Description
A cozy morning treat packed with tender apples, crunchy pecans, and a sweet cinnamon swirl! Perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon coffee break.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
2 medium apples, peeled and diced
1 cup chopped pecans
For the topping:
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ cup chopped pecans
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
10 minutes
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5 minutes
In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3 minutes
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and sour cream.
2 minutes
Fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
2-3 minutes
Gently fold in diced apples and pecans.
2 minutes
Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Mix topping ingredients in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the batter.
3 minutes
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
40 minutes
Allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.
15 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 9-12
#ApplePecanCoffeeCake #FallBaking #CozyDessert #AutumnFlavors
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results. First, ensure your butter is truly softened to room temperature for proper creaming. Preheat your oven and prepare your pan first. When whisking the dry ingredients, ensure they are evenly distributed. Cream the butter and sugar for a full 3-5 minutes until pale and fluffy; this incorporates air for a lighter cake. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each to emulsify the batter. When folding in the dry ingredients, use a gentle hand and stop as soon as the flour disappears to avoid a tough crumb. For the topping, mix until it forms a crumbly, wet sand texture.
Serving Suggestions
This coffee cake is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm from the oven with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert. For a classic breakfast, pair a slice with a hot cup of coffee or a chai latte. It also makes an excellent addition to a brunch buffet alongside savory quiches and fresh fruit. For a special touch, dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
How-to Summary
In summary, this Apple Pecan Coffee Cake is made by mixing dry ingredients, creaming butter and sugar, adding wet ingredients, and then folding everything together with apples and pecans. The crumb topping is mixed separately and sprinkled on before baking at 350°F for 35-40 minutes. The key steps are proper creaming, gentle folding, and allowing it to cool slightly before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut? Absolutely. Walnuts make an excellent substitute for pecans. For a nut-free version, use sunflower seeds or simply omit them.
How should I store leftovers? Store cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes, full-fat plain Greek yogurt is a perfect 1:1 substitute and will yield a similarly moist texture.
My topping sank into the batter. How can I prevent this? Ensure your batter is spread evenly in the pan and your topping has the correct crumbly texture—not too wet. Sprinkling it evenly and gently patting it down slightly can help it adhere.
What are the best apples to use for baking? Use firm, tart apples that hold their shape, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They provide the perfect texture and flavor balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: This develops gluten, leading to a dense, tough cake. Fold until just combined.
- Using cold butter or eggs: This can cause the batter to break or not cream properly, affecting the rise and texture.
- Overbaking: Check a few minutes before the timer ends. The cake is done when a few moist crumbs cling to the toothpick.
- Cutting the cake while hot: It needs time to set. Cooling for 15 minutes ensures clean slices.
Conclusion
This Apple Pecan Coffee Cake is the epitome of cozy, comforting baking. With its moist, spiced crumb, bursts of tender apple, crunchy pecans, and irresistible cinnamon swirl topping, it’s guaranteed to become a cherished recipe. Whether for a quiet morning, a holiday brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, it delivers fantastic flavor and texture with straightforward steps. Happy baking!