Pecan-Streusel Coffee Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist and flavorful coffee cake with a crunchy pecan streusel topping, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings, appealing to those who enjoy sweet, nutty flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons margarine or butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 (27 1/4 oz.) package cinnamon streusel cake mix
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven as directed on the cake mix package.
  2. In a mixing bowl, stir together chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted margarine or butter, and ground cinnamon to make the topping.
  3. Set the pecan streusel aside.
  4. Prepare the cake batter according to the package instructions and pour it into a greased baking pan.
  5. Evenly sprinkle the pecan streusel over the top of the cake batter.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, try toasting the pecans before adding them to the streusel. If you don't have sour cream, plain yogurt or buttermilk can be used as substitutes. Make sure to grease the pan well to prevent sticking, especially since this cake can be moist. If you're looking for a chocolate twist, consider incorporating some cocoa powder into the batter for a variation.

Serving Suggestions

This Pecan-Streusel Coffee Cake is perfect for brunch or as an afternoon snack. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pecan-Streusel Coffee Cake contains roughly 169 calories, with 1g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

169 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.3g 3% DV
Total Fat 8.7g 11% DV
Carbs 25g 9% DV
Fiber 5.6g 20% DV
Sugar 13.5g 27% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 90.1mg 4% DV
Potassium 99.1mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 2.1mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 16.4mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.4mg
Calcium 139.1mg 11% DV
Iron 1mg 6% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Tree nuts

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 a different type of nut in the streusel?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans if you prefer. Just remember that different nuts may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the streusel topping, but they will still provide that nice crunch.

What can I do if I don't have a cake mix?

If you don't have a cake mix on hand, you can make a simple cake batter from scratch using flour, sugar, baking powder, and eggs. There are many American recipes available that can guide you in creating a delicious base that will work well with the streusel topping.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, this coffee cake freezes well. After it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. To serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.

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).

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