Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe

If you are looking for a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that will fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma, look no further than this Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender cake, crunchy pecans, and just the right hint of cinnamon that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. This cake is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a wonderful way to bring warmth and comfort into your day, making it a beloved favorite to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe comes together with simple pantry staples that work harmoniously to create a luscious, flavorful cake. Each ingredient adds a special touch—from the rich buttermilk that keeps the cake moist, to the warm cinnamon and crunchy pecans providing texture and depth.

• Light brown sugar: Offers a rich, caramel-like sweetness essential for the pecan-cinnamon filling.
• Chopped pecans: Adds a lovely nuttiness and satisfying crunch that elevates every bite.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and aromatic spice that blends perfectly with the nuts and sugar.
• Melted butter: Used to drizzle on top for a crisp, caramelized finish.
• Butter (softened): The base of the creamy batter, providing richness and moisture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve that perfect tender crumb.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure to the cake.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its fragrant sweetness.
• Flour: The foundation, sifted properly to ensure a light, tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Leavens the cake, making it rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
• Baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for perfect texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Buttermilk: Keeps the cake moist and tender while adding a subtle tang that brightens the flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously greasing a 9×13 inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Having your ingredients measured and ready to go helps the process flow smoothly—nothing beats a little organized prep for baking success.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Combine the light brown sugar, chopped pecans, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. This simple mixture is the heart of the coffee cake’s irresistible flavor and crunchy texture. Set it aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, helping your coffee cake rise beautifully and stay tender.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This step ensures a smooth, homogenous mixture that will give your cake a rich flavor and perfect texture.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Alternate with Buttermilk

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk into the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mixing in about three batches is the sweet spot. Remember to mix just until no streaks remain; overmixing will make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Spread half of the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-pecan filling over the batter, then carefully spread the remaining batter on top. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the filling over the surface.

Step 7: Drizzle with Melted Butter

Drizzle the melted butter evenly across the top of the cake. This little touch creates that unforgettable crisp, caramelized crust, elevating the texture and flavor to a whole new level.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake for 35 to 45 minutes at 350°F, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the cake browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning while the inside cooks through.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 to 30 minutes. This resting time allows the cake to set and makes slicing much easier. This Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe is delicious served warm or at room temperature, especially with a cup of your favorite coffee or a dollop of whipped cream.

How to Serve Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar just before serving or add a handful of toasted pecans on top. A little fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla glaze complements the cinnamon and pecans beautifully, making the presentation even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or tea because the flavors balance so well. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a smooth yogurt parfait to add lightness to your spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into mini squares and serving them on decorative plates for a brunch or coffee gathering. You might also layer cubes of the coffee cake with whipped cream and berries in a trifle dish for an elegant twist on the classic recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to two days, making it perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, the Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake securely in foil and place it in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to three months without losing its delightful texture or flavor.

Reheating

To refresh frozen slices, thaw them at room temperature and warm gently in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. Warmed coffee cake tastes almost as good as fresh-baked, with that wonderful freshly baked aroma filling your kitchen once again.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Regular milk can be substituted but it won’t provide the same tangy flavor or tender crumb. To mimic buttermilk, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I make this Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly and ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

Is it possible to use walnuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts make a great substitute and will provide a slightly different but equally delicious flavor and crunch.

Why is it important not to overmix the batter?

Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a dense, tough cake instead of a tender and fluffy one. Mixing just until combined keeps the texture light and soft.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes! Divide the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking since muffins cook faster than a large cake.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites to bake and share. Its perfect combination of nutty crunch, warm cinnamon spice, and tender cake is comforting in every bite. If you want a crowd-pleaser that feels like a hug in dessert form, this recipe is a must-try. I promise it will become a staple in your kitchen as it has in mine!

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