Pecan Wonder Coffee Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A delightful coffee cake featuring a tender crumb and rich pecan topping, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings. Its sweet, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it a comforting treat for family or friends. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, it’s sure to become a favorite.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup soft margarine
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and soda.
  3. In a separate large bowl, cream together sugar and margarine until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition.
  5. Stir in vanilla.
  6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  7. Pour batter into a greased 9-inch (23 cm) baking pan.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or as a topping before baking. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. This recipe is similar in texture to Sweet Potato Nut Bread, so feel free to experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Serving Suggestions

This coffee cake is perfect for brunch or as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with Excellent Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for a delightful dessert spread. Serve warm or at room temperature, and consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Pecan Wonder Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for a few seconds or toast in the oven until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pecan Wonder Coffee Cake contains roughly 290 calories, with 5g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1142mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).

290 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.9g 10% DV
Total Fat 5.1g 6% DV
Carbs 39.3g 14% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 6.7g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1142.2mg 50% DV
Potassium 322.5mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 86.3mg 29% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 53.1mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 188.3mg 14% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 regular butter instead of margarine?

Yes, you can substitute regular butter for margarine in this recipe. Just ensure it is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar. The flavor will be richer, and the texture may be slightly different, but the cake will still be delicious.

What can I use if I don’t have baking powder?

If you're out of baking powder, you can create a substitute using baking soda and cream of tartar. For every teaspoon of baking powder needed, use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar. This will help your cake rise effectively.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

You can check if the Pecan Wonder Coffee Cake is done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. Be cautious not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry texture.

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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