Coffee cakes are a beloved breakfast or brunch treat, and Pecan Coffee Cake is no exception. The combination of soft, moist cake with crunchy pecans and a cinnamon-sugar swirl makes it irresistible. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, for a brunch with friends, or just as an afternoon snack, Pecan Coffee Cake is sure to become one of your go-to recipes. Let’s dive into why this cake should be a staple in your baking routine.
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Coffee Cake
Pecan Coffee Cake is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The rich and buttery cake is enhanced with the crunch of roasted pecans, and the addition of cinnamon and brown sugar gives it a delightful sweetness with a warm, spiced kick. The sour cream adds moisture to the batter, resulting in a cake that’s perfectly tender and easy to slice. The combination of a soft, moist crumb and the subtle nutty crunch of pecans makes this cake incredibly satisfying.
The best part about Pecan Coffee Cake is that it’s not overly sweet like many traditional cakes, making it an excellent option to pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s not just for breakfast or brunch, either. You can enjoy it any time of day, making it a versatile and loved choice for gatherings or even just an everyday treat.
This cake also comes together easily, making it perfect for beginner bakers, but it’s sophisticated enough to impress your friends and family. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delectable, crowd-pleasing cake that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin baking, it’s important to make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a list of ingredients for this delicious Pecan Coffee Cake:
Cake Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped pecans (lightly toasted for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Equipment:
- 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×9-inch square baking pan
- Electric mixer (or a whisk if mixing by hand)
- Mixing bowls
- A spatula or spoon for spreading batter
- Parchment paper (optional, but helpful for easy removal)
With everything ready, let’s move on to the baking process!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make this irresistible Pecan Coffee Cake:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake comes out easily.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans (Optional but Recommended)
While the oven heats up, toast your pecans for a richer, deeper flavor. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and fragrant. Once done, set them aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate, larger mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or a stand mixer for this step. This process will take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract
Once the butter and sugar are properly creamed, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the mixture is well-combined and smooth.
Step 6: Add the Sour Cream
Next, add the sour cream to the mixture. The sour cream adds moisture to the cake, which helps achieve that tender, soft texture. Mix everything together until smooth.
Step 7: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in small batches. Be sure to mix until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake. The batter should be thick and creamy.
Step 8: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the toasted pecans, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to combine.
Step 9: Layer the Batter and Topping
Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle half of the pecan mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter and gently spread it out with a spatula. Finish by sprinkling the remaining pecan mixture on top.
Step 10: Bake the Cake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep an eye on it toward the end of baking to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Step 11: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake has cooled, slice it into squares or wedges and serve.
Enjoy your freshly baked Pecan Coffee Cake with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or milk!
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, egg, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients combine more easily and evenly, which contributes to a smooth batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, so be gentle with your stirring.
- Toasting the Pecans: While toasting the pecans is optional, it’s highly recommended! The warmth of the oven brings out the oils and flavors in the nuts, enhancing their taste and adding a delicious depth to the cake.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so check your cake for doneness around the 30-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Use a Light Hand When Spreading: When layering the cake batter and topping, try to be gentle to avoid mixing the layers together too much. You want distinct layers of cake and pecan topping for both flavor and texture.
Variations to Try
While the classic Pecan Coffee Cake is fantastic on its own, there are plenty of ways to change it up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Add Chocolate Chips: For a sweet twist, try adding a handful of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the batter. Chocolate and pecans are a match made in heaven!
- Swap Pecans for Other Nuts: If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds can be used in place of pecans. Both add a similar texture and flavor.
- Make it Glazed: For a sweeter finish, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top of the cooled cake.
- Fruit Add-ins: You can also add fruit like chopped apples or pears to the batter for a fruity variation. Just make sure to chop the fruit into small pieces so it doesn’t weigh down the batter.
- Spiced Variation: To give your cake a little more of a fall flavor, try adding ground nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the cinnamon topping mixture.
Storing and Reheating
This Pecan Coffee Cake is a great make-ahead treat, and it stores well for several days. Here’s how you can store and reheat your cake:
Storing:
- Room Temperature: Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you need to store the cake for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
Reheating:
To enjoy your cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. If you prefer to reheat the whole cake, place it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Pecan Coffee Cake can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh.
2. Can I freeze this coffee cake?
Yes, you can freeze Pecan Coffee Cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.
3. Can I use non-dairy substitutes?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and the sour cream with a non-dairy yogurt or sour cream alternative for a dairy-free version.
4. How do I make a larger batch?
If you need to make a larger batch, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it.
The Final Word
Pecan Coffee Cake is an easy, delicious, and versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist, tender crumb, crunchy pecans, and sweet cinnamon topping, it’s sure to please everyone who tries it. Whether you enjoy it with a morning cup of coffee, as a snack, or as part of a special gathering, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get ready to bake this incredible Pecan Coffee Cake — your taste buds will thank you!