Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake

Craving a homemade treat that combines nutty richness with a hint of tangy sweetness?

Dive into the world of Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake, a delightful Southern classic that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.

This moist, tender cake features a cinnamon-spiced batter topped with a crunchy pecan streusel that creates the perfect contrast of textures.

Ingredients List

Creating a delicious Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake requires a few key components to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Let’s break down the ingredients needed for each element of this delicious cake.

Cake Batter Ingredients

• 3 cups baking mix (like Bisquick)
• 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup whole buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Streusel Topping Ingredients

• 1 cup reserved dry mixture (from cake batter ingredients)
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, for enhanced flavor)

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake, having the right kitchen tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the essential tools you will need:

1. 9×13-inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for this recipe, allowing the cake to bake evenly throughout.
2. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two bowls – a large one for the main batter and a smaller one for the streusel topping.
3. Whisk and Spatula: For mixing the ingredients thoroughly and folding the batter into the baking dish.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure consistent results every time.
5. Nonstick Cooking Spray: To prevent the cake from sticking to the baking dish.
6. Toothpick or Cake Tester: For checking if the cake is fully baked.

Batter Preparation

Preparing the batter for Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake is a straightforward process that creates a foundation for the moist, flavorful cake. Follow the steps below to mix the ingredients properly and create the perfect batter.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

To start the batter preparation, place the baking mix, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine these ingredients, making sure to break up any clumps of brown sugar.

The fine texture of the baking mix combined with the aromatic cinnamon and rich brown sugar creates a flavorful base for your coffee cake.

Once the dry ingredients are well mixed, set aside 1 cup of this mixture in a small bowl – this will be used later for the streusel topping.

Incorporating the Wet Ingredients

After setting aside the portion for the streusel, it’s time to add the wet ingredients to your main mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.

The buttermilk not only adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar but also contributes to the cake’s tender texture. Pour this wet mixture into the large bowl containing the remaining dry ingredients.

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the ingredients together, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense, tough cake instead of the light, tender texture you’re aiming for.

Preparing the Streusel Topping

The streusel topping is what gives this Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake its signature crunchy, nutty finish that perfectly complements the soft cake beneath. Creating the perfect streusel is simple but requires attention to detail for that ideal crumbly texture.

Combining Ingredients for the Perfect Crumble

Take the 1 cup of reserved dry mixture and place it in a small bowl. Add the chopped pecans, which should be roughly chopped to provide texture but not so large that they sink into the batter.

Next, add the room temperature butter, which should be soft enough to work with but not melted. Using your fingertips or two forks, work the butter into the dry mixture and pecans.

The goal is to create a crumbly texture with pieces ranging from pea-sized to slightly larger. The butter should be fully incorporated, with no dry patches remaining, but the mixture should remain crumbly rather than forming a paste.

If using the optional salt, sprinkle it in now and mix to distribute evenly – this small addition enhances the flavor of the pecans and creates a more complex flavor profile for your topping.

Here’s the third part:

Assembling and Baking the Coffee Cake

Once you have prepared both the batter and streusel topping, it’s time to bring everything together and bake your Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake to golden perfection. This stage is crucial for achieving the right texture and ensuring even baking throughout.

Preparing the Baking Dish and Adding the Batter

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature before the cake goes in. While the oven is heating, prepare your 9×13-inch baking dish by coating it thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray.

Make sure to cover the bottom and sides completely to prevent any sticking. Next, take the prepared batter and pour it into the greased baking dish.

Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the dish, paying special attention to the corners. The batter will be somewhat thick, so take your time to create a level surface for even baking.

Adding the Streusel and Baking

Once the batter is evenly spread in the baking dish, it’s time to add the streusel topping. Take the pecan streusel mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the entire surface of the batter. Try to distribute it as uniformly as possible to ensure every slice of the finished cake has a good amount of the crunchy topping.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness at the 35-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake.

When the toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), the cake is done. The top should be golden brown, and the edges should be slightly pulling away from the sides of the dish. Once baked, remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake, timing and presentation can enhance the overall enjoyment of this delicious treat. Here are some recommendations to make your coffee cake experience even more delightful.

Best Time to Serve

Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake is at its absolute best when served warm, about 15-20 minutes after removing it from the oven. At this temperature, the cake remains moist and tender while the pecan streusel topping maintains its delightful crunch.

This coffee cake makes an excellent breakfast or brunch item, pairing wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. It’s perfect for weekend family gatherings, holiday mornings, or as a special treat for houseguests.

If serving later in the day, consider warming individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to restore that fresh-baked warmth and aroma.

Accompaniments and Presentation

While this coffee cake is delicious on its own, there are several accompaniments that can elevate it even further. Consider serving slices with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

For a breakfast or brunch setting, fresh berries on the side add a bright, fruity contrast to the rich cake. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can add an elegant touch to the presentation.

For special occasions, drizzle individual slices with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a small amount of milk or cream. When presenting the whole cake, consider using a decorative cake stand or serving plate, garnished with a few whole pecans or a sprinkling of cinnamon for a professional touch.

Storage and Variations

Proper storage of your Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake ensures you can enjoy its delicious flavor and texture for days after baking. Additionally, exploring variations allows you to customize this classic recipe to suit different tastes and occasions.

Storing Your Coffee Cake

To maintain the freshness of your Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake, allow it to cool completely before storing.

Once cooled, you have several storage options depending on how long you plan to keep it. For short-term storage (1-2 days), cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature.

The wrap will prevent the cake from drying out while maintaining the crunchiness of the streusel topping. For longer storage (up to 5 days), place the covered cake in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve refrigerated cake, bring it to room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore its soft texture.

If you want to freeze the coffee cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe container.

It will maintain quality for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, leave it in the refrigerator overnight and warm before serving.

Recipe Variations to Try

The basic Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake recipe provides an excellent foundation for creative variations. For a fruit-infused version, fold 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries, diced apples, or chopped peaches into the batter before baking.

The fruit adds moisture and complementary flavors to the cake. For a chocolate lover’s twist, add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter and another 1/4 cup to the streusel topping.

Those who enjoy warming spices might appreciate adding 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom to the dry ingredients for a more complex flavor profile.

For a special occasion cake, consider adding an easy cream cheese swirl: mix 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 egg, then swirl this mixture into the batter before adding the streusel topping.

Finally, for added richness and visual appeal, drizzle a simple glaze made from 1 cup powdered sugar mixed with 2 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla over the cooled cake.

Conclusion

Mastering the Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake recipe opens up a world of delightful possibilities for breakfast, brunch, or dessert occasions.

This versatile cake strikes the perfect balance between moist, tender crumb and crunchy, nutty topping that appeals to both casual and refined palates.

The tanginess from the buttermilk beautifully complements the sweetness of brown sugar and the richness of pecans, creating a harmonious flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for seconds.