Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake

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When fall rolls around and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing I crave more than the warm, comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. This Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake brings together two of my all-time favorite desserts—apple crisp and coffee cake—into one indulgent, cozy treat. With a tender, moist crumb and a buttery pecan-streusel topping, it’s the kind of cake you want to eat warm, straight from the pan with a fork.

I love making this for weekend brunches, potlucks, or simply when I want to treat myself to a slice of something special with my morning coffee. The layers of spiced apple filling and crisp pecan topping create a perfect balance of textures, while a caramel drizzle takes it over the top. It’s decadent, homey, and deeply satisfying—basically fall in cake form.

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake

This coffee cake delivers everything you love in a single bite—moist cake, tart apples, crunchy pecans, and warm spices. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and simple enough for even beginner bakers. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast or dessert, it’s versatile, seasonal, and just sweet enough without being overwhelming.

What Kind of Apples Work Best?

For this cake, I always reach for Granny Smith apples. Their tartness balances the sweet topping and helps the apples hold their shape during baking. But if you like a softer, sweeter filling, you could go with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples instead. Avoid overly soft varieties like Red Delicious—they tend to turn mushy.

Options for Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Flour: Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Vegan Butter: If you’re dairy-free, use vegan butter or coconut oil for both the cake and topping.
• Nuts: Pecans are the classic choice here, but walnuts work beautifully too.
• Caramel Drizzle: Store-bought works in a pinch, but you can skip it or make a homemade version if you prefer a cleaner ingredient list.

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Ingredients for this Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake and topping, providing structure and softness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake base without overpowering the fruit.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and molasses flavor, especially in the streusel topping.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Essential leavening agents to give the cake a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: These warm spices are crucial for that classic apple pie flavor.
• Butter: Used in the cake and topping for richness and moisture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and give structure to the cake.
• Sour cream: Adds tang and moisture, helping to create a tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a hint of sweetness.
• Apples (Granny Smith preferred): Peeled, cored, and sliced thin for a tart, tender fruit layer.
• Chopped pecans: Provide crunch and a buttery, nutty flavor in the topping.
• Caramel sauce (optional): Drizzled over the baked cake for added indulgence.

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Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and chopped pecans. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set aside in the fridge to keep it cold.

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Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick and makes cleanup easier.

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Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

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Step 4: Layer the Apples and Batter

Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Layer the thinly sliced apples evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining batter and spread gently to cover the apples.

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Step 5: Add Streusel Topping

Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping generously over the entire cake, covering the batter evenly. Press it down slightly to help it adhere during baking.

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Step 6: Bake the Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.

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Step 7: Cool and Drizzle with Caramel

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top just before serving, if desired.

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How Long to Prepare the Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake

Prep Time: Prepping this cake takes about 25–30 minutes. This includes chopping apples, mixing the batter and topping, and layering everything in the pan. It’s a great recipe to make ahead if you’re entertaining or bringing it to a gathering.

Bake Time: Baking typically takes 45–55 minutes depending on your oven. You’ll want the top to be golden brown and a toothpick to come out clean from the center. Let it cool at least 20 minutes before slicing so the layers hold together.

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Tips for Perfect Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake

• Use cold butter for the streusel topping—this creates a crumbly, crunchy texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until the flour disappears to keep it light and tender.
• Slice the apples uniformly thin so they cook evenly and layer smoothly.
• Toast the pecans before adding to the topping for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
• For the caramel drizzle, warm it just before serving for that ooey-gooey finish.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using soft apples: Red Delicious or McIntosh turn mushy. Stick with firm apples like Granny Smith.
• Overbaking: It’ll dry out the cake. Start checking at 45 minutes.
• Skipping the sour cream: It’s essential for moisture—don’t substitute with milk.
• Not chilling the streusel: Warm topping melts too quickly and won’t crisp up properly.
• Uneven layering: Make sure batter and apples are evenly distributed for consistent bites.

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What to Serve With Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake?

1. Freshly Brewed Coffee

The warm, nutty flavor of coffee complements the spices and sweetness of the cake perfectly.

2. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

A scoop on top of a warm slice is pure bliss—think apple crisp vibes taken up a notch.

3. Greek Yogurt with Honey

Great for breakfast—a cool, tangy contrast to the richness of the cake.

4. Warm Apple Cider

The ultimate fall pairing, especially if you serve the cake on a chilly day.

5. Whipped Cream with Cinnamon

Light, airy, and just the right amount of creamy spice to complement the caramel.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Keep the cake tightly covered in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It stays moist and flavorful.

Refrigerator: If you plan to keep it longer, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temp or warm slightly before serving.

Freezer: You can freeze this cake (without the caramel drizzle) for up to 2 months. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw and reheat when ready.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per slice, based on 12 servings:

• Calories: ~390
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 190mg
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 29g
• Protein: 4g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Can I make this the night before?

Yes! Bake and store at room temperature, then warm slightly and drizzle caramel just before serving.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Plain Greek yogurt is the best substitute—it offers the same tang and creaminess.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Yes, for the best texture. The skins can get tough and disrupt the soft apple layer.

Can I use a different pan size?

You can use two 8×8 pans or a 10-inch springform, but baking time will vary. Watch closely.

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Conclusion

This Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake is the perfect bake for when you want something comforting, spiced, and a little bit indulgent. It’s a beautiful marriage of textures and flavors—tender cake, juicy apples, nutty crunch, and sweet caramel. Whether it’s your go-to fall dessert, a brunch showstopper, or a cozy weekend bake, this cake brings the warmth of the season right to your table.

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