Special Coffee Cake

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A sweet, cinnamon-spiced coffee cake featuring pecans and vanilla pudding, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings, offering a moist, flavorful treat with a crunchy topping.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. frozen cloverleaf yeast rolls
  • 1/2 c. butter, melted
  • 1 small pkg. vanilla pudding (not instant)
  • 1/2 c. brown sugar
  • 4 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2 c. pecans, chopped

Instructions

  1. Follow the recipe for Nestle Toll House chocolate chip cookies, but use Crisco instead of butter and melt it completely first along with a handful of chocolate chips.
  2. Bake the cookies; they won't flatten out while baking.
  3. Everyone will want to know your secret.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of melted butter. You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or omit nuts entirely if allergies are a concern. If you want a twist, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the melted butter for extra depth. Ensure the yeast rolls are fully thawed before assembling for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Special Coffee Cake is perfect for brunch or as an afternoon treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with Cabbage Wedges for a delightful contrast in flavors. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Special Coffee Cake contains roughly 708 calories, with 4g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

708 kcal 35% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.9g 8% DV
Total Fat 58.3g 75% DV
Carbs 46.7g 17% DV
Fiber 3.2g 11% DV
Sugar 37.6g 75% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 84.7mg 4% DV
Potassium 190.1mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 91.8mg 31% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.8mcg
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Calcium 91.9mg 7% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
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 make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the coffee cake the night before and refrigerate it before baking. Just ensure to let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven to bake. This way, you can enjoy a fresh-baked cake in the morning with minimal effort.

What is the best way to serve this coffee cake?

This coffee cake is best served warm. You can slice it into squares and dust with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation. It also works well with fresh fruit or whipped cream on the side for a more indulgent experience.

Can I use a different flavor of pudding?

Absolutely! While vanilla pudding is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like butterscotch or chocolate for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that it will alter the overall flavor profile of the cake.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →