If you’re looking for the perfect pecan coffee cake recipe, this is it. A rich, buttery cake with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel—this cake is the ultimate cozy treat. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe is easy to make and packed with delicious flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, the hint of instant coffee adds depth and enhances the overall sweetness.

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Lately, I’ve been loving getting back into baking after spending the last few months focused on developing hearty soups, stews and healthy dinner recipes for clients. While I enjoyed the cozy, comforting meals, I’ve really missed the creativity that comes with baking. Especially when it comes to creating simple, decadent desserts that feel indulgent, but are still effortless to make and with minimal ingredients. There’s something so satisfying about finding that perfect balance between rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, creating treats that are just as impressive as they are easy to make. Anyways, I’m excited to share many more baked goods that are effortless, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion!

Why I Love This Pecan Coffee Cake

There’s something about a classic coffee cake that feels special—it’s the perfect balance of tender cake and crisp, buttery streusel topping. What makes this version extra delicious is the combination of pecans, brown sugar, and maple syrup, which gives it a warm, nutty sweetness with just a touch of spice. It’s also versatile, pairing beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even as an after-dinner treat.

Key Ingredients Tips

Here are a few ingredient tips to ensure the best results:

  • Pecans – Use chopped, toasted pecans for the best crunch and flavor. You can also use whatever you have on hand, like walnuts or almonds.
  • Maple Syrup – Adds a natural sweetness that complements the brown sugar in the streusel. Look for a good quality, pure maple syrup. Table syrup or corn syrup just won’t be the same.
  • Instant Coffee – A little bit of coffee enhances the overall depth of flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. I used decaf for mine.
  • Greek Yogurt – Helps keep the cake moist and tender while adding a slight tang. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream is a great substitute.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup milk (I used oat milk)
  • 1 tbsp instant coffee
  • 3 tbsp Greek yogurt

For the Streusel Topping:

  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 1 ¼ cup flour
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ⅔ cup chopped pecans

How to Make Pecan Coffee Cake

  1. Prepare the batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch springform pan. In a small bowl, mix milk and instant coffee until dissolved.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in vanilla extract and maple syrup. Pour in the coffee-milk mixture and mix to combine.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the Greek yogurt, mixing until just combined.
  4. Make the streusel topping: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, flour cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped pecans.
  5. Assemble and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top. Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips for This Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients
For the best texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk (or dairy-free alternative) are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter come together smoothly and ensures even baking.

Don’t Overmix the Batter
When adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake instead of a light and fluffy texture.

Use Good Quality Maple Syrup
Since maple syrup is a key flavor in this cake, opt for pure maple syrup instead of pancake syrup. The real stuff adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pecans.

Let It Cool Before Slicing
It’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the cake cool for at least 15-20 minutes allows the streusel topping to set and the flavors to fully develop.

Variations & Substitutions

  • No Greek Yogurt? Swap it for sour cream for a slightly tangier taste.
  • Want a more intense coffee flavor? Increase the instant coffee to 1 ½ tbsp or add a shot of espresso to the batter.
  • Make it extra indulgent: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla extract).

How to Store & Make Ahead

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the streusel topping in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.

FAQ

No, traditional coffee cake doesn’t actually contain coffee—it’s simply meant to be served with coffee! However, this recipe does include instant coffee to enhance the flavors.

Absolutely! While pecans add a delicious crunch, you can use walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts as substitutes.

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Other Cake Recipes You’ll Love

Final Thoughts

This Pecan Coffee Cake is an easy yet elegant treat that’s perfect for brunch, holiday gatherings, or a cozy weekend breakfast. The buttery, nutty streusel paired with the soft, fluffy cake makes every bite absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or as a sweet afternoon snack, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments!

Happy baking!

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