If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s as comforting as it is impressive, the Overnight Coffee Cake with Pecans Recipe is an absolute must-try. This cake combines a tender, moist crumb with a rich cinnamon swirl and crunchy pecan topping that develops deep, luscious flavors thanks to a simple overnight chill. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special brunches, this coffee cake is an easy way to impress friends or savor a sweet moment with your morning brew. The combination of buttermilk, cinnamon, and pecans make it utterly addictive and a wonderful twist on a classic coffee cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this cake plays a crucial role, from the fluffy texture brought by the leavening agents to the warm, nutty flavors highlighted by cinnamon and pecans. These pantry staples are simple yet essential to creating the perfect balance of softness, sweetness, and crunch.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect soft crumb to the cake.
- 1 cup sugar: Freely sweetens the batter without overpowering.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep molasses flavor to the cake.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise and stay tender.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for a light texture.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Infuses the cake with warm spice that’s essential to its comforting aroma.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Brings tanginess and moisture, crucial for that tender bite.
- â…” cup butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create a moist crumb.
- 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
- ½ cup brown sugar (for topping): Sweetens the pecan topping perfectly.
- ½ cup chopped pecans: Adds crunch and nuttiness for a delightful texture contrast.
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for topping): Gives the topping a spicy warmth that complements the cake.
How to Make Overnight Coffee Cake with Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by combining the dry ingredients—flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon—in a large bowl. Add the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. Using an electric mixer, beat on low just until the ingredients come together, then increase to medium speed and mix for about three minutes. This helps incorporate air for a light and tender crumb. Pour this luscious batter into a greased and floured 9×13-inch pan, which ensures the cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
Step 2: Make and Add the Topping
Next, mix the topping ingredients: brown sugar, chopped pecans, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter—it’s the secret to that dreamy crunchy layer atop your coffee cake. Once topped, cover the pan and refrigerate it for 8 to 12 hours. This overnight rest melds the flavors and improves the cake’s texture, making your morning baking effortless.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven
Before you’re ready to bake, take the cake out and preheat your oven to 350ºF. This step ensures your coffee cake bakes evenly as soon as you pop it in, locking in moisture and allowing the topping to caramelize to perfection.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the uncovered cake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end—it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the pecan topping is golden and crunchy. Let it cool slightly before serving, so those flavors settle and the cake slices neatly.
How to Serve Overnight Coffee Cake with Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, consider dusting the cake with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze. Freshly chopped pecans can also be scattered on top for extra crunch and visual appeal. These simple touches make the cake look even more inviting while adding nuanced sweetness or texture.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, enhancing that cozy morning vibe. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside creamy yogurt, fresh berries, or scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness and create a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming brunch table, cut the Overnight Coffee Cake with Pecans Recipe into individual portions and arrange them on a tiered cake stand garnished with cinnamon sticks and pecans. Alternatively, serve warm slices topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, simply cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy a little slice of comfort whenever you like.
Freezing
The Overnight Coffee Cake with Pecans Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and place in a sealed freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to two months without losing its texture or taste.
Reheating
To enjoy the coffee cake warm, thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge, then heat in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a low oven. This brings back that freshly-baked softness and perfect pecan crunch, making each bite irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and tenderizes the crumb, you can substitute regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to it, allowing it to sit for 5-10 minutes to mimic buttermilk’s effects.
How long exactly should the cake refrigerate overnight?
The cake needs at least 8 hours in the fridge to develop its flavor and texture fully, but it can chill up to 12 hours without any problem. Overnight is perfect for a grab-and-bake breakfast.
Can I replace pecans with another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts make a great alternative with a similar texture and flavor profile. Just make sure to chop them roughly to maintain that satisfying crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
This particular Overnight Coffee Cake with Pecans Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free twist, substitute with a gluten-free baking flour blend that can replace flour 1:1, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.
How can I make this cake more moist?
The combination of buttermilk and melted butter already ensures great moisture, but to make it even more luscious, avoid overbaking and consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter for added richness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about waking up to the smell of this Overnight Coffee Cake with Pecans Recipe slowly baking in the oven. Its ease, rich flavors, and comforting textures make it a timeless favorite to share with family or keep all to yourself. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon discover it’s the perfect little joy that brightens any morning.
Print
Overnight Coffee Cake with Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes to 9 hours (including refrigeration)
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Overnight Coffee Cake is a moist and flavorful breakfast treat perfect for sharing. The batter is mixed and then topped with a cinnamon-pecan streusel, which is refrigerated overnight to develop rich flavors. The next morning, simply bake it to golden perfection. It’s an easy, make-ahead recipe ideal for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup buttermilk
- â…” cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
Topping Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed just until the ingredients are moistened, then increase to medium speed and beat for 3 minutes. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Add the topping: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, chopped pecans, and cinnamon until evenly combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the pan. Cover the pan and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours to let the flavors develop.
- Preheat the oven: Remove the covered cake from the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC), allowing it to reach the temperature fully before baking.
- Bake the cake: Uncover the pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden and set. Let the cake cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is properly melted but not hot to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
- Refrigerating the batter overnight enhances the flavors and texture of the coffee cake.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts if preferred.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze for extra sweetness.
- Use a 9×13-inch pan for even baking.
