Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake with Cardamom Streusel

Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake with Cardamom Streusel. A beautiful reminder that fall is finally here!

The comforting aroma of pumpkin, cinnamon, and butter drifting from the oven is the essence of fall baking. This Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake brings together everything we love about the season. Soft, warmly spiced cake crowned with a golden, buttery streusel that’s both tender and crisp. What makes this version special is the subtle addition of cardamom in the topping, a fragrant spice that adds a touch of sophistication and depth to the familiar flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon.

The cake itself is moist and rich, thanks to pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and a little sour cream or buttermilk for extra tenderness. Every bite balances sweetness with spice, while the oat and pecan streusel adds a rustic texture and a hint of nuttiness. It’s the kind of cake that fills your kitchen with warmth long before it hits the table.

Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake with Cardamom Streusel Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp pink sea salt

• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 1/2 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil, or melted butter)

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

  Alternatives: Buttermilk or whole milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar (let sit 5 min). Any of these will keep the cake moist and tender.

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 tsp pink sea salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

• 1 stick and 3 Tbsp cold butter, cubed

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line with parchment.

2. Make the streusel: In a medium bowl, stir together flour, sugars, salt, spices, oats, and pecans. Cut in the butter until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.

3. Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.

4. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, oil, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream (or alternative).

5. Combine: Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

6. Assemble: Spread batter evenly into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly on top.

7. Bake: Bake 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the streusel is golden brown.

8. Cool & serve: Let cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Cream Cheese Glaze

Ingredients:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (half a block)

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2-3 Tbsp milk or heavy cream (adjust for consistency)

• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• 1/4 tsp cardamom (optional)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

2. Add sugar, spice & vanilla: Mix in powdered sugar, spice, vanilla, and salt until combined.

3. Adjust consistency: Slowly whisk in milk, 1 Tbsp at a time, until you reach a smooth, pourable glaze.

4. Glaze the cake: Drizzle over cooled or slightly warm coffee cake. The glaze will set as it sits.

As the seasons shift and the air turns crisp, this Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake is the kind of recipe that brings fall right into the kitchen. The hint of cardamom in the streusel adds just enough intrigue to make each bite memorable, while the tender pumpkin cake and buttery crumble bring comfort in every forkful. It’s a beautiful reminder that fall baking doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. Serve it warm with coffee for a cozy breakfast or drizzle it with cream cheese glaze for a dessert that feels as indulgent as it tastes. Whether enjoyed on a quiet fall morning or shared during holiday gatherings, this coffee cake captures the heart of autumn, comforting, aromatic, and absolutely delicious.

As always, happy baking!!

Jennifer