Nothing beats the warm, comforting aroma of a freshly baked coffee cake, especially when it’s studded with crunchy, toasted pecans. This coffee cake pecan recipe is the perfect treat for mornings, afternoons, or whenever you need a cozy pick-me-up.
With a tender crumb, a buttery cinnamon swirl, and a delightful pecan topping, this cake strikes the perfect balance between sweet and nutty. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast alongside your morning coffee or as a dessert after dinner, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
What makes this pecan coffee cake truly special is its simplicity combined with rich flavors. It’s easy enough for beginners yet satisfying enough for seasoned bakers.
Plus, it’s versatile—you can tweak the recipe with different nuts or spices to suit your taste. So, let’s dive into the details and bake your way to a delicious, nutty delight that will fill your kitchen with irresistible scents and your heart with joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pecan coffee cake recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly moist and tender, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth.
The cinnamon sugar swirl adds a lovely layer of warmth and sweetness, while the pecan topping provides a satisfying crunch and a rich, buttery flavor.
It’s also wonderfully easy to make, requiring no fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. The batter comes together quickly, and the cake bakes in under an hour.
Plus, it keeps well, so you can enjoy it over several days or share it with loved ones.
Beyond its delightful taste and texture, this coffee cake pairs perfectly with your favorite cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon snack time. You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe over and over!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for the cinnamon swirl)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for the cinnamon swirl)
Equipment
- 9-inch square baking pan or 8-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Toothpick or cake tester
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Toast the pecans: Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This ensures even distribution.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer or whisk.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Make the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, melted butter, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Assemble the cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Spoon the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter, then sprinkle half of the toasted pecans on top.
- Add the remaining batter: Carefully spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon and pecans layer, smoothing it out gently. Top with the remaining pecans.
- Swirl the topping: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the batter and cinnamon topping to create a marbled effect, but don’t overdo it.
- Bake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
Tip: To keep your cake moist, avoid overbaking. Start checking for doneness around 40 minutes.
The toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
If you want to switch things up, try adding a handful of chocolate chips or swapping pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor. Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream is a great alternative that adds protein and keeps the cake moist.
For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake. If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free yogurt.
Looking for more delicious breakfast or snack treats? Check out these recipes:
- Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious
- Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy
- Best Vegan Cheese Scone Recipe for Fluffy, Tasty Bakes
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/12 of cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Carbohydrates | 37g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 22g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
Serving Suggestions
This pecan coffee cake is perfect on its own with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting start to your day. For a more indulgent treat, serve it warm topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
It also pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced apples, which add a bright contrast to the cake’s richness. For brunch, consider serving alongside scrambled eggs or a light salad for a balanced meal.
If you’re bringing this cake to a gathering, slice it into small squares for easy sharing. It keeps well at room temperature for a day or two, or you can refrigerate it and gently warm before serving.
Conclusion
This pecan coffee cake recipe is a timeless classic that brings warmth and flavor to any occasion. Its tender crumb, combined with the cinnamon swirl and crunchy pecans, creates a delightful eating experience that is both comforting and satisfying.
Easy to prepare and made with simple ingredients, it’s accessible for bakers of all levels.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a weekend breakfast, or looking for a special treat to share, this coffee cake fits the bill perfectly. Plus, the versatility of the recipe allows you to customize it to your liking, making it a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.
Give it a try today and enjoy a slice of homemade happiness!
📖 Recipe Card: Coffee Cake Recipe Pecan
Description: A moist and tender coffee cake with a crunchy pecan streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack with coffee.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Pour half the batter into the pan.
- Sprinkle half the chopped pecans and cinnamon sugar over the batter.
- Add remaining batter on top and spread evenly.
- Top with remaining pecans and cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 35 g
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