Indulge in Fall Flavors: The Best Spiced Coffee Cake with Harry & David Pumpkin Butter Swirl
As the crisp autumn air arrives and leaves begin their vibrant transformation, there’s an undeniable shift in our cravings. Pumpkin-infused treats take center stage, and for good reason! This decadent spiced coffee cake with a luscious pumpkin butter swirl is precisely the kind of comforting, flavorful delight you need to embrace the season. It’s a truly irresistible creation that promises to be a showstopper for fall entertaining, and trust us, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one slice.
We’re thrilled to officially kick off the fall baking season with this extraordinary pumpkin recipe! As the weather turns cooler, our desire for warm spices and rich, comforting flavors grows, and this spiced coffee cake perfectly captures that essence. Made in collaboration with Harry & David, this recipe has quickly become a standout favorite among the many pumpkin creations we’ve shared over the years. It’s more than just a cake; it’s an experience that truly embodies the spirit of autumn.
This recipe truly embodies all the desirable qualities of a classic coffee cake. Imagine a thick, buttery, and undeniably moist cake crumb, perfectly complemented by a rich, decadent streusel topping that crumbles delightfully with every bite. But we’ve taken it a step further. To create an elevated and truly unforgettable fall experience, we’ve amplified the spice factor within the cake batter and introduced an incredible pumpkin butter layer nestled right within the cake itself. This innovative addition adds a burst of seasonal flavor and an extra layer of moisture that sets this coffee cake apart.
The Magic of Harry & David Pumpkin Butter
Using pumpkin butter in baked goods is a secret weapon for adding deep flavor and incredible moisture, and it’s certainly not our first time! In the past, we’ve delighted in creating recipes like these amazing pumpkin butter pecan scones and wonderfully soft pumpkin butter rolls. Each time, the results have been phenomenal, and this spiced coffee cake is no exception.
For today’s recipe, we’ve partnered with Harry & David’s Pumpkin Butter, a product renowned for its quality and purity. Made simply from pure pumpkin, sugar, lemon juice, spices, and salt, it’s a wholesome ingredient that truly shines. This pumpkin butter boasts a remarkably smooth, velvety, and jam-like texture, offering a perfect harmony of authentic pumpkin flavor and balanced sweetness. The warming spices are present, enhancing the autumnal profile without ever becoming overwhelming. It’s hands down one of the finest pumpkin butters we’ve ever tasted.
While it’s tempting to enjoy this delicious pumpkin butter straight from the jar, its true potential is unleashed when incorporated into baked goods. It provides a nuanced depth of flavor and a “wow factor” that elevates any recipe. Beyond taste, the pumpkin butter layer also imparts an extra dose of moisture to the cake, ensuring it stays incredibly tender and flavorful for longer. This makes our spiced coffee cake an excellent choice for making ahead, perfect for busy holiday mornings or when you need a reliable, delicious treat.
How to Make This Unforgettable Spiced Coffee Cake
Despite its name, traditional coffee cake, including this wonderful spiced coffee cake, actually contains no coffee! By definition, a coffee cake is typically a single-layer cake topped with a delightful streusel or crumb topping, designed to be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or tea during breakfast or brunch. And that’s precisely how we recommend serving this seasonal sensation – perhaps for a special holiday gathering or a cozy weekend morning.
To achieve its signature rich flavor and incredibly tender, buttery crumb, this recipe calls for a generous amount of butter. High-quality unsalted butter is key here, providing the foundation for a truly delicious cake that melts in your mouth.
Optimized Ingredients for a Perfect Crumb
While indulgent, we’ve also incorporated thoughtful ingredients to ensure a moist and tender result. This recipe uniquely utilizes whole fat plain Greek yogurt, which replaces traditional sour cream, adding fantastic moisture and a slight tang without making the cake heavy. Additionally, we opt for whole wheat pastry flour. Don’t let the “whole wheat” part mislead you; its lower protein content is perfect for achieving an extra tender, wholesome grain cake. If you prefer, unbleached all-purpose flour can be substituted with excellent results.
Instead of relying on pumpkin puree for flavor in the cake batter itself, we infuse our spiced coffee cake with a delicate yet impactful blend of warm fall spices. Ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves create an aromatic base that perfectly complements the rich pumpkin butter layer. This strategic spicing allows the pumpkin butter to truly shine and be the star in every single bite, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
This approach also gives this recipe incredible versatility. You can easily adapt this homemade coffee cake for various occasions and seasons. Simply adjust the spice profile, or for a different seasonal twist, swap out the pumpkin butter with another favorite jam or fruit filling.
How to Make the Crumb Topping: A Key to Great Coffee Cake
A truly exceptional coffee cake is defined by its streusel topping. While some recipes call for a lighter, sandier sugar crumble, this recipe champions the classic, dense, and thick crumb topping. This is, unequivocally, our favorite style of streusel, offering both texture and rich flavor.
To prepare this irresistible streusel, you’ll combine a thoughtful mixture of flour, rich dark brown sugar, aromatic spices, and a touch of kosher salt for balance. The critical ingredient is cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes. Using a pastry cutter or a large fork, you’ll work the cold butter into the dry ingredients. Continue mixing until all the dry components are absorbed, and the mixture begins to clump together, forming a beautiful array of both small and large crumbs. When gently pressed, the mixture should hold its shape. This technique, using cold butter, is superior to melted butter as it creates a more pronounced flavor and a superior, more defined texture in the final crumbs.
If you adore a classic, thick, and flavorful coffee cake crumb topping, prepare to fall in love with this one! It’s the perfect textural counterpoint to our moist spiced pumpkin coffee cake.
How to Add the Perfect Pumpkin Butter Layer
The secret to this spiced coffee cake’s unique charm lies in its distinct pumpkin butter layer. To achieve this, the coffee cake batter is divided strategically. Your first step will involve spreading two-thirds of the cake batter evenly into a prepared 9-inch x 13-inch baking pan. Ensure it forms a smooth, thin base for the rich filling.
Next, take the star ingredient – the delightful Harry & David pumpkin butter – and dollop it in generous spoonfuls across the entire surface of the batter. Using an offset spatula, carefully spread the pumpkin butter into an even, thin layer. This creates a beautiful, defined stratum of flavor and color.
Important Note: Through extensive testing, we’ve found that attempting to swirl the pumpkin butter into the cake batter is not recommended for this recipe. Because the cake batter layers are relatively shallow, swirling diminishes the visual impact and the distinct flavor of the pumpkin butter. Spreading it evenly ensures a prominent, eye-catching layer in each slice, truly showcasing the “swirl” effect after baking.
Once the pumpkin butter is perfectly spread, gently dollop the remaining cake batter over this vibrant layer. Carefully smooth it out to cover the pumpkin butter, then generously sprinkle your prepared crumb topping evenly across the surface. This creates the signature thick, crunchy streusel that makes this spiced coffee cake so irresistible. Finally, bake until golden brown and a cake tester comes out clean. Rest assured, while these batter layers may appear thin initially, the cake rises significantly (almost double its height!) as it bakes, resulting in a beautifully tall and impressive dessert.
How to Serve and Store Your Spiced Coffee Cake
This substantial spiced coffee cake is designed to serve a crowd, making it an impeccable choice for holiday entertaining. Whether it’s a festive brunch, a post-dinner dessert, or a casual get-together, this cake is guaranteed to impress. It also makes a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends and family, perhaps paired with a jar of Harry & David Pumpkin Butter for them to enjoy later! Imagine a relaxing Thanksgiving morning, savoring a slice of this cake alongside a steaming cup of coffee – pure bliss.
While this cake is utterly divine served slightly warm from the oven, its rich flavors and moist texture mean it holds up beautifully for a day or two after baking. This makes it an ideal make-ahead option, reducing stress when preparing for special events. For an extra touch of elegance, consider a light dusting of confectioner’s sugar just before serving.
