Sticky Bun Coffee Cake Recipe: A Delicious Treat!

Good morning coffee lovers and bakers! Welcome to my delicious Sticky Bun Coffee Cake recipe! Let me tell you, there’s nothing like the smell of cinnamon filling your kitchen on a lazy Sunday morning. I’m a huge fan of coffee and cinnamon rolls, but I wanted something a little different…something that captures both in one bite. And let me tell you, this Sticky Bun Coffee Cake is the perfect combination of soft coffee cake with a buttery, pecan-filled sticky bun topping!

But don’t be fooled by its name – this coffee cake isn’t just for brunch or on-the-go mornings. It’s also a great dessert option with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

I promise you, once you try this sticky bun coffee cake recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple in your baking arsenal. So let’s dive in and get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sticky Bun Coffee Cake
Sticky Bun Coffee Cake

Let me tell you about a recipe that will awaken your taste buds and satisfy your cravings–the Sticky Bun Coffee Cake Recipe.

This coffee cake recipe will transport you to a world of indulgence with its luscious caramel swirls, buttery pecans, and soft cinnamon roll-like layers. Whether you’re a fan of sticky buns, coffee cake, or both, this recipe is sure to win you over.

Imagine biting into a warm, gooey slice of coffee cake that’s bursting with melty brown sugar and crunchy pecan goodness. The aroma alone will have you hooked. The Sticky Bun Coffee Cake Recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a hint of cinnamon spice that’s not too overpowering.

What sets this coffee cake apart from others is its decadent sticky bun topping. The mixture of brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream creates a heavenly caramel sauce that truly takes this coffee cake to the next level. It’s like having your favorite coffee shop treat from the comfort of your home.

Not only is this recipe deliciously satisfying, but it’s also easy to make! With simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking powder, eggs, low-fat vanilla yogurt, and buttermilk, this coffee cake can be whipped up in no time. Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No worries–I’ll share some substitutions and variations later on in the article.

Overall, if you’re looking for a mouthwatering dessert or an indulgent breakfast treat, the Sticky Bun Coffee Cake Recipe is the answer to your prayers. Trust me when I say that one bite will have you hooked. So what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven to 350 degrees and let’s get baking!

Ingredient List

 Indulge in the deliciousness of our Sticky Bun Coffee Cake!
Indulge in the deliciousness of our Sticky Bun Coffee Cake!

The Heart & Soul of the Sticky Bun Coffee Cake Recipe

To ensure that your Sticky Bun Coffee Cake Recipe turns out perfectly, it’s essential to use the right ingredients in the correct amounts. Here’s everything you will need:

For the Coffee Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (one stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk

For the Sticky Bun Ingredients
Brown Sugar Layer:

  • 1 1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (one stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
  • Pinch of salt

Caramel Topping:

  • 1/4 cup corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp chopped pecans

Ingredient Notes

  • To make a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free flour.
  • If sourdough coffee cake is preferred use bun sourdough, which will deliver a delicious tangy flavor.
  • To reduce sugar consumption: remove caramel sauce and pecan sticky layers.
  • You may also find some of these items in the frozen aisle of your local grocery store.

The Recipe How-To

 Start your day off right with a slice of this heavenly coffee cake.
Start your day off right with a slice of this heavenly coffee cake.

Now that we have all of our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the fun part: making the sticky bun coffee cake! Follow my step-by-step instructions below and you’ll have a delicious cake in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and then grease up your chosen cake pan or bundt cake mold. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour.

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

In another mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one by one and continue beating until smooth. Next, fold in the low-fat vanilla yogurt and buttermilk using a spatula.

Step 3: Make the Sticky Bun Swirl

In a separate small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon powder, all-purpose flour, and chopped pecans. Gradually pour in some melted unsalted butter while stirring the mixture. You should have a crumbly consistency that you can add as a fill-in later.

Step 4: Pour Half of Cake Batter into Pan

Pour half of the prepared cake batter into your prepared greased-up cake pan or mold. Spread it evenly along the bottom of your pan or mold to make room for your sticky bun swirl.

Step 5: Add Your Sticky Bun Swirl on Top

Spread half of your sticky bun swirl mixture over the cake batter layer. Then pour in the remaining half of your cake batter mixture over it. Lastly, spread out the remaining sticky bun swirl you have over the second layer of batter.

