Looking for the perfect blend of pumpkin, spice, and everything nice? This Pumpkin Swirl Coffee Cake delivers! From the crumbly streusel to the moist pumpkin pie-inspired swirl, every bite is a delight! Perfect for sharing, or you know, a wonderful solo treat with your coffee!

pumpkin swirl coffee cake on a white plate with a fork.

Still savoring all the sights, smells, and flavors of fall? Me too! If there’s one flavor that screams autumn, it’s pumpkin. But we’re not talking about the usual pumpkin pie or latte here. No, today we’re making something new, this Pumpkin Swirl Coffee Cake.

Whether you need an early morning treat, a sweet side for an autumn brunch, or a dessert recipe layered with fall flavor, this coffee cake recipe is a winner!

pumpkin swirl coffee cake in metal cake pan.

My favorite part about this pumpkin coffee cake is the pumpkin swirl right in the middle. It’s basically like a thin layer of pumpkin pie sandwiched between two cinnamon-spiced cakes. As a big pumpkin pie fan, I couldn’t love this more! I think you will too!

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 How To Make

4 How to Serve

5 Frequently Asked Questions

6 More Pumpkin Recipes You Will Love

7 Pumpkin Swirl Coffee Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You know how much I love pumpkin and if you do too, this coffee cake is a must. It captures the season perfectly and brings all those favorite fall flavors right to your table.
Whether you’ve got early birds over for brunch or night owls for dessert, this cake is a hit. It’s that special treat that seamlessly transitions from morning delights to evening indulgences.
This isn’t just a one-note cake. With alternating layers of creamy batter and spiced pumpkin, and sprinkled with streusel goodness, each slice offers a harmonious dance of flavors that’ll have you reaching for seconds.
Made in a generously sized pan, this cake is crafted for communal enjoyment. Whether you’re slicing it up for a family gathering or a catch-up session with friends, there’s more than enough to go around.

Love pumpkin and want more? You’ve got it. Check out this collection of all my very best pumpkin recipes. More of an apple fan? I have that covered too. This collection of fall apple recipes is for you!

pumpkin swirl coffee cake served on plates and in metal pan.

Ingredients

What I love about this Pumpkin Swirl Coffee Cake recipe is that you’re likely to have most of these ingredients in your pantry or refrigerator. I love it when that happens.

Here is what you’ll need:

brown sugar
all-purpose flour
pumpkin pie spice
cinnamon
kosher salt
butter
pecans
sugar
egg
vanilla extract
baking powder and baking soda
sour cream
pumpkin puree

Now, go preheat that oven, grab your apron, and meet me in the kitchen. (Feel free to bring a fabulous fall cocktail with you. We can sip and bake at the same time!)

pumpkin swirl coffee cake on a white plate with fall decor around it.

How To Make

Alrighty! It’s time to bake. You’re ready to make this Pumpkin Swirl Coffee Cake. I’ll walk you through the process below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F. Spray a 9×13-inch pan with baking spray. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in the pecans. Set this aside.

streusel mix in a bowl for pumpkin swirl coffee cake.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring you mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add this flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream.

spatula in a bowl mixing batter for pumpkin swirl coffee cake.

Divide the batter in half. Spread one half into the prepared baking dish.
In another medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Spread this mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish, then sprinkle half of the streusel on top.

spatula adding pumpkin swirl later into pumpkin coffee cake.

pecan streusel on pumpkin swirl layer in coffee cake.

Layer with the remaining batter and then sprinkle with the remaining streusel.
Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow to cool. This coffee cake can be served warm or at room temperature.

And that’s it! You’re Pumpkin Swirl Coffee Cake is ready for its big debut!

sliced pumpkin swirl coffee cake in metal pan.

How to Serve

With your cake made, it’s time to share with friends and family (or just yourself, I don’t judge). Here are a few serving suggestions to make this sweet fall treat extra special.

Warm vs. Cool: Whether you’re savoring a warm slice just minutes after it’s out of the oven or you prefer the harmonious meld of flavors from a room-temperature piece, this cake delivers. Pair a warm slice with a steaming cup of coffee, or enjoy the blend of flavors in a cooled piece during an outdoor gathering.
A Dollop of Freshly Whipped Cream: The light, airy texture and subtle sweetness of homemade whipped cream can enhance the rich flavors of the coffee cake. Serve each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream on the side or atop for a creamy contrast.
Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: For those who love the classic cake and ice cream combo, add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream beside your slice of coffee cake. The cold creaminess pairs beautifully with the spiced warmth of the pumpkin swirl.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Elevate the look of your cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Not only does it add a touch of extra sweetness, but it also gives your cake that perfect finishing touch, especially if you’re going for a more elegant presentation.

hand with fork taking a bite of pumpkin swirl coffee cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! If you have the time and inclination, homemade pumpkin puree can give your coffee cake a fresh, vibrant taste. Just make sure it’s well-drained to match the consistency of canned puree.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries! You can make your own blend with common spices. Typically, for every teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, you can mix ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger, ⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves, and ⅛ teaspoon of ground nutmeg.

How do I store leftover coffee cake?
Your Pumpkin Swirl Coffee Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it and warming it slightly before serving.

Can this cake be frozen for later?
Certainly! Once cooled, wrap the coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months.

Why is my coffee cake dry?
Several factors can result in a drier cake: over-baking, measuring flour inaccurately, or even variations in oven temperatures. Be sure to keep an eye on the cake as it bakes and test with a toothpick for doneness. You can also add a little extra sour cream (about ¼ cup) to make your cake extra moist.

Can I use a different type of nut in the streusel?
Of course! While the recipe uses pecans, you can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts.

piece of pumpkin swirl coffee cake on white plate.

More Pumpkin Recipes You Will Love

And there you have it, the ultimate pumpkin coffee cake! It’s a slice of autumn heaven right in your kitchen! I really hope you give this recipe a try, and when you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

Want more from Inspired by Charm? Join the IBC Mailing List for inspiration in your inbox! Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!