Hey friends! If you love the idea of combining the cozy flavors of autumn with a sweet treat ready to impress any crowd, then you’re in for a delight. This Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake is the perfect mix of crunchy pecans and tender apple bits topping a moist, soft cake that just melts in your mouth. It’s like a hug from the inside out, especially when you drizzle it with that warm, buttery glaze.
There was that time (more like a few times!) when I intended to bake a simple cake, but the allure of a crisp pecan topping and apples had me going the extra mile. The kids loved it so much, it instantly became a weekend staple in our home. If you’re craving something similar but maybe with a touch of citrus, you might want to check out my Lemon Blueberry Scone recipe for another family hit!
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake is a game-changer for a few reasons:
Texture heaven
With a fluffy base, crunchy topping, and juicy apples, your taste buds will thank you.
Simple ingredients
You probably already have most of these in your pantry.
Quick to prepare
Ready in about an hour — perfect for last-minute guests or a sweet craving.
Versatility
Great for brunch, dessert, or even a sneaky breakfast treat!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, finely chopped
- For the topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- For the glaze:
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Step-by-step instructions
Preparing the cake batter
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This is crucial unless you enjoy wrestling with stuck cakes!
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and sugar.
Add melted butter, sour cream, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Stir until everything’s smooth and friendly.
Pour your batter into the pan and sprinkle the chopped apples evenly on top. It’s starting to look yum already, right?
Making the topping
In another bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon, and salt. Then add the melted butter and stir until crumbly, like wet sand.
Sprinkle this pecan magic evenly over the apples. It’s what dreams are made of!
Baking time
Pop the pan in the oven for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool slightly. Patience, my friends!
Glazing it up
In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, apple cider, and butter. Stir over medium heat until they blend into a sweet, smooth glaze.
Drizzle over the semi-cooled cake. Trust me, this glaze transforms the cake!
Recipe tips & variations
Apple alternatives
If you’re out of Granny Smith, try Honeycrisp or Gala for a sweeter twist.
Nutty options
Swap pecans with walnuts for a different nutty crunch.
Add some warmth
A pinch of nutmeg in the batter can make it extra cozy.
Go gluten-free
Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend to make it celiac-friendly.
Storage & reheating
Don’t worry if there are leftovers (a rare case at my home!):
Storage
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
Reheating
Warm pieces in the microwave for about 20 seconds to get that freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use different apples?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind the sweetness and texture; firmer apples are best.
Can I make this ahead?
Sure thing! Bake and glaze it the night before and store it. It keeps the flavors intact.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yep! Freeze individual slices, then thaw and reheat directly in the microwave.
What’s the serving size?
This recipe serves about 4. But you’ll want more, trust me!
Recipes you may like
If you enjoyed this Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake, you might also love trying out our other family favorites:
Give this recipe a try and let me know how you like it! It’s one of those comfort food classics that never disappoints. Happy baking!
Print
Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake combining the cozy flavors of autumn with a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (for topping)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/4 tsp salt (for topping)
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter (for topping)
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp apple cider (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and sugar.
- Add melted butter, sour cream, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Stir until everything’s smooth.
- Pour the batter into the pan and sprinkle the chopped apples on top.
- In another bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Then add melted butter and stir until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
- Pop the pan in the oven for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly.
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, apple cider, and butter for the glaze. Stir over medium heat until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the semi-cooled cake.
Notes
- Apple alternatives: Try Honeycrisp or Gala for a sweeter twist.
- Nutty options: Swap pecans with walnuts for a different crunch.
- Add some warmth: A pinch of nutmeg in the batter could elevate it.
- Go gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg