Coffee Cake with Pumpkin Crunch Topping

This cozy coffee cake combines a moist, spiced base with a crunchy pumpkin topping that’s perfect for fall mornings. It’s an easy treat that pairs wonderfully with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

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TIME45 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

Crunch: 1 cup packed brown sugar ¾ cup chopped pecans ¼ cup melted butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg Batter: 1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix 1 cup pumpkin puree 3 eggs ½ cup water Drizzle: ½ cup confectioners' sugar ¼ cup milk, or as needed

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, pecans, butter, flour, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to make the crunchy topping. In another bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, pumpkin, eggs, and water until the batter is smooth and well blended. Pour half of the batter into the prepared dish, then sprinkle the crunch mixture evenly over it. Carefully dollop the remaining batter on top and spread it gently over the crunch layer. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until you get a nice drizzle consistency, then drizzle it over the cake before serving.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for even baking.

Why you’ll love it

This cake combines the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin with a sweet, crunchy topping. It’s moist and tender inside with a delightful texture on top. Perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon treats.

Serving ideas

Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup. It also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea for an extra cozy experience.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze slices wrapped tightly to keep them fresh.