Decadent Caramel Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe
Welcome, coffee lovers, to the ultimate recipe for an unforgettable treat that combines the rich and flavorful taste of coffee with the sweet and crunchy notes of pecans. It is my pleasure to introduce you to the 1-Dish Caramel Pecan Coffee Cake, a delectable dessert that is both easy to make and utterly delicious.
This coffee cake features an irresistible combination of caramel, brown sugar, and cinnamon blended together with the crunch of pecans. The decadent flavors are infused into a light and fluffy pound cake that is moist and tender.
Coffee drinkers will appreciate how this cake pairs perfectly with their morning Joe. Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a slice of this scrumptious cake on your table. Perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or when you need something special to impress your guests.
Furthermore, this recipe uses just one dish, making cleanup a breeze. It’s perfect for those who want to whip up something delicious but don’t have time to fuss around in the kitchen all day.
Get ready to enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness, crunchiness, and coffee goodness in this one-dish caramel pecan coffee cake—it’s sure to become your new favorite coffee companion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Allow me to introduce you to a masterpiece of a coffee cake recipe that will leave you yearning for more every single time. This recipe is for the caramel pecan coffee cake and trust me, you’ll love it just like I do.
This recipe is designed to make your taste buds dance with joy. The combination of caramel, pecans, and coffee creates a unique and delicious flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of cinnamon sugar and butter as the caramelized mixture of brown sugar, Karo light corn syrup, and dark corn syrup melt into the savory pecans, creating a sensation that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your coffee cravings.
What’s more, this recipe is incredibly easy to make with only one dish required. That means less cleanup and more time spent savoring this delightful delicacy. This caramel pecan coffee cake can be served as a breakfast treat or as an after-dinner dessert paired with a steamy cup of coffee or tea.
Don’t let the simplicity fool you; this recipe is versatile and can be tweaked to suit various preferences. You can substitute different ingredients such as pumpkin puree or sour cream for a mixed flavor or add apple slices for an apple pecan sensation. You can also play around with the toppings by using different types of nuts or even drizzling salted caramel sauce over it for an extra layer of indulgence.
In conclusion, this recipe is unlike anything you’ve tasted before – rich in flavor, easy to make, versatile, and perfect as a treat any time of day. Don’t take my word for it; try it yourself today and enjoy the heavenly experience that is the caramel pecan coffee cake!
Ingredient List
Before getting to the actual recipe, it is crucial to make sure that you have all the necessary ingredients. This simple 1-Dish Caramel Pecan Coffee Cake requires the following:
Cake Ingredients:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup of sugar
- 2 tsp of fast-rising yeast (2 tsp = one envelope)
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup of water, warmed
- 3 eggs
Caramel Pecan Filling:
- 1/2 cup Karo light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup dark corn syrup
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 cups coarsely chopped pecans
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon.
Make sure to double-check your pantry and shopping list before heading to the store. That way, you can avoid unnecessary trips and spend more time enjoying your delicious coffee cake.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
To start off, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tsp. of fast-rising yeast, 3 tbsp. of sugar and 1/2 tsp. of salt.
In another small saucepan, combine 1 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of water and 1/4 cup of Karo light corn syrup. Heat this mixture on medium heat until it comes to a boil, then remove from heat and let it cool for a minute.
Add the cooled mixture to the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl and stir together until it forms a thick dough.
Step 2: Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a separate small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tsp. of cinnamon and 2 tbsp. of unsalted butter using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
Step 3: Mix Together Caramel Pecan Filling
In another small saucepan, combine 3/4 cup of light corn syrup, 1/2 cup of dark corn syrup and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Heat this mixture on medium heat until it comes to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and add 2 cups of coarsely chopped pecans to the saucepan along with a pinch of salt. Stir to coat the pecans evenly.
Step 4: Assemble Cake Layers
Roll out half the dough on a floured surface into an 8-inch round shape. Then place it into an ungreased baking dish, pressing it up around the sides about halfway.
Pour half the caramel pecan mixture over the dough layer and sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar topping.
Repeat the process with the remaining half of dough, pressing it over the top of the caramel pecan layer, then pour the remaining caramel pecan mixture and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar topping.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Place the assembled coffee cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until it is golden brown on top.
Serve warm and enjoy a delectable bite of this moist, sweet and nutty caramel pecan coffee cake.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to baking, it’s no secret that substitutions and variations can help elevate a recipe to new heights. The 1-Dish Caramel Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe is no exception.
Firstly, for those who prefer a stronger coffee flavor, try substituting some of the water in the recipe with cold coffee for a more robust brew. Additionally, for those who are not fans of pecans, you may opt to swap them out with another nut variety such as walnuts or almonds.
If you’re looking to switch things up entirely or create an entirely new variation of this cake recipe, try adding in different ingredients such as pumpkin puree, sour cream, or even apples and pecans. For an exciting twist on the traditional coffee cake flavor, experiment with spicing up the cinnamon sugar topping with some nutmeg or allspice.
Another added touch that can take your caramel pecan coffee cake to the next level is by drizzling it with warm caramel sauce or topping it off with a crispy pecan streusel. And for those who can’t get enough caramel, consider adding in some salted caramel bits into the cake batter itself.
