Ingredients

• Cake Batter:
• 1 (15.25 ounce) package of yellow or spice cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (15-ounce) can of pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (omit if using spice cake mix)
• Optional: 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans or pumpkin seeds
• Pumpkin Streusel Filling:
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tart apple, finely chopped (peeled and cored)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small cubes
• Optional Icing:
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons water or milk
• 1/2 teaspoon each of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a bundt pan (or opt for a 13×9 inch sheet pan).
2. Prepare the Apple Streusel Filling:
1. In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and spices. Mix with a fork or pastry blender until crumbly. Fold in the chopped apple and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combining the eggs, water, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and cake mix. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about three minutes, until well blended.
4. Pour half of the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle the streusel filling evenly over this layer, then add the remaining batter on top.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the cake is done.
6. Once baked, allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before gently loosening the edges with a plastic knife and inverting the cake onto a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before garnishing.
7. For Icing (optional):
1. Combine icing ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more water or milk if needed.
8. For serving, consider dusting with powdered sugar or topping with whipped cream, ice cream, or any other toppings of your choice.

Serving Suggestions

• Top the cake with whipped cream or any delightful toppings of your choice.
• Drizzle with a thin icing made of pumpkin spice and cinnamon for an extra kick.
• A cream cheese frosting flavored with cinnamon pairs beautifully as well.
• Simply dust with powdered sugar for a classic look.
• Serve it warm alongside a cup of tea, coffee, hot apple cider, or hot cocoa.
• For a treat, top with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Create delightful combinations: sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over ice cream, or serve with sliced apples and caramel.

Mix-ins and Tips for a Perfect Cake

• If you’re using a yellow cake mix instead of spice cake, consider adding ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice for an extra flavor boost.
• Feel free to mix in 1 cup of chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or peanut butter chips.
• Raisins or craisins can also be included for added sweetness.
• Incorporate nuts or seeds for a delightful crunch.
• Adding shredded coconut is always a welcome addition!
• This cake is wonderful on its own, but there are endless ways to customize it based on your taste preferences.
• For thoughtful gifts, consider baking muffins or mini loaves; they freeze well!
• For those with nut allergies, pumpkin seeds can be a great alternative.
• Always ensure to generously grease your pans to prevent sticking.
• Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before serving.
• Remember to use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling for the best results.
• Any flavored cake mix can be a fun alternative!
• If you have extra cake, it can be frozen unfrosted for up to three months.

Baking Times for Various Pans

• Tip: Always use the toothpick method to ensure the center is fully cooked!
• 13×9 inch pan: 35 to 40 minutes
• Bundt pan: 45 to 55 minutes
• Muffin pan: 25 to 30 minutes
• Loaf pan: 40 to 45 minutes
• All cakes should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
• Keep in mind that oven temperatures may vary, so always check for doneness.