Embrace the Cozy Flavors of Autumn with Our Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Coffee Cake, Crowned with a Rich Brown Butter Glaze. The ultimate fall breakfast or dessert sensation!
As the leaves begin their beautiful transformation and a crisp coolness fills the air, there’s an undeniable magic that sweeps in with the arrival of autumn. And with it, a beloved culinary superstar makes its grand re-entry: pumpkin! For many, the first hint of pumpkin spice signals the start of cherished traditions, cozy evenings, and delightful baking. This season, why not kickstart your day with a taste of that autumn charm? Our Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze offers a truly perfect beginning to any fall morning, transforming an ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary experience.
The Irresistible Allure of Autumn Baking
While summer holds a special place in my heart with its long, lazy days and outdoor adventures, fall has always been my absolute favorite season. There’s something inherently comforting about the rich scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove wafting from the kitchen, the soft embrace of a favorite sweater, the thrill of football season, and the satisfying crunch of fallen leaves underfoot during brisk morning walks. These are just a few reasons why autumn captures my soul. I understand that for some, the constant parade of “Pumpkin Spice EVERYTHING” can be a bit overwhelming, and if you’re one to roll your eyes at the mere mention, then this recipe might not be for you – though I hope you’ll reconsider! But for those who eagerly anticipate the return of these beloved flavors, get ready to add another fantastic pumpkin creation to your recipe collection.
This delightful coffee cake is more than just a sweet treat; it’s an invitation to savor the season. Imagine waking up to the aroma of warm spices filling your home, pouring a fresh cup of coffee, and slicing into a moist, tender cake adorned with a glistening, spiced brown butter glaze. It’s a moment of pure bliss, a small luxury that sets a beautiful tone for the day. This recipe simplifies the baking process without compromising on flavor, making it accessible even for those busy fall mornings or impromptu gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this pumpkin coffee cake is designed for success and maximum enjoyment.
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A Simple Path to Fall Perfection: The Cake Mix Hack
One of the secrets to the effortless charm of this coffee cake lies in its clever foundation: a spice cake box mix. Don’t let the simplicity fool you; this hack transforms a convenient pantry staple into a moist, flavorful homemade-tasting cake. By incorporating pumpkin puree, we not only infuse the cake with that quintessential fall flavor but also add a wonderful richness and depth. A little extra flour is added to the mix, expertly balancing the additional moisture from the pumpkin and ensuring the cake has the perfect tender crumb.
The original inspiration for this recipe was a traditional 9×13-inch coffee cake with a classic crumble topping. However, I found myself drawn to the elegance and aesthetic appeal of a bundt pan. The intricate design of a bundt cake always makes a statement, instantly elevating any dessert from casual to special. Opting for the bundt pan meant reimagining the topping, so I skipped the crumble and instead folded in generous amounts of chopped walnuts directly into the cake batter. This not only added a delightful textural contrast but also a nutty depth that complements the pumpkin and spices beautifully. To complete this transformation, I crafted a luscious brown butter glaze, enhancing it with additional fall spices to create an intoxicatingly aromatic and flavorful finish. The result was an absolute triumph – a coffee cake that was both stunning to look at and incredibly delicious to eat, earning rave reviews from everyone who tried it.
This creative adaptation demonstrates how a few simple tweaks can turn a good recipe into a truly memorable one. The browned butter glaze, in particular, adds a layer of sophisticated flavor that sets this cake apart. Browning butter imparts a nutty, caramel-like essence that is simply divine and pairs wonderfully with the warm spices of the cake. It’s a small extra step that yields tremendous flavor dividends.
An Instant Hit: Perfect for Sharing and Celebrating
This Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake quickly became a beloved staple in my household and beyond. I vividly remember taking the first one to my in-laws’ new house on their moving day. Amidst the boxes and the hustle, this cake provided a much-needed moment of warmth and comfort. It was an instant hit, disappearing remarkably quickly! The feedback was so overwhelmingly positive that I found myself baking another one the very next day. It truly is one of those recipes that brings joy and comfort to any occasion, whether it’s a family brunch, a potluck, or just a quiet morning at home.
Beyond its delicious taste, this coffee cake is wonderfully versatile. It makes for an excellent breakfast, a satisfying midday snack, or a delightful dessert after dinner. Its robust flavors and comforting aroma make it ideal for packing into lunchboxes as a special treat for kids and adults alike, or for grabbing a slice on your way out the door for an on-the-go breakfast. My own children absolutely adored it, and I’m confident yours will too!
More Easy Pumpkin Recipes Starting with a Cake Mix:
If you love the convenience and delicious results of starting with a cake mix, here are a few other fantastic pumpkin-inspired recipes to try:
- 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 recipes are perfect for those busy weekdays when you crave a homemade treat but are short on time. They offer a simple way to bring the flavors of fall into your home with minimal effort.
It’s time to gather your ingredients and embark on a delightful baking journey. This Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake with Browned Butter Glaze is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that celebrates the very best of autumn. So, let’s get our day started with this fabulous fall creation!
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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 thoroughly spray your bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy release.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, extra flour, eggs, water, and pumpkin puree. Mix on low speed with your mixer until just combined, then increase to high speed and beat for two minutes. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool slightly further.
- To prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring constantly. The butter will begin to foam, then turn a light amber color, and develop a distinct nutty aroma. This means it’s done; be very careful not to let it burn. Remove the pan from the heat immediately and stir in the vanilla extract. Whisk in the powdered sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and milk until smooth. If you desire a thicker glaze, add a little more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle generously over the warm (not hot) cake.
Notes
Nutrition
A Culinary Connection: The Secret Recipe Club
This fantastic recipe has its roots in a delightful culinary community known as The Secret Recipe Club. It’s a wonderful concept where bloggers are secretly assigned another participant’s blog, asked to choose a recipe, make it, and then reveal their creation on a set “reveal day.” This particular Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake was discovered when I was assigned the blog Our Good Life, penned by the talented Terri Steffes, for an August-themed round-up. The theme for that special round was “Back to School,” a broad category that encouraged participants to explore a wide range of options, from easy breakfast ideas to quick lunch solutions, or even one-pot and 30-minute meals perfect for busy school nights. Terri’s blog, “Our Good Life,” is a treasure trove of recipes, lifestyle tips, and personal stories that truly embodies the joy of home and family. It was a pleasure exploring her site and stumbling upon this gem of a recipe. The spirit of the Secret Recipe Club lies in discovering new blogs, trying new dishes, and fostering a sense of community among food enthusiasts, and this coffee cake stands as a delicious testament to that spirit. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best culinary discoveries are made through shared passion and a little bit of mystery.