Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of warm, spiced cake on a crisp autumn morning. If you’re looking to embrace the flavors of fall, this Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Maple Glaze is just what you need. It’s a delightful combination of moist pumpkin cake, rich spices, a crumbly pecan topping, and a sweet maple glaze that ties everything together. This cake is not only easy to make, but it also captures the essence of the season. Ready to bake a cake that will impress everyone? Let’s get started!
Why You Should Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Maple Glaze
Not only is this Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Maple Glaze delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a dessert to bring to a fall gathering, or simply craving something sweet with your coffee, this cake fits the bill perfectly. Plus, pumpkin is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making this indulgence a bit more wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crumb Topping:
To make the perfect crumb topping that adds a delicious crunch to every bite, gather these ingredients:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (57g) pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup (106g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
The filling adds a surprise layer of flavor in the middle of the cake:
- 1/3 cup (71g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder (regular or Dutch-process)
For the Cake:
This is the heart of your Pumpkin Coffee Cake and includes all the spices that make it special:
- 2/3 cup (151ml) vegetable or canola oil
- 1/2 cup (113g) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
- 2 and 1/2 tablespoons (35ml) regular molasses (not blackstrap)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (213g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 and 1/4 cups (312g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
For the Glaze:
The maple glaze adds the final touch of sweetness:
- 1/2 cup (57g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons (28ml) pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
- 1/2 tablespoon (7ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Maple Glaze
1. Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, pecans, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
2. Mix the Filling
In another medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder until evenly combined. This will create a delicious swirl of flavor in the middle of your cake.
3. Make the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square metal baking pan with parchment paper, allowing two sides to overhang. Spray with nonstick baking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, sour cream, molasses, eggs, vanilla, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, spices, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until smooth. Fold in the flour until just combined—do not overmix to keep the cake tender.
4. Assemble the Cake
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the filling over the batter. Then, spread the remaining batter on top. Finish by sprinkling the crumb topping evenly over the cake.
5. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the crumbs are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before removing it from the pan.
6. Prepare the Maple Glaze
While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together the confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Adjust the consistency with more milk if necessary. Drizzle over the cooled cake and let set for about 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will enhance the flavor of your cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
- Make Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead and store it in an airtight container.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Maple Glaze isn’t just tasty—it’s also packed with nutrients. Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamin A, which is important for vision and immune health. Plus, pecans add healthy fats and a bit of protein, making each slice a slightly more balanced treat.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 320
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Vitamin A: 70% DV
- Calcium: 6% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin Coffee Cake
To store this Pumpkin Coffee Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, and it will taste like it just came out of the oven!
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Maple Glaze is not just a fall dessert—it’s a celebration of the season. With its moist, flavorful layers and crunchy topping, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a warm cup of coffee or tea. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the delightful aroma of pumpkin and spices. Happy baking!
FAQs About Pumpkin Coffee Cake
While pumpkin puree is the star of this recipe, you can substitute it with sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree if you’re in a pinch. Just be aware that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
You can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt and use a plant-based milk for the glaze. The result will still be delicious!
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute so that the texture remains similar.
Absolutely! Walnuts or even chocolate chips would be a great addition to this cake. Just fold them into the batter before baking.
More Relevant Recipes
PrintPumpkin Coffee Cake with Maple Glaze
This Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Maple Glaze is a deliciously moist and spiced cake topped with a crunchy pecan crumb and drizzled with a sweet maple glaze, perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy morning treat.
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (57g) pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup (106g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1/3 cup (71g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder (regular or Dutch-process)
For the Cake:
- 2/3 cup (151ml) vegetable or canola oil
- 1/2 cup (113g) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
- 2 and 1/2 tablespoons (35ml) regular molasses (not blackstrap)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (213g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 and 1/4 cups (312g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup (57g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons (28ml) pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
- 1/2 tablespoon (7ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, pecans, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until just combined. Set this aside while you prepare the rest of the cake.
- Make the Filling: In another medium bowl, blend the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder until evenly combined. This filling will add a delicious layer of flavor to your cake.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square metal baking pan with parchment paper, allowing two sides to overlap for easy removal. Spray the parchment and the pan with nonstick baking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, sour cream, molasses, eggs, vanilla, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, spices, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until smooth. Then, gently fold in the flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges. Sprinkle the filling evenly over the batter. Spread the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before removing it from the pan, slicing, and serving.
- Make the Glaze: While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together the confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla in a medium bowl. If the glaze is too thick to drizzle, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix: When preparing the cake batter, avoid overmixing to keep the cake fluffy and light.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter.
- Check for Doneness: Because oven temperatures can vary, check your cake a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/9 of the cake)
- Calories: 320kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Pumpkin spice cake, Maple glazed coffee cake, Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Maple Glaze