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Pumpkin Coffee Cake, with Walnut Pepita Crumble

By Holly Darnell, RD

November 14, 2023

This time of year, pumpkin flavor is everywhere. Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin butter from the farmer’s market, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin pie naturally. But what about pumpkin coffee cake?!

This lesser-know pumpkin recipe will quickly become a fan favorite, as it might even beat pumpkin bread in terms of flavor and fun yet because of the ingredients below, it’s good for you.

Key Ingredients

Rather than pack this coffee cake with sugar and flour, this pumpkin coffee cake takes a tour through healthy ingredients that are full of both nutrients and flavor. Each slice offers over 25 percent of your daily value requirement of vitamin A, magnesium, copper, phosphorus and selenium. Another immune system helper is manganese, and each slice offers a whopping 84 percent of your daily value.

First, try a hand at making your own Paleo, gluten-free flour that uses almond flour, arrowroot flour, coconut flour and tapioca flour. It’s full of healthy fats, high in fiber, low in sugar and easily digested. It’s also is very mixable. You can also purchase a Paleo flour at select supermarkets and online.

Though pumpkin has just hit its stride in the last few years, it’s always been fantastic for your health. The rich orange color of pumpkin puree means it’s packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A once consumed. The vitamin help support the immune system and skin.

Pumpkin is also a top fiber food, making it a more satiating food choice. And it’s full of potassium, which is key to keeping our bodies hydrated and our organs working properly. While you can use fresh pumpkin, canned pumpkin is super convenient and versatile — plus chock-full of nutrients, including vitamin A.

The crumble on top uses walnuts and pepitas for extra flavor kick and energy-providing fats.

Lastly, for delicious protein, we go with Bone Broth Protein Pumpkin Spice. This popular protein powder is loaded with amino acids and collagen for your gut, skin and joints.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Preheat the oven to 350. Lightly grease a 8x8 pan with coconut oil and set aside. 

Make the crumble topping first. In a medium bowl, add in flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon and sea salt. Add in coconut oil and mix everything together until clumps form. Fold in walnuts and set aside.

To make your own Paleo flour, mix one and a half cups almond flour, one cup arrowroot flour, one cup coconut flour and one-half cup tapioca flour. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Put in an airtight container and store in a dry place when not using.

Make the cake next. In a large bowl, add in the dry ingredients: gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, pumpkin pie spice and Bone Broth Protein Pumpkin Spice powder.

Want to make your own pumpkin pie spice? In a small bowl, mix three tablespoons cinnamon, two teaspoons ground ginger, two teaspoons nutmeg, one and a half teaspoons ground allspice, and one and half teaspoons ground cloves. Whisk together until combined. When not using, store in a covered container at room temperature.

In a medium bowl, add in eggs, pumpkin puree, coconut sugar, Greek yogurt (or coconut milk yogurt), coconut oil and vanilla. Whisk until combined. Pour the wet ingredients in the dry ingredients until just combined. 

Avoid over mixing the batter. The batter will be thick and a little sticky. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread to make even and top with the crumb topping, pressing down into the batter. Top with additional walnuts and pepitas.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cake lasts up to four days.

Other Pumpkin Spice Recipes

• Pumpkin spice cookies

• Pumpkin spice muffins

• Pumpkin overnight oats

• Pumpkin spice waffles

• Pumpkin pancakes

• Pumpkin smoothie

• Pumpkin high-protein chia seed pudding

• Pumpkin energy balls

Recipe developed by Holly Darnell, RD. Holly is a registered dietitian nutritionist who unlocked self-love at the intersection of exceptional food and practical solutions for healthy living. She’s passionate about helping others make simple, positive lifestyle changes on their individual path to healing.