Decadent Pecan Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

Pecan Streusel Coffee Cake: A Timeless Classic

Description:

An old-fashioned classic! I always loved this as a child. Tastes great with a cold glass of milk, although nowadays I like to have a nice cup of cappuccino. 🙂

Keywords:

Breakfast, Lunch/Snacks, Fruit, Nuts, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Winter, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy, Inexpensive

Ingredients:

Streusel Topping:

1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground mace
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
6 tablespoons butter
2 cups pecans

Cake:

4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk

Nutritional Information (per cake):

Calories: 5150.9
Fat: 287.5g
Saturated Fat: 91.4g
Cholesterol: 738.1mg
Sodium: 3490.8mg
Carbohydrates: 596.2g
Fiber: 30.2g
Sugars: 332.1g
Protein: 74.3g

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the bottoms and sides of an 8-inch cake pan, then dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, combine:

1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground mace
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

Using a pastry blender or fork, cut in 6 tablespoons of butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 2 cups of pecans, making sure some of the streusel mixture adheres to the nuts. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together:

4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar

Beat until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs and 2 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Step 5: Blend Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup of buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition until the batter is smooth and well-blended.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Pour the remaining batter into the pan and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining streusel.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. To remove the cake, place a plate over the top of the pan and invert it. Then, carefully remove the pan. Place another plate over the cake and invert it again to have the streusel topping on top. If any topping falls off, simply replace it on the cake. Cut into wedges and serve.

Tips for the Perfect Coffee Cake:

Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is at room temperature when creaming with sugars. This ensures a fluffy and light batter.
Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent the cake from becoming dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Streusel Topping: If you want an extra-crunchy topping, toast the pecans lightly before mixing them into the streusel.
Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Serving Suggestions:

With Beverages: Enjoy this pecan streusel coffee cake with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of cappuccino. Its rich, buttery flavor pairs wonderfully with coffee and tea.
For Breakfast or Brunch: This cake makes a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch table. Serve it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a savory quiche.
Dessert: While traditionally enjoyed in the morning, this coffee cake also makes a lovely dessert. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate it to a delightful after-dinner treat.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature: Store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cake to extend its freshness for up to a week. Ensure it is wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations:

Fruit Additions: Add a layer of fresh or frozen berries (such as blueberries or raspberries) between the batter layers for a fruity twist.
Spice Mix: Experiment with different spices in the streusel topping. Nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of cloves can add a unique flavor.
Nut Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try walnuts or almonds for a different texture and taste.

Final Thoughts:

This Pecan Streusel Coffee Cake is more than just a treat; it’s a cherished memory and a classic that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Its delightful blend of buttery cake and crunchy streusel makes it a perfect choice for any occasion, from casual family breakfasts to festive holiday gatherings. The simple preparation and rich flavors make it a go-to recipe for those who love to bake and share homemade goodness with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and indulge in the timeless joy of baking this delicious coffee cake. Enjoy!