Cinnamon Pecan Crunch Cake (Printable)
Moist coffee cake layered with cinnamon sugar and crunchy toasted pecans, perfect for breakfast or afternoon treats.
# What You Need:
→ Crunch Topping and Filling
01 - 1 cup chopped pecans (120 g)
02 - 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar (130 g)
03 - 2 tsp ground cinnamon
04 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30 g)
05 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (60 g)
→ Cake Batter
06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
07 - 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
08 - 1/2 tsp baking soda
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (115 g)
11 - 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
12 - 2 large eggs
13 - 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
14 - 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (240 ml)
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a 9-inch round springform pan with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, all-purpose flour, and melted unsalted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and set aside.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until pale, light, and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then blend in the vanilla extract.
05 - Add the dry ingredient mixture and sour cream to the butter mixture in alternating batches, beginning and ending with the flour. Fold gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
06 - Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon pecan crunch mixture over the batter in an even layer. Spread the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the crunch mixture.
07 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
08 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before slicing into squares and serving warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The tender crumb and crunchy topping create the most perfect texture contrast
- It comes together quickly but tastes like something from a fancy bakery
- The smell of cinnamon and toasted pecans baking will make your kitchen feel like home
02 -
- Do not overmix the batter or the cake will become tough and dense
- The cake is done when the top springs back lightly when touched and the edges pull away from the pan slightly
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients combine more easily and create a more uniform texture
- Use a light colored pan to prevent the edges from over baking before the center is done