Step 6: Bake and Settle Down!

Once everything is layered neatly into your cake pan or mold, bake for 50-55 minutes or until a cake tester or toothpick that you insert in the middle comes out clean. Once it is baked, let your beautiful coffee cake cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Sticky Bun Coffee Cake and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!

Substitutions and Variations

 This Sticky Bun Coffee Cake will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds)!
This Sticky Bun Coffee Cake will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds)!

Are you looking to put your own twist on this sticky bun coffee cake recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try.

– Gluten-Free: If you’re avoiding gluten, you can easily make this recipe with gluten-free all-purpose flour. Make sure to use a brand that is specifically designed for baking to get the right texture.

– Low-Carb: You can make this recipe lower in carbs by replacing the granulated sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia. You can also use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and low-fat Greek yogurt in place of regular yogurt.

– Pecan-Less: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can leave them out of the recipe or replace them with another kind of nut like walnuts or almonds.

– Caramel Sauce: Instead of making the caramel topping from scratch, you could use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience.

– Cinnamon Swirl: For a cinnamon roll-inspired twist, sprinkle a layer of cinnamon-sugar mixture in between layers of batter before adding the pecan filling.

– Dinner Rolls: You can turn this coffee cake into individual servings by preparing the sticky bun filling and baking it inside frozen dinner rolls for an easy cinnamon bun experience.

However, keep in mind that making substitutions and variations may result in a slightly different texture and taste. Be willing to experiment and don’t hesitate to adjust measurements as needed. The possibilities are endless when it comes to baked goods, so have fun exploring new combinations!

Serving and Pairing

 Satisfy your sweet tooth with a warm, gooey slice of our Sticky Bun Coffee Cake.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a warm, gooey slice of our Sticky Bun Coffee Cake.

You know, there’s nothing like a warm slice of Sticky Bun Coffee Cake fresh out of the oven, served alongside a steamy cup of coffee. The rich, aromatic coffee aroma stirred together with the sweet and caramel-like notes of the Sticky Bun Coffee Cake is an exquisite combination that cannot be ignored.

When serving this delectable dessert, I recommend adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra luscious touch. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also drizzle some homemade caramel sauce over it to elevate its taste.

This irresistible cake is perfect for brunch, grab-and-go breakfast, or an evening treat. Additionally, there are several sides and beverages that complement it well. Fresh fruits, roasted nuts are excellent accompaniments as they bring in an element of freshness and crunchiness that balances the sweetness. As for beverages, pairing this dessert with hot tea or iced coffee can make for an exquisite experience.

Moreover, because of its sticky texture and caramel flavor, Sticky Bun Coffee Cake pairs perfectly with creamy and full-bodied beverages such as latte or cappuccino. You can also pair it with a hot chocolate on a cold winter day to truly indulge.

Overall, Sticky Bun Coffee Cake is an incredibly versatile dessert; its flavors blend beautifully with many different sides and beverages. Whether for breakfast or dessert, at home with your family or guests, this cake will undoubtedly delight your taste buds with every scrumptious bite.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 A classic cinnamon roll meets coffee cake in this drool-worthy creation.
A classic cinnamon roll meets coffee cake in this drool-worthy creation.

As a barista, I understand the value of convenience for people’s busy schedules. That’s why I recommend making your Sticky Bun Coffee Cake recipe in advance! This will save you time and hassle during busy mornings or when hosting guests.

To make ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions until it’s time to bake. Cover the coffee cake tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it into a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

But what if you’re not quite ready to serve the whole cake in one sitting? Don’t worry! It’s easy to store and reheat. For storage, wrap any leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When reheating, there are two great methods you can choose from: microwave or oven. To reheat individual portions quickly, zap them for about 20 seconds in the microwave or until heated through. If you’re heating up the whole cake, cover it with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed all the way through.

But before you pop it in the oven, try adding an extra touch of sweetness by drizzling caramel sauce over each slice before reheating. Your taste buds will thank you!

Last but not least, please remember that although storing and reheating your Sticky Bun Coffee Cake is a great way to make sure none of it goes to waste, fresher is always better. Enjoy your delicious baked goods as soon as possible for optimal flavor and satisfaction!

Tips for Perfect Results

 This easy-to-make recipe will impress any brunch crowd.
This easy-to-make recipe will impress any brunch crowd.

When it comes to making the perfect Sticky Bun Coffee Cake, there are a few tips that I can share with you from my experience as a barista. These tips will help ensure that your coffee cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning.

Firstly, make sure that your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing them together. This will ensure that all of the ingredients blend well and create a smooth batter. When adding eggs, it’s essential to beat them until they are light and fluffy. This step will add air to the mixture, creating a lighter and fluffier texture in your coffee cake.

Secondly, do not overmix the batter as this can result in a tough cake. Stop mixing the batter once all ingredients are fully incorporated. Overworking the batter will cause too much gluten formation, resulting in a more dense cake that doesn’t rise as well.

Thirdly, when making the sticky topping for the coffee cake, make sure it is spread evenly on top of the batter. Since it’s easy to overdo or underdo with such toppings, be mindful when adding each layer so that you achieve just the right balance to bring out all of those flavors.

Fourthly, if you want to make your coffee cake even more decadent, consider adding small chunks of dark chocolate or some pink Himalayan salt on top of your cinnamon roll swirl layers for an extra burst of flavor.

Adding pecans on top can give added crunchiness and flavor to your Sticky Bun Coffee Cake recipe but have caution because they tend to burn easily in ovens which can leave an unpleasant taste.

Lastly, always make sure to follow cooking instructions precisely and check frequently while baking. The last thing you want is an overcooked or undercooked coffee cake. Therefore, use a timer or set up reminders frequently reminding you when its almost time to take off your dessert from the oven to ensure it’s perfectly done.

Following these tips meticulously is essential to achieving bakery-worthy results with this Sticky Bun Coffee Cake recipe. With these tips, you’ll be able to create delicious coffee cakes that will impress even the most experienced of bakers.

Bottom Line

As a barista, I know that coffee is more than just a beverage – it’s a treat for the senses. And this Sticky Bun Coffee Cake recipe is no exception. With its irresistible blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and pecans, this coffee cake will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also easy to make and customizable to suit your taste preferences.

So why not give it a try? Whip up a batch of Sticky Bun Coffee Cake and enjoy it with a steaming cup of your favorite coffee. And don’t forget to share it with friends and family – because the joy of cooking is even sweeter when shared with loved ones.

Sticky Bun Coffee Cake

Sticky Bun Coffee Cake Recipe

This coffee cake is so delicious. It's especially scrumptious when eaten warm and served on a chilly autumn or winter's morning.
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Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 1 hr
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 9-inch cake
Calories 661.2 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Caramel

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted* (see note below)

For the Streusel

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cake

  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray.
  • Stir together brown sugar, cream, and salt for the caramel. Pour into prepared pan and spread to coat the bottom. Sprinkle pecans over the caramel.
  • Process brown sugar, flour, butter, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel in a food processor. Pulse until small clumps form; set aside.
  • Whisk buttermilk, yogurt, and eggs together for the cake in a measuring cup with a pour spout. Sift flour, baking powder, soda, and salt onto a paper plate.
  • Cream butter and sugar with a mixer just until combined. Alternately add dry and wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry. Blend each addition just until incorporated. Spread half the batter over the caramel, then sprinkle with half the streusel. Carefully spread remaining batter over that and top with remaining streusel.
  • Bake 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool cake for 5 minutes on a rack, then run a paring knife around the sides to loosen. Invert onto a serving platter while hot, then let cool slightly before slicing. Due to the sticky top, use a sharp, thin-bladed knife to slice the cake.
  • *NOTE:
  • How to Toast Pecans
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a shallow, foil-lined pan large enough to hold pecans in a single layer, toast pecan halves just until light golden and fragrant, about 10 to 13 minutes. Stir occasionally, and watch carefully! (nuts can burn quickly). Remove from oven and set aside to cool until ready to use.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 135gCalories: 661.2kcalCarbohydrates: 80.5gProtein: 7.7gFat: 36.5gSaturated Fat: 14.5gCholesterol: 103.5mgSodium: 393.3mgFiber: 3.5gSugar: 54.8g
Keyword < 4 Hours, Breads
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