If you’re on the hunt for a warm, inviting treat that perfectly blends sweet and nutty flavors, this Crunchy Maple Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Picture tender, moist cake layers swirling with rich maple syrup and sour cream, all topped with an irresistibly crunchy pecan streusel that’s bursting with cinnamon-spiced goodness. Every bite delivers a cozy balance of sweetness and texture, making it a standout choice for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon indulgence with your favorite cup of coffee. Trust me, once you try this Crunchy Maple Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe, it might just become the signature dessert everyone requests at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first joyful step in creating this delicious coffee cake. Each item plays a vital role, from lending tender crumb and rich moisture to providing that perfect crunchy pecan topping, so let’s make sure you have everything ready!
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the sturdy but tender base of the cake’s structure.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Adds richness and keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Gives the cake a tangy flavor and melts into crumbly softness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together while giving lift and richness.
- Pure maple syrup (1/4 cup): Brings authentic maple sweetness and a hint of natural complexity.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Balances the batter, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): The magic that helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the crumb’s lightness and helps with browning.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, subtle aroma that rounds out the flavors.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): The star crunch component that adds texture and nutty flavor.
- Brown sugar, for topping (1/2 cup): Rich and caramel-like sweetness for that luscious streusel.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Offers a fragrant spice touch, complementing the pecans and maple.
- Cold butter, cut into small pieces (2 tablespoons): Creates a crumbly, buttery topping when baked.
How to Make Crunchy Maple Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch square baking dish to ensure your coffee cake will easily release once baked. This little prep step saves you any sticky surprises later!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture looks light and fluffy—a key step that helps your cake achieve that perfect soft crumb and subtle airiness. Take your time here for the best texture.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Then mix in the sour cream, pure maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract, blending everything until just combined. The maple syrup is your flavor hero here, infusing the cake with a natural, sweet depth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these separately helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour, giving your cake even rise and structure.
Step 5: Gently Mix Dry and Wet Components
Add the dry ingredients gradually to the wet mixture, stirring gently and just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and nobody wants that when making this delightfully soft coffee cake.
Step 6: Assemble with Pecan Topping
Pour half the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl to create the crunchy topping mixture. Spread half of this over the batter, then layer the remaining batter on top, finishing with the rest of the pecan mixture. Dot the top with pieces of the cold butter – these little bits melt during baking to create that signature crumbly texture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of warm maple, cinnamon, and toasted pecans will fill your kitchen, signaling that your Crunchy Maple Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe is close to perfection. Let it cool slightly before slicing to allow the crumb to set beautifully.
How to Serve Crunchy Maple Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving to add an elegant touch. For an extra maple kiss, drizzle warm maple syrup over each slice – it instantly enhances the natural flavors and adds a glossy finish.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake is beautifully complemented by a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea. Consider pairing it with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a brunch that feels both indulgent and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into squares and serve on a rustic wooden board surrounded by seasonal fruits or alongside mini jars of maple syrup for guests to customize their slices. This personal touch makes the experience interactive and memorable, perfect for gatherings or a cozy morning treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crunchy Maple Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the cake moist and maintains the crunchy topping’s texture, so you get that same delicious bite even the next day!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results, preserving the gooey texture and nutty crunch.
Reheating
To enjoy the coffee cake warm, reheat slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the topping crisp. A little fresh maple syrup drizzle after warming is the perfect finishing touch.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream and will still give you that tender crumb with a slight tang. It’s a great swap if you want a lighter option or just happen to have it on hand.
How do I make the pecan topping extra crunchy?
Make sure your butter is very cold and cut into small pieces before dotting it on top. Also, spreading the pecan mixture evenly and not smushing it into the batter will help it form a crispy, crumbly layer after baking.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Crunchy Maple Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat or animal-derived gelatin. It’s a wonderful dessert or breakfast option in vegetarian meal plans.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious with that maple pecan crunch.
What’s the best way to get a strong maple flavor?
For an extra boost of maple goodness, drizzle warm pure maple syrup over the cake slices right before serving. You can also consider using a dark, robust maple syrup in the batter to intensify the flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crunchy Maple Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe enough – it’s just the kind of bake that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. From its tender crumb to the crunchy, cinnamon-spiced pecan topping and that lovely maple sweetness running throughout, this cake is perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself. So go on, gather those simple ingredients and whip up this little slice of joy – your mornings (and coffee breaks) will thank you!
Print
Crunchy Maple Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously moist and crunchy maple pecan coffee cake perfect for brunch or breakfast, featuring a tender crumb with layers of maple-infused batter and a sweet cinnamon pecan topping.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake batter.
- Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the sour cream, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until evenly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring the leavening agents are well distributed.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing and maintain a tender crumb.
- Layer Batter and Topping: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this mixture evenly over the batter. Spread the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the pecan topping. Dot the top with small pieces of cold butter.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before slicing and serving, enhancing the flavors and making it easier to cut.
Notes
- For a stronger maple flavor, drizzle warm maple syrup over the cake just before serving.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if desired for a slight tang and healthier option.
