Description
Fluffy, nutty, and warmly spiced—this Spiced Pecan Coffee Cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with your favorite cup of coffee!
Ingredients:
1 cup pecans, chopped
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. (Time: 5 minutes)
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices will make your cake irresistible! (Time: 3 minutes)
In another bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creates that dreamy coffee cake texture. (Time: 4 minutes)
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract. Your batter will become rich and luscious! (Time: 3 minutes)
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined—avoid overmixing for a tender cake. (Time: 2 minutes)
Gently fold in the chopped pecans for a delightful crunch in every bite. (Time: 1 minute)
Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. The cake is ready to shine! (Time: 2 minutes)
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen—delicious! (Time: 35 minutes)
Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving. Pair with coffee or tea and enjoy every warm, nutty bite!
(Time: 10 minutes)
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Baking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: ~350 kcal per slice | Servings: 12 slices
YAY OR NAY ?
#CoffeeCake #BakingJoy #PecanDelight #HomemadeGoodness
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect cake every time. First, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter, eggs, and sour cream. This is crucial for a smooth, emulsified batter. When prepping your pan, use a baking spray with flour or line it with parchment paper for foolproof removal. When combining wet and dry ingredients, use a spatula to fold by hand for the final few mixes to prevent overworking the gluten, which leads to a tough crumb. Check for doneness at the 30-minute mark, but remember ovens vary, so the toothpick test is your best indicator.
Serving Suggestions
This Spiced Pecan Coffee Cake is versatile. Serve it warm from the oven with a pat of salted butter melting on top. For a brunch spread, pair it with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. It also makes an elegant dessert when drizzled with a simple vanilla glaze or a bourbon caramel sauce. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream turns it into a decadent treat. Always accompany with a hot beverage—it’s fantastic with black coffee, a chai latte, or even a glass of cold milk.
How-to Summary
In brief: Prepare a 9×13-inch pan. Whisk dry ingredients (flour, leaveners, salt, spices). Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Incorporate eggs one by one, then sour cream and vanilla. Gently combine dry and wet mixes. Fold in pecans. Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until a tester comes out clean. Cool slightly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different nut? Absolutely. Walnuts or hazelnuts are excellent substitutes. Toast them lightly first for maximum flavor.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes. Bake it, cool completely, and wrap tightly in plastic. It stays moist for 2 days at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
My cake is dense. What went wrong? The most common cause is overmixing the batter after adding the flour, which develops gluten. Mix until “just combined.” Also, ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh.
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes, full-fat plain yogurt is a good 1:1 substitute and will yield a similarly tender, moist crumb.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold ingredients: This prevents proper creaming and can result in a curdled batter.
- Overmixing the batter: Stir only until no dry flour streaks remain to ensure a tender texture.
- Overbaking: Set a timer and check early. An overbaked cake will be dry.
- Not testing for doneness properly: Use a toothpick or skewer in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Skipping the pan prep: Properly greasing and flouring (or using parchment) is essential for easy release and clean slices.
Conclusion
This Spiced Pecan Coffee Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, masterfully balancing warm spices, rich sour cream, and crunchy nuts. Its straightforward method yields impressive results, making it a reliable recipe for bakers of any level. Whether for a quiet morning coffee or a festive gathering, this cake delivers homemade comfort and joy in every slice. So preheat your oven and get ready to fill your home with its irresistible aroma—it’s a definitive YAY!