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Cinnamon Pecan Crunch Coffee Cake: A Cozy Classic with Irresistible Texture
Cinnamon Pecan Crunch Coffee Cake is the kind of recipe that instantly makes a kitchen feel warm and welcoming. With its tender crumb, rich cinnamon flavor, and buttery pecan crunch topping, this cake is perfect for slow mornings, brunch gatherings, or a comforting afternoon treat with coffee or tea. It is not overly sweet, yet deeply satisfying, making it ideal for both breakfast and dessert.
This coffee cake stands out because of its contrast in textures. The soft, moist cake base pairs beautifully with the crisp, nutty topping that bakes into golden perfection. Every bite delivers warmth from cinnamon, richness from butter, and crunch from toasted pecans.
Ingredients
For the cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cinnamon pecan crunch topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized pan. Set it aside while you prepare the batter and topping.
Make the Cinnamon Pecan Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly moistened. Set aside. This topping will bake into a crunchy, golden layer.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly ensures even flavor throughout the cake.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Combine the Batter
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense. The batter should be thick and smooth.
Assemble the Cake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon pecan topping evenly over the entire surface of the batter, covering it completely.
Bake Until Golden
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp.
If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the cake with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Cool and Serve
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the cake set and makes cutting easier.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Pecan Crunch Coffee Cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with coffee, cappuccino, tea, or even a glass of milk.
For special occasions, serve it alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced brunch spread. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a simple decorative touch.
Tips for the Best Coffee Cake
Use full-fat sour cream or yogurt for maximum moisture and richness. Do not overmix the batter, as this can affect the texture. Chopping the pecans evenly helps ensure a consistent crunch across the topping.
If you prefer extra cinnamon flavor, you can add an additional half teaspoon to the batter or topping.
Storage and Keeping
Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days.
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to restore softness.
Why This Cinnamon Pecan Crunch Coffee Cake Is Worth Baking
This Cinnamon Pecan Crunch Coffee Cake delivers everything a great coffee cake should offer: warmth, texture, and comforting flavor. It is easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for both everyday enjoyment and special gatherings.
With its soft interior and crunchy, cinnamon-spiced topping, this cake quickly becomes a favorite once it hits the table. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed quietly with a cup of coffee, it brings simple joy in every slice.