite delivers just the right balance of sweet, spice, and that irresistible hint of maple syrup, making it the perfect companion for a cup of coffee or a festive gathering. Whether you’re a pumpkin fanatic or just love comforting baked goods, this recipe is a celebration of fall on your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward pantry staples and a handful of warming spices that bring depth and vibrant color to the cake. Each ingredient thoughtfully works to build the marvelous layers of flavor and textures that make this dessert unforgettable.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure to both the cake and crumb topping for the perfect tender crumb and crisp topping.
• Brown sugar: Adds rich sweetness and moisture to both the batter and crumb, enhancing caramel notes.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice, it offers warmth and a cozy aroma throughout the cake and crumb topping.
• Cold unsalted butter: Key for the crumb topping’s buttery, flaky texture and moisture in the cake.
• Baking soda and powder: These leavening agents ensure a light, fluffy cake texture that isn’t dense.
• Ground nutmeg, cloves, and ginger: A harmonious trio of spices that deepen the autumnal flavor profile.
• Pumpkin puree: The heart of the cake, bringing moistness and that beloved earthy pumpkin flavor.
• Canola or vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist without overpowering other flavors.
• Pure maple syrup: Infuses a subtle sweetness and complements the glaze, enhancing the fall appeal.
• Milk: Helps thin the batter and glaze, balancing moisture and consistency perfectly.
• Confectioners’ sugar: The base for the maple glaze that elegantly finishes the cake with a glossy sweetness.
• Pumpkin spice coffee creamer: Adds a deliciously spiced note to the glaze for extra flavor depth.
• Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze with floral sweetness and richness.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Spiced Crumb Topping and Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and generously greasing a 9-inch square or springform pan with nonstick spray. This step ensures your coffee cake will bake evenly and release easily, making the end result as beautiful as it is tasty.

Step 2: Make the Spiced Crumb Topping

Combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a medium bowl. Cut in 1/4 cup cold butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture clumps together into crumbs. This crumb topping adds a delightful crunch and aromatic cinnamon punch, providing a perfect contrast to the soft cake beneath.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Cake

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This blend of spices creates the complex, warm flavor foundation that makes this cake so irresistibly autumnal.

Step 4: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

Whisk pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil, maple syrup, and milk in a medium bowl until smooth. These ingredients come together to provide moisture, sweetness, and that signature pumpkin taste that makes this cake unique.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. The batter will be thick—resist the urge to overmix, as that keeps your cake tender and light.

Step 6: Transfer Batter to the Pan

Spoon or pour your thick batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly, making a smooth surface that will bake into a perfect base for the crumb topping.

Step 7: Add Crumb Topping

Evenly sprinkle the spiced crumb mixture over your batter, gently pressing it down into the cake mixture. Don’t worry if some batter peeks through; this layering intensifies the texture contrast once baked.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready! If the edges start to brown too fast, lightly cover with foil to keep things from burning while the center finishes baking.

Step 9: Prepare the Maple Glaze

Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, pumpkin spice coffee creamer (or milk), and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzly. Add a little more liquid if needed. This maple glaze adds a shiny, sweet finish that’s just the right hint of indulgence for the final presentation.

Step 10: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the glaze over the warm or cooled cake. Serving it warm is recommended for that melty, luscious experience that makes this Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Spiced Crumb Topping and Maple Glaze Recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Spiced Crumb Topping and Maple Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or crushed toasted pecans over the glaze for an inviting, rustic finish. A dollop of softly whipped cream or cream cheese frosting on the side pairs beautifully for those who love extra richness.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake shines alongside a hot cup of chai, spiced coffee, or vanilla latte. For brunch, pair with fresh fruit like sliced pears or a citrusy orange salad to cut through the richness and lift the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices topped with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For festive gatherings, cut into bite-sized squares and arrange on a platter with small forks—perfect for sharing and nibbling throughout the day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover coffee cake tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain moistness and prevents the crumb topping from becoming stale.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cake firmly in plastic wrap and then foil or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a low oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds. Warm cake brings back that fresh-baked sensation and perfectly melts the maple glaze for the ultimate indulgence.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

Canned pumpkin pie filling tends to have added sugar and spices, which can alter the taste and texture. It’s best to stick with 100% pure pumpkin puree to keep control over the flavors and moisture balance in the cake.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend made for one-to-one substitution. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately for structure.

What if I don’t have pumpkin spice coffee creamer for the glaze?

No worries! You can use regular milk or plain coffee creamer and add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to mimic the flavor. Vanilla extract in the glaze helps boost the overall flavor as well.

Can I make this cake in a different size pan?

Yes, but keep an eye on baking times. A larger pan will yield a thinner cake that bakes faster; a smaller pan will be thicker and require more time. Use the toothpick test to check doneness.

How can I store the glaze if I make it ahead of time?

The maple glaze can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. If it thickens too much, stir in a bit more milk or creamer to loosen it before drizzling over the cake.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the charm and flavor of a Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Spiced Crumb Topping and Maple Glaze Recipe to welcome the fall season or brighten a chilly morning. Every crumb and drizzle feels like a warm hug, so I encourage you to give this recipe a try — gather your favorite people, brew a pot of coffee, and enjoy a slice of this utterly comforting cake that tastes like home.

Print