If you are searching for the ultimate fall treat, the Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel and Crumble Topping Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. This moist, tender cake combines the warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves with rich pumpkin puree for a cozy, irresistible flavor. The magic happens in layers—soft pumpkin cake, a cinnamon-sugary streusel swirl, and a buttery crumble topping that bakes to golden perfection. It’s exactly the kind of dessert (or breakfast!) that brings people together, filling your kitchen with the scent of autumn and your plate with pure bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nine square pieces of crumb-topped cake are arranged on white parchment paper over a round black metal cooling rack, set on a white marbled surface. Each cake piece has two layers: the bottom layer is a warm orange-brown sponge with a smooth texture, and the top layer is a light brown crumbly streusel topping with small uneven chunks. Two pieces show the side view clearly, highlighting the thick crumb layer sitting on top of the soft sponge. There are a few crumbs scattered around the cooling rack, adding a natural, fresh-baked feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel and Crumble Topping Recipe right means starting with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in flavor and structure. From the perfect blend of spices to the creamy whipped cream folded into the batter, every component has its moment to shine and builds layers of texture and warmth.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of our cake and topping, providing structure and tenderness.
Cinnamon: Sprinkles warmth and depth of flavor throughout all layers.
Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the spices beautifully.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses note that complements pumpkin perfectly.
Unsalted butter: Used both chilled for the streusel and melted for the crumble, ensuring buttery richness.
Baking powder & baking soda: The rising agents that create a light and airy cake crumb.
Ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice: The essential autumn spice medley that makes this cake so comforting.
Vanilla extract: Lifts and rounds out all the flavors with a sweet, fragrant touch.
Pure pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, giving moistness, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin taste.
Vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering the spices.
Large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the cake’s structure.
Heavy cream (whipped): Lightens the batter for an incredibly soft and tender crumb.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel and Crumble Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Swirl Filling

Start by mixing flour, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar—this will be the luscious streusel that adds a lovely cinnamon-sweet surprise inside your cake. Rubbing in the cold butter with your fingers until the mixture feels sandy creates those perfect little pockets of buttery goodness. Pop this in the fridge so it stays chilled until you need it.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

While the streusel chills, combine flour, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar for the topping. Pour in the melted butter and stir until you form a dough ball. This soft crumble will scatter buttery crunch over the cake as it bakes, creating that delightful contrast so many coffee cakes dream of.

Step 3: Mix the Pumpkin Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare an 8 by 8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang for easy removal later. Whisk the dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the warm spice blend together in one bowl. In another, combine brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin puree, oil, and egg until smooth. Pour wet into dry and stir gently until just combined; this keeps the cake tender and avoids overmixing. Finally, fold in the whipped cream carefully to keep the batter light as air.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Spoon half of your luscious batter into the pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the chilled streusel filling over this base, then top with the remaining batter dolloped across the pan for easier spreading without disturbing the streusel below. Finish by breaking the crumble topping into small chunks and scattering it over the surface to create a crisp, buttery crust once baked.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your masterpiece for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is just golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan before lifting out carefully using the parchment edges. This resting time helps the layers set and makes slicing a joyful, crumb-friendly experience.

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel and Crumble Topping Recipe

The image shows seven square pieces of a two-layered cake arranged on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each piece has a bright orange bottom layer that looks soft and moist, topped by a thick, crumbly light brown streusel layer with a rough texture. The middle layer is thin and darker brown, visible between the orange and crumbly top layers. Crumbs are scattered around the pieces, and a knife with a worn white handle and serrated blade lies nearby with some crumbs on the blade. In the background, a small stack of white plates is partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your serving, add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm vanilla glaze across the top for a touch of sweetness and elegance. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can transform this coffee cake into a comforting dessert full of creamy contrast.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of fresh brewed coffee or spiced chai, enhancing those inviting fall flavors. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait to balance the richness of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into squares and serving on rustic wooden boards with small bowls of cinnamon sugar or maple syrup for guests to customize their bites. Wrapping individual portions in parchment and tying with twine makes a charming gift or picnic treat that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This pumpkin coffee cake keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to two days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. The flavors deepen as it rests, making leftover slices even better the next day.

Freezing

Wrap individual portions or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked feeling any time you crave it.

Reheating

Pop a slice in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm it in a low oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. This revives the crumble’s crispness and the cake’s moistness, making each bite taste freshly baked and just as delicious as the first.

FAQs

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

It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree for this recipe because pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugars that can throw off the balance of flavor and texture.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the batter?

If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can try using full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream, though the texture might be slightly denser and less airy than with whipped cream folded in.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure, or add a teaspoon separately for best results.

How do I prevent the streusel from sinking to the bottom?

Spoon the cake batter half, sprinkle the streusel evenly, then carefully dollop the remaining batter on top and spread gently. This layering technique helps keep the streusel in its perfect middle layer without sinking.

Can I double this Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel and Crumble Topping Recipe?

Absolutely! Just use a larger pan like 9×13 inches and increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes, but keep an eye on the crumble topping to avoid over-browning.

Final Thoughts

Give this Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel and Crumble Topping Recipe a try and you’ll instantly understand why it’s such a cherished favorite. It’s one of those recipes that radiates warmth and comfort in every bite, making it a wonderful addition to your fall baking lineup. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert, this cake never fails to impress and bring smiles around the table.