Samhain Cakes & Ale: Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Want to make something special for Samhain cakes & ale?  Are you looking for a dessert course to serve at your pagan dumb supper?  Want to have the most popular dish at your coven’s Samhain potluck?

We’re going to show you how to create this spectacular pumpkin coffee cake.  It is SO GOOD you have to try it to believe it.

Seriously, of every kitchen witch recipe we’ve ever posted, this one may just be our favorite of all time.

Magical Correspondences 

All the classic autumn flavors in this dish have special symbolic meaning during the magical season of Samhain.  Here is an overview of the traditional meaning of each one.

Pumpkin

By far the star of the show in this recipe, pumpkin is a key ingredient in many traditional fall and Samhain recipes.

Pumpkin also represents some key magical themes during the late harvest season, including abundance, inner potential, and the spirit of fire & air.

Cinnamon

It’s hard to find a baked good recipe this time of year that doesn’t contain cinnamon.  This aromatic spice represents spirituality, death, transition, and the Veil Between Worlds.

Ginger

The bright, refreshing scent of ginger symbolizes the element of fire and is used in magic to ward off nightmares, malevolent spirits, and negative energy.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is best known for its protective properties.  Use in Samhain recipes to prevent malevolent spirits from crossing over as the Veil Between Worlds thins.

Vanilla

The sweet, warm, nutty flavor of vanilla encourages connection and promotes positive friendship and familial love.

Samhain Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup  melted coconut oil (or sub canola)
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze (optional):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1:  Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2:  Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel topping.  Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Put the bowl in the refrigerator while you’re preparing the batter.

Step 3:  Make the Cake Batter

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.  Add in coconut oil and brown sugar.  Add in Greek yogurt.

Mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until well combined.

Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing, as it can make the cake tough.

Step 4:  Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Then, pour the remaining cake batter over the streusel layer and smooth it out with a spatula. Finish by topping the cake with the remaining streusel mixture.

Step 5:  Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on it.

Step 5:  Cool and Glaze (Optional)

Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. If desired, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.

Slice the pumpkin coffee cake into squares, serve, and enjoy!

This pumpkin coffee cake is perfect for cakes & ale, a Samhain dumb supper, or a treat for your next All Hallow’s Eve party.