Apple Pecan Coffee Cake
A moist and flavorful coffee cake featuring tender apples and crunchy pecans, sweetened with brown sugar and infused with cinnamon and vanilla. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert, this cake combines classic flavors with a tender crumb and a delightful topping.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 4 cups apples, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup pecans, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1/4 cup coconut ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together shortening, sugar, and eggs with an electric mixer.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- Stir in the finely chopped apples and chopped pecans; the batter will be thick.
- Spread the batter evenly in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is firm in the middle.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with applesauce. If you're short on pecans, walnuts can be used as a substitute. To enhance the flavor, you might add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of lemon juice to the apples. Ensure to finely chop the apples to maintain a good balance of moisture and texture in the cake.
Serving Suggestions
This Apple Pecan Coffee Cake is perfect for breakfast or as a delightful afternoon snack. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a great addition to brunch alongside dishes like Butterscotch Yams or Cereal Bars.
Storage & Reheating
After the cake has cooled completely, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place the cake in the refrigerator where it can last for up to a week. To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds until warm, or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Pecan Coffee Cake contains roughly 1109 calories, with 9g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or even almonds if you prefer a different flavor. Just make sure to chop them coarsely so they blend well into the batter.
What can I do if I don't have evaporated milk?
You can substitute evaporated milk with a mixture of regular milk and a bit of cream for a similar consistency. Alternatively, using almond milk or coconut milk can also work well, especially if you're looking for a dairy-free option.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is fully baked, insert a toothpick or a cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Avoid overbaking to ensure the cake remains moist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).