Overall, whether you choose to add in new flavors or swap out ingredients traditionally used in this recipe, experimenting with different variations and substitutions can result in discovering a new favorite dessert creation.
Serving and Pairing
Serving and pairing the caramel pecan coffee cake is a treat in itself. The aromatic scent of cinnamon and pecan wafting through the air would undoubtedly leave your guests craving for more. Serve the cake warm, straight out of the oven if possible, with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top.
For coffee lovers, this cake pairs perfectly with your favorite brew. A hot cup of coffee or a nice latte complements the sweetness of the caramel and pecans. You can even make it a coffee-themed dessert party by serving other coffee-infused desserts like pumpkin or banana bread, apple pecan muffins, or even a classic pecan pie for variety.
If you’re daring enough to experiment with flavors, you can try making a salted caramel sauce instead of regular caramel to top off your slice of cake. This adds an exciting and savory twist to the already delicious cake. Another excellent pairing idea is to sprinkle some cinnamon on your coffee to complement the cinnamon sugar topping on the cake.
When entertaining guests or hosting an intimate gathering, impress them with this cake as its versatility makes it perfect for any occasion!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Planning ahead is key to ensure you serve a perfect caramel pecan coffee cake every time. Fortunately, this recipe is the ultimate make-ahead dish. You can easily prepare it in advance and have it ready for when you want to serve it.
Once your cake is baked and cooled completely, it’s time to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also place the cake in an airtight container instead.
When it’s time to serve your cake, simply reheat it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. The caramel pecan coffee cake will come out warm, crispy on the outside, and moist on the inside, as if it were freshly made.
If you want to store your leftover slices for later enjoyment, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Or store them in the refrigerator for up to five days.
To reheat individual slices, wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 20-30 seconds or until they are warm enough.
Finally, if you want long-term storage, you can freeze your cake or leftover slices for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for an hour before reheating.
Remember that reheating any food can sometimes change its texture, so don’t be alarmed if your caramel pecan coffee cake has lost some of its original crispiness after storing and reheating. It will still be delicious!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making a perfect caramel pecan coffee cake may require some special tips and tricks. In this section, we discuss some of the recommendations you could use to ensure that you end up with a delectable dessert.
First, use the right ingredients. The quality of your cake will depend on the ingredients you use. Cheap ingredients might save you money but compromise on taste. Using high-quality pecans, for example, will give your cake an authentic texture and flavor. Also, stick to the recipe’s guidelines to get consistent results from your baking.
Second, let your dough rise properly. Rising is a crucial step in baking any yeast-based dessert recipe. If the dough does not rise fully before baking and cooking, it will result in a dense cake that is unappetizing to eat. Therefore, it’s important to give enough time for the dough to rise depending on the recipe instructions.
Third, use a mixing bowl with enough space when mixing your ingredients. When making this caramel pecan coffee cake, take note of how much dough was made in order to choose an appropriate size of mixing bowl that allows adequate beating while avoiding over-beating or under-beating the mixture.
Fourth, preheat your oven beforehand. For good results, preheat your oven for 10-15 minutes or more before starting to bake the cake. This ensures that heat spreads evenly throughout the dish during baking leading to uniform cake texture and proper browning.
Fifth, avoid overbaking your coffee cake. Beginners often make the mistake of extending baking time more than required, leading to dry and hard cakes. This can be avoided by checking occasionally if your cake top has browned properly without lingering in the oven for an extended length of time.
Finally, experiment with different complementary flavors or toppings such as whipped cream or cinnamon to give a new twist on this classic coffee cake recipe.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be sure to have a mouth-watering and memorable homemade caramel pecan coffee cake.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this 1-dish Caramel Pecan Coffee Cake recipe is a must-try for coffee and cake lovers alike. The combination of caramel, pecans, and cinnamon will tantalize your taste buds and make your home smell like a cozy bakery. With easy-to-follow instructions and the option to substitute ingredients to suit your preferences, this recipe offers room for creativity and versatility.
Whether you fancy a slice with your morning coffee or as a dessert after dinner, this coffee cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. You can even make it ahead of time and store it for later or reheat it for an on-the-go treat.
So why not put on a pot of coffee, gather your ingredients, and whip up this delicious 1-dish Caramel Pecan Coffee Cake? Your family and friends will thank you, and you might just become known as the neighborhood barista-baker!
1-Dish Caramel Pecan Coffee Cake (Round) Recipe
Ingredients
Batter
- mazola pure cooking spray
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ounces fleischmann's fast rising yeast (2 envelopes)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup very warm water (120 to 130 F)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon spice islands ground saigon cinnamon
Caramel Pecan Topping
- 1/3 cup Karo light corn syrup or 1/3 cup dark corn syrup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- MIX batter ingredients in a pre-sprayed 9-1/2 inch deep dish pie plate. Combine Cinnamon Sugar Topping Ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. Stir together corn syrup, brown sugar and butter in a small bowl. Add pecans and mix well.
- TOP batter evenly with cinnamon sugar topping. Spoon the caramel pecan topping evenly over the batter.
- BAKE by placing in a COLD oven; set temperature to 350°F Bake 25 minutes, until lightly browned and firm in center. Cool slightly; serve warm.