Excellent news for meal prep and leftovers: This cake also freezes exceptionally well. To store, simply wrap any leftovers (or even an entire baked cake) tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it thoroughly in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, allow it to defrost at room temperature for a few hours before serving. This ensures you can enjoy the wonderful flavors of fall anytime you wish.
We truly hope you adore this Spiced Coffee Cake with Pumpkin Butter Swirl as much as we do. It’s a taste of autumn comfort that’s perfect for sharing, celebrating, or simply savoring a quiet moment. Happy baking!
Spiced Coffee Cake with Pumpkin Butter Swirl
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Equipment
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USA Pan 9 x 13 Inch Baking Pan
Ingredients
Crumb Topping:
- 1¼ cups (150 g) whole wheat pastry flour or unbleached all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150 g) packed dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 stick (4 oz; 115 g) cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes
Cake Batter:
- 2¾ cups (330 g) whole wheat pastry flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (8 oz; 225 g) unsalted butter room temperature
- 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups (283 g) plain whole-fat Greek yogurt room temperature
- ⅔ cup (190 g) Harry & David Pumpkin Butter
- powdered sugar (optional) for dusting
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) with a rack in the center position. Grease a 9-inch x 13-inch (2-inches deep) baking pan and set on top of a half sheet pan. Set aside.
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Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat pastry flour, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter. Using a pastry cutter or large fork, cut the butter into the dry ingredients. Continue mixing until all of the dry ingredients have been incorporated together with the butter and the mixture is dark brown in color with small and larger crumbs. When pressed, the mixture should hold together. Cover mixture and refrigerate until ready to use. *Alternatively, you can also make the crumb topping in a food processor by pulsing the ingredients until it just starts to come together.
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Prepare the Cake: Whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
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Combine the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or use a hand-held mixer). Beat the butter and sugar together at medium-high speed for 5 minutes, or until light in color and very fluffy. Scrape down the bowl halfway through to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. Over medium speed, add the eggs, one a time, mixing for about 15 to 20 seconds between each one, and then add the vanilla extract. The batter might look slightly broken, don’t worry.
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Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with 2 additions of the Greek yogurt (beginning and ending with the dry ingredients). Mix until the dry ingredients have just absorbed; do not over mix. The batter will be fairly thick and aerated. Scrape down the bowl with a spatula to make sure all of the ingredients are incorporated.
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Transfer ⅔ of the batter (roughly 860 grams) into the greased baking pan and spread into an even, thin layer. Dollop the pumpkin butter in large blobs over the entire batter. Using an offset spatula, spread the pumpkin butter into an even thin layer.
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Dollop the remaining batter evenly on top of the pumpkin butter layer and gently spread into an even layer. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. The cake will be golden brown and the edges will have pulled away slightly from the edges of the pan.
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Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares and serving. Best served slightly warm or at room temperature the day of baking. If desired, dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
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Storage Tips: Leftovers can be wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. The cake can also be frozen (wrap tightly in plastic wrap; then wrap in foil) for up to a month and thawed at room temperature.
Tips for Success:
- Make Year-Round: Don’t limit this delicious cake to just autumn! The exquisite balance of spices in this recipe makes it delightful all year. Feel free to customize the spice levels to your preference, or get creative by substituting the pumpkin butter with another seasonal jam or fruit filling for a fresh twist.
- Notes for Scaling: While we haven’t personally tested a scaled-down version of this recipe, we are confident it can be successfully halved. If you choose to do so, we recommend baking it in an 8 x 8-inch square baking dish (2 inches deep). Remember to carefully monitor and adjust the baking time as needed for the smaller portion.
This post is sponsored by Harry & David. Thank you for supporting brands I love and use in my kitchen. Discover more delicious healthy recipes and gourmet products at HarryandDavid.com!