CHOCOLATE-CHIP PECAN CRUMB COFFEE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°.
• Butter and flour a 13x9 inch baking pan.
• The topping: combine the butter, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a big bowl.
• With 2 knives, cut in the butter.
• Add in the flour and pecans; using your fingers, blend the flour and butter together to make large crumblike pieces.
• Add in the chocolate chips and quickly work them into the topping.
• The cake: sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice onto a large sheet of wax paper.
• In a mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
• Gradually add the sugars, continuing to beat until very light.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• With the mixer on low speed, alternately beat in the flour mixture and the buttermilk, beating until the batter is just mixed.
• Add in the vanilla and mix.
• Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
• Evenly sprinkle with the crumb topping, pressing it gently into the batter.
• Bake 40-45 minutes, or until the top of the cake is firm and the streusel is crisp and bubbling.
• A pick inserted into the center should come out clean.
• Let cool slightly in the pan on a wire rack.
• Serve warm, cut into squares.