Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe
Pecan coffee cake is a rich, buttery treat layered with crunchy pecans, a cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a moist, tender crumb. Topped with a sweet streusel and glaze, it’s the perfect companion for your morning coffee or an indulgent afternoon snack. Easy to make and packed with warm, nutty flavors, this coffee cake will quickly become a family favorite.
Enjoy the delightful combination of soft, moist cake and a crunchy pecan topping with every bite. The cinnamon-sugar layers and buttery pecans add warmth and texture, making this coffee cake both comforting and irresistible.
This pecan coffee cake is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It’s simple to make and delivers bakery-quality results at home. The flavor is rich and nutty, with just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your cravings.
Tools to Use
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish or round springform pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. - Prepare the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. - Make the Pecan Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon. - Layer the Coffee Cake
Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan filling over the batter. Spread the remaining batter over the filling, using a spatula to smooth the surface. - Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake. - Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. - Add the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
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Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish or round springform pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Make the Pecan Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Layer the Coffee Cake
- Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan filling over the batter. Spread the remaining batter over the filling, using a spatula to smooth the surface.
- Prepare the Streusel Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake.
- Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
- Add the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Tips for Cooking
- Use fresh, high-quality pecans for the best flavor. Toasting the pecans lightly before use enhances their nutty taste.
- Don’t overmix the batter; this ensures a tender, fluffy crumb.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before drizzling the glaze to prevent it from melting into the cake.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Pecan coffee cake is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for sharing. Its buttery, cinnamon-infused layers and crunchy topping make it a hit at breakfast tables, brunches, or holiday gatherings. Plus, the recipe is straightforward and rewarding for bakers of all skill levels.
This pecan coffee cake is the perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and crunch. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or treating yourself, it’s guaranteed to impress. Grab a cup of coffee and savor this homemade delight!
