Warm Up Your Mornings: The Ultimate Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze
Ah, autumn! The season of crisp air, vibrant foliage, and, of course, the triumphant return of pumpkin spice everything. There’s truly no better way to embrace the cozy vibes of fall than by filling your home with the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked goods. And when it comes to capturing that quintessential autumn spirit, our Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze stands head and shoulders above the rest. Imagine waking up to a slice of this moist, perfectly spiced cake, drizzled with a rich, nutty brown butter glaze – it’s the ultimate start to any fall morning, or a delightful treat any time of day!
For many, including myself, fall isn’t just a season; it’s a feeling. It’s the comfort of soft sweaters, the thrill of football season, and the satisfying crunch of fallen leaves underfoot during a brisk walk. More than anything, it’s about the sensory delights: the earthy scent of woodsmoke, the visual feast of changing leaves, and the warm, inviting flavors that dominate our kitchens. While some might playfully roll their eyes at the constant influx of “pumpkin spice everything,” there’s a reason this flavor profile is so beloved. It encapsulates comfort, warmth, and nostalgia. For the pumpkin purists and even those who are on the fence, this coffee cake offers a sophisticated and utterly delicious take on the classic fall favorite that’s sure to win you over. If you’re reading this, chances are you already appreciate the magic of pumpkin, and you’re in for a treat.
An Effortless Path to Fall Perfection: Elevating a Simple Cake Mix
One of the many beauties of this Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake is its approachable nature. It begins with a humble spice cake box mix, making it incredibly simple to whip up, even for novice bakers or on busy mornings. But don’t let the convenience fool you; this recipe transforms a basic mix into something truly extraordinary. We elevate the base by incorporating a generous amount of pumpkin puree, which adds not only that signature fall flavor but also an incredible moistness and rich texture. To perfectly balance this added moisture and ensure a delightful crumb, a little extra flour is folded into the batter. This thoughtful addition prevents the cake from becoming overly dense, resulting in a tender, flavorful base that’s anything but ordinary.
From Crumble to Cake: A Delicious Transformation
The original inspiration for this recipe called for a traditional crumble topping and was baked in a 9×13-inch pan. While a crumble topping is always a welcome addition, I had a vision of something a bit more elegant and equally delicious. My beloved bundt pan was calling! The intricate design of a bundt cake makes for such a stunning presentation, perfect for impressing guests or simply adding a touch of flair to your breakfast table. So, I opted to skip the traditional crumble and instead incorporated chopped walnuts directly into the cake batter. These walnuts add a delightful textural contrast and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin and spices beautifully, creating pockets of crunchy goodness throughout the moist cake.
But the real game-changer? The brown butter glaze. While many coffee cakes feature a simple vanilla glaze, browning the butter before mixing it into the glaze takes the flavor to an entirely new level. The process of browning butter creates a rich, toasty, caramel-like aroma and taste that is simply irresistible. To further enhance its fall appeal, I infused this luscious brown butter glaze with additional warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. The result is a glaze that’s not just sweet but incredibly complex and aromatic, transforming each bite into a symphony of autumnal flavors. This innovative twist proved to be an absolute hit, quickly becoming a family favorite!
Don’t Forget to Pin This Recipe Before you Go!
The Versatility of a Bundt Cake: Perfect for Any Occasion
The beauty of this Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake extends beyond its incredible taste and ease of preparation. Its bundt pan presentation makes it effortlessly elegant, ideal for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a leisurely weekend brunch, bringing a delicious treat to a potluck, or simply enjoying a quiet breakfast with your family, this cake fits the bill perfectly. Its robust structure, thanks to the bundt pan, also makes it surprisingly easy to transport, ensuring it arrives at its destination looking as fabulous as it tastes.
I recall making this cake for the first time when my in-laws were moving into their new home. It was a hectic day, full of boxes and exhaustion, and a warm, comforting slice of this coffee cake was exactly what everyone needed. It was an instant success, so much so that I found myself baking another one the very next day! That’s the power of a truly exceptional recipe – it brings comfort, joy, and a moment of sweet relief amidst the chaos. It’s not just a cake; it’s a gesture of warmth and welcome.
Quick and Easy Pumpkin Recipes Starting with a Cake Mix:
If you love the convenience and delicious results of starting with a cake mix, here are some more fantastic pumpkin-themed recipes to add to your fall baking repertoire. These are perfect for whipping up a quick dessert or a special breakfast without the fuss of baking from scratch:
- Cinderella Cake – Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Two Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Muffins
- Pumpkin Dump Cake
- 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cake with Creme Fraiche Frosting
These types of recipes are truly a godsend during busy weeks. They make for delightful lunchbox treats, satisfy after-school cravings, or serve as a quick grab-and-go breakfast on hectic mornings. My kids absolutely adored this Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake, and I’m confident yours will too. It’s a fantastic way to ensure everyone gets a little taste of fall happiness, even when time is short.
So, let’s get into the kitchen and embrace the glorious flavors of autumn! Get ready to bake this fabulous fall recipe for Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake with Browned Butter Glaze and transform your ordinary day into something truly special.
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze
Equipment
-
Nordic Ware Bundt Pan
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 spice cake mix I used Duncan Hines
- 6 Tablespoons flour
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 15 oz can of pumpkin puree
- 1/2-2/3 cup chopped walnuts
- For the Brown Butter Spice Glaze:
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar I added a little more to thicken mine up a bit
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), and generously spray your bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring all crevices are coated.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, flour, eggs, water, and pumpkin puree. Mix on low speed with an electric mixer until just combined, then increase to high speed and beat for two minutes. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
-
Pour the prepared batter into your greased bundt pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
-
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto the rack to cool completely.
-
To prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring constantly. Watch carefully as the butter will begin to brown, becoming fragrant and developing an amber color. This process usually takes 5-7 minutes. Be vigilant to prevent it from burning. Once browned, remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract. Whisk in the powdered sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add a little more powdered sugar. Drizzle the warm (not hot) spiced brown butter glaze generously over the cooled cake.
Notes
Nutrition
A Culinary Discovery: The Secret Recipe Club
This delightful recipe originated from Our Good Life, a wonderful blog curated by Terri Steffes. My introduction to Terri’s culinary creations was through an August-themed round-up for The Secret Recipe Club. For those unfamiliar, the Secret Recipe Club was a fantastic online community where bloggers were secretly assigned another member’s blog to choose and recreate a recipe from, revealing it on a set date. Our particular theme for that special round was “Back to School,” which offered a broad spectrum of recipe possibilities, ranging from easy breakfasts and quick lunch ideas to one-pot meals or dishes ready in 30 minutes. This Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake perfectly fit the “easy breakfast” category, providing a comforting and delicious start to busy school days. It’s always a joy to discover new blogs and recipes through such engaging communities, and Terri’s blog provided a true gem that has become a staple in my fall